BMW X5 Vs. Infiniti QX60: A Head-To-Head Showdown For Luxury SUV Shoppers

I’ve been on a mission to find the perfect luxury SUV for my family, and after weeks of research, test drives, and debates with my spouse, I’ve narrowed it down to the 2025 BMW X5 and the 2024 Infiniti QX60. I’ll walk you through my experience comparing these two vehicles, diving into their performance, design, safety, and value, with a special focus on their pros and cons to help you figure out which one suits your lifestyle best.

A Brief Comparison Table:

My Journey With The BMW X5 And Infiniti QX60

I’ve been dreaming about a luxury SUV that can handle my daily commute, family road trips, and occasional Costco runs, and the BMW X5 and Infiniti QX60 kept catching my eye online and at dealerships. Test-driving both vehicles felt like stepping into two different worlds, each with its own personality, so I’m excited to share my thoughts to help you decide which one might be your perfect match.

BMW X5: A Thrill-Seeker’s Dream

The moment I hit the gas in the 2025 BMW X5, its 3.0L TwinPower Turbo inline-6 engine, pumping out an impressive 375 horsepower, gave me a rush that made me feel like I was driving a sports car instead of an SUV. Merging onto the highway was effortless, with the 8-speed automatic transmission shifting so smoothly it almost anticipated my every move, and I clocked a 0-60 mph sprint in about 5.3 seconds, which was thrilling for a vehicle this size.

The xDrive all-wheel-drive system gripped the road like a champ, especially when I tested it on a slick, rainy day, and its 7,200-pound towing capacity means I could easily haul a trailer or boat for weekend adventures. Cornering in the X5 felt sharp and precise, thanks to BMW’s legendary handling, and the adaptive suspension soaked up bumps while keeping the ride sporty, which I loved during a twisty backroad drive.

Infiniti QX60: Smooth And Steady

When I slid behind the wheel of the 2024 Infiniti QX60, its 2.0L VC-Turbo 4-cylinder engine, delivering 268 horsepower, didn’t pack the same punch as the X5, but it still felt peppy enough for my daily errands and school pickups, hitting 0-60 mph in about 7.1 seconds. The 9-speed automatic transmission shifted seamlessly, and I appreciated the five drive modes that let me switch between fuel efficiency for long trips and a sportier feel when I wanted a bit more zip.

The available all-wheel-drive system handled a rainy test drive with ease, though its 5,000-pound towing capacity is noticeably less than the X5’s, which might limit me if I need to tow something heavy like a camper. What really stood out was the QX60’s ability to run on regular unleaded fuel, saving me a good chunk of change at the gas station compared to the X5’s premium fuel requirement, and its fuel economy of 22 MPG city and 28 MPG highway edged out the X5 slightly on longer drives.

BMW X5: Bold And Modern

Stepping into the BMW X5 felt like entering a high-end lounge, with buttery-soft leather seats and real wood trim that made every drive feel special, and the 16-way power-adjustable front seats with memory settings were a godsend when my spouse kept messing with my perfect driving position. The exterior’s iconic kidney grille and sleek LED headlights turned heads everywhere I went, though I read some online reviews where folks called the design a bit too “mainstream SUV” compared to flashier rivals.

The 14.9-inch touchscreen running BMW’s iDrive 7.0 system was a tech lover’s dream, responding instantly to my touch and voice commands, and syncing my iPhone via Apple CarPlay was a breeze. My only complaint was the optional third-row seating, which isn’t standard and felt cramped when I tested it, making it less ideal for families who need extra seats regularly.

Infiniti QX60: Elegant Minimalism

The Infiniti QX60’s exterior, with its bold grille and unique digital piano key lighting, had an artistic flair that made it stand out in the dealership lot, and I couldn’t help but admire how it reflected Japanese design influences. Inside, the spacious cabin with standard leatherette upholstery (upgradable to leather) and a panoramic roof created a bright, welcoming vibe that felt perfect for long family road trips.

The 12.3-inch InTouch touchscreen was intuitive and easy to navigate, though it’s a tad smaller than the X5’s, and I was annoyed that navigation isn’t standard on lower trims, which felt like a cheap move for a luxury SUV. The standard third-row seating was a huge plus, comfortably fitting my kids during a test drive, and the 42.1 inches of front legroom gave me more stretch-out space than the X5’s 39.8 inches.

BMW X5: Cargo And Comfort

With 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, the BMW X5 easily swallowed my stroller, groceries, and soccer gear during a test run, and folding the seats down opened up 72.3 cubic feet, which was plenty for bigger hauls. The cabin’s premium materials, like soft-touch surfaces and brushed aluminum accents, made every trip feel luxurious, but the optional third-row seating, which I had to pay extra for, was too tight for adults and felt like an afterthought.

