X5 vs QX60
BMW versus Infiniti: the X5 and the QX60 go after the same midsize luxury suv buyer. The scorecard favors the X5, which leads in 2 of 4 areas. Its strongest showing is in the engine & performance category.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance X5 wins
- Fuel Economy & Range Tie
- Space & Practicality Trade-off
- Off-road & Towing X5 wins
- Engine & Performance3.5
- Fuel Economy & Range9.4
- Space & Practicality5.4
- Off-road & Towing8.6
- Engine & Performance0.8
- Fuel Economy & Range9.1
- Space & Practicality4.9
- Off-road & Towing6.9
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
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The X5 has 134% more cargo space
When it comes to cargo (behind rear seats), the X5 wins comfortably with 33.9 cu ft against 14.5 cu ft. Cargo figures are measured in different ways by different makers, so small gaps may not show in practice.
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The X5 has 107 hp more power
It’s a lopsided result (375 hp for the X5, 268 hp for the QX60) and one of the main reasons to choose between them. Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
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The QX60 has room for 7 seats
The spread here is large: 7 seats on the QX60 versus 5 seats on the X5. Expect to notice it. Third-row seats are often best for kids, so check legroom figures if adults will sit there.
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The X5 has 112 lb-ft more torque
Of all the specs we compared, this is one where the X5 makes its strongest case: 398 lb-ft against 286 lb-ft. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
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The X5 has 1,200 lb more towing capacity
On paper, the X5 is a touch ahead here, listing 7,200 lb against 6,000 lb. Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | X5 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 198.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 114.2 in |
Engine & Performance
X5 leads
Look at the engine & performance table and one name keeps coming out on top: the X5. The X5 adds 107 hp more power. The X5’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed. On engine & performance alone, the X5 gets the nod.
Total system output
X5: 375 hp QX60: 268 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Torque
X5: 398 lb-ft QX60: 286 lb-ft The X5’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
Fuel Economy & Range
Too close to call
Call the fuel economy & range round a draw. On fuel economy & range alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Space & Practicality
Trade-off
The space & practicality round is shared. The X5 has 134% more cargo space, and the QX60 has room for 7 seats. Net result on space & practicality: a genuine trade-off.
Cargo (behind rear seats)
X5: 33.9 cu ft QX60: 14.5 cu ft The X5’s larger cargo area makes family trips and big shopping runs easier.
Seats
X5: 5 seats QX60: 7 seats Extra seats mean you can take more people along without taking a second car.
Off-road & Towing
X5 leads
Call it a small but real win for the X5 in this area. The X5 comes with 1,200 lb more towing capacity. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers. Weighing only off-road & towing, the X5 comes out ahead.
Max towing
X5: 7,200 lb QX60: 6,000 lb If you tow regularly, the X5’s higher rating gives you more margin.
Safety & Tech
In the safety & tech section, the key entries are names rather than numbers, so compare what the X5 and the QX60 list in the table below.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | X5 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas (48V mild hybrid) | Gas |
| Engine | 3.0L turbo I6 | 2.0L turbo I4 (VC-Turbo) |
| Total system output | 375 hp (winner) | 268 hp |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft (winner) | 286 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 9-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (xDrive AWD available) | FWD (AWD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | X5 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 25 mpg | 24 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | 23 mpg | 22 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 27 mpg | 28 mpg |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 18.5 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | X5 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats (winner) |
| Cargo (behind rear seats) | 33.9 cu ft (winner) | 14.5 cu ft |
| Cargo (seats folded) | 72.3 cu ft | 75.4 cu ft |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | X5 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | 7,200 lb (winner) | 6,000 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | X5 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Basic warranty | 4 yr / 50,000 mi | 4 yr / 60,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | X5 | QX60 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 198.2 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 114.2 in |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the X5 if…
- you want more cargo space behind the rear seats (33.9 cu ft vs 14.5 cu ft)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (375 hp vs 268 hp)
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (398 lb-ft vs 286 lb-ft of torque)
- you want the higher towing capacity (7,200 lb vs 6,000 lb)
Choose the QX60 if…
- you regularly carry extra passengers (7 seats vs 5 seats)
- you prefer staying with Infiniti
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the X5 or the QX60?
The X5 wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you know that room for 7 seats would make a real difference in your routine.
Executive Summary
BMW makes the X5, Infiniti makes the QX60, and both want the same spot on your shortlist. Here’s where I land. I’d put 134% more cargo space at the top of the list, and it belongs to the X5. Nor should you ignore that the X5 has 107 hp more power. Credit where it’s due: the QX60 offers room for 7 seats.
I’d match them like this: engine & performance to the X5, passenger space to the QX60.
My pick: the X5 is the one I’d buy, unless you value room for 7 seats above everything else.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.