The Cadillac XT6 VS BMW X5

The classic debate of which one is better, Michael Jordan or LeBron James, has found its way into the crossover car class. Notorious for offering some of the best cars on the market, today we have the difficult task of comparing two of its champions - Cadillac's XT6 and BMW's X5.

A model as old as the class itself and a brand newcomer of little over three years since it was introduced to buyers, they make for an unexpected pair of comparable rivals. Comparing them will be a game of nuance as both seem perfect at first sight. Some traits might be better embodied at one of the two models, but that doesn't mean the other is falling short of what's expected of them.

The first difference between the two cars, albeit somewhat subjective, is their exterior style. Taking subjectivity into account, the BMW is visibly far less focused on looks than its competitor for today. Its boxy shape changed little over the years, and today it's visibly trailing behind most crossover SUVs.

On the other hand, the XT6 is a completely different story. Introduced to consumers just three years ago, its designers started from scratch, with no old features to integrate. This resulted in spectacularly modern and attractive exterior design. Bold lines give the car an aggressive yet tamed look.

Even parked, the Cadillac seems as though it's racing somewhere, or at the very least, would be able to do so in a split second if need to. One of the best-looking crossovers on the market leaves the X5 trailing behind in terms of aesthetics.

BMW, being BMW, wins the race when it comes to powertrains. If the base engine, a single-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 that pours out 340 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, is comparable to Cadillac's 3.6-liter V-6 that will produce 310 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque, BMW also offers the possibility of a prestige buy.

It takes the shape of a 4.4-liter V-8 that will put out 456 horsepower and a torque of 479 pound-feet. Now that sounds great, but it comes with a matching whopping price tag.
As far as standard options go, both cars offer exceptional packages. The BMW offers all the perks you'd expect from a brand of its magnitude and a luxury SUV, like keyless entry, a panoramic roof, wood trim, ambient lighting, LED headlights, automatic climate control, synthetic leather upholstery, navigation, power heated front seats. It also has Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay compatibility, but there's a catch. After the first year, the company charges a monthly fee for such services, something unheard of even on entry-level sedans. Charging a subscription fee to use Apple CarPlay, in 2020, is absolutely undefendable, and since you won't find such an uninspired move on any other vehicle out there, it's exceptionally surprising that BMW decided on it for a car that costs more than 60.000 dollars.

The Cadillac offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for free, forever, plus leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, remote start, keyless ignition, wireless smartphone charging, a sunroof, LED headlights, power tailgate, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, 6 USB ports, and an 8-speaker BOSE sound system. All standard features found on even the most basic models.

Two exceptionally good cars, but the XT6 costs significantly less and looks incomparably better than the legendary X5. A car stuck in the past, one on the cutting edge of modern aesthetics, both cars impeccably manufactured, and a joy to drive. Because of the price difference and the exorbitant price tags higher X5 trims carry, we opted for the XT6. It's our view here at ... in ... that the Cadillac offers a better deal for the money, and that it's overall in the top three crossover SUVs on the market.

That's why in our showroom, you'll find the XT6 Cadillac in all trim levels and multiple colors. Pay us a visit to see why it is considered among the top cars in its class. Our dedicated sales team would be happy to arrange a drive test and help you choose the perfect configuration to meet all your needs.