Infiniti QX60: Room To Spare

The Infiniti QX60’s 14.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row was a bit snug with all seats up, but folding the second and third rows revealed a massive 75.4 cubic feet, slightly more than the X5, which I filled with camping gear and my dog’s crate without breaking a sweat. The standard third-row seating was a lifesaver for carpooling my kids’ friends, and the cap-less fueling system made gas station stops quick and easy, which I appreciated after a long day.

Also read: Comparison Of Infiniti QX60 And Lexus RX 350

BMW X5: Solid But Not Top-Tier

The BMW X5 came loaded with safety features like frontal and side-impact airbags, knee airbags, and blind-spot monitoring, and I felt confident when the crash-mitigating brakes kicked in during a close call on my test drive. However, its 4-star NHTSA safety rating and lack of an IIHS Top Safety Pick award left me wanting more, especially when compared to competitors with stronger safety credentials.

Infiniti QX60: Safety First

The Infiniti QX60 blew me away with its 5-star NHTSA safety rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick award, giving me peace of mind as a parent, and features like predictive forward collision warnings and emergency braking with pedestrian detection worked flawlessly during my test. The around-view monitor made parking in tight spaces a breeze, and the curtain airbags covering all three rows felt like an extra layer of protection for my family.

BMW X5: Premium Price, Premium Maintenance

The BMW X5’s $67,475 starting price is a big jump over the QX60, and its need for premium fuel meant I was spending more at the gas station, which wasn’t ideal for my budget. Thankfully, BMW’s three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance took the sting out of early upkeep costs, and its 8.4/10 reliability rating from iSeeCars, along with a 12-year corrosion warranty, gave me confidence in its long-term durability.

Infiniti QX60: Value And Longevity

The Infiniti QX60’s $51,550 starting price felt like a steal for a luxury SUV, and its ability to run on regular unleaded fuel saved me about 80 cents per gallon compared to the X5, which added up over time. Its 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty outlasts the X5’s, and while its 7.4/10 reliability rating from iSeeCars is slightly lower, the 4.91/5 owner satisfaction score on TrueCar suggests it’s a dependable choice for the long haul.

BMW X5: Pros

• The 375-hp engine delivers heart-pounding acceleration, making every drive feel like a joyride, especially when merging onto highways or passing slower traffic.
• Sporty handling and precise steering make the X5 feel like a sports sedan, perfect for drivers like me who love tackling twisty roads with confidence.
• The luxurious interior, with 16-way adjustable leather seats and real wood trim, creates a premium experience that feels worth the price tag.
• A 7,200-pound towing capacity means I could haul a boat or trailer for weekend getaways without worrying about overloading the SUV.
• Three years or 36,000 miles of complimentary maintenance saves money on early upkeep, which is a nice perk for a luxury vehicle.
• The 14.9-inch touchscreen with iDrive 7.0 is lightning-fast and intuitive, making it easy to navigate apps, music, and phone calls on the go.
• The plug-in hybrid option (xDrive45e) offers electric-only range for short trips, appealing to my eco-conscious side and saving on fuel costs.
• With more BMW dealers than Infiniti, finding a service center was never a hassle, which is great for busy schedules.

BMW X5: Cons

• The $67,475 starting price is steep, and it made me question whether the performance and luxury were worth the extra cost over the QX60.
• Requiring premium fuel added about $15 to every fill-up, which felt like a constant hit to my wallet, especially with rising gas prices.
• Third-row seating isn’t standard and costs extra, and when I tested it, it was too cramped for adults, limiting its appeal for larger families.
• The 4-star NHTSA safety rating was disappointing compared to rivals, and missing the IIHS Top Safety Pick award made me second-guess its safety credentials.
• Front legroom (39.8 inches) and second-row legroom (37.4 inches) were slightly less spacious than the QX60, which my taller passengers noticed.
• Repair costs can be high due to premium parts, which could add up over time if something goes wrong outside the warranty period.

Infiniti QX60: Pros

• The $51,550 starting price makes the QX60 a fantastic value, offering luxury features at a lower cost than many competitors, including the X5.
• Running on regular unleaded fuel saved me money at every fill-up, which was a relief for my budget-conscious side during long road trips.
• Standard third-row seating is a game-changer for families, comfortably fitting my kids and their friends during carpools or group outings.
• With 75.4 cubic feet of cargo space when the seats are folded, I could pack camping gear, sports equipment, and more without feeling cramped.
• The 5-star NHTSA safety rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick award gave me confidence that my family would be protected in any situation.
• A 6-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty offers peace of mind for long-term ownership, outlasting the X5’s shorter warranty period.
• The QX60’s aerodynamic design (0.32 Cd) creates a quieter cabin, making highway drives feel serene and relaxing, even with kids in the back.
• Maintenance costs are generally lower than the X5’s, as Infiniti parts are more affordable, which is a plus for long-term savings.

Infiniti QX60: Cons

• The 268-hp engine felt underpowered compared to the X5, especially when I needed quick acceleration for highway passing or merging.
• With a 5,000-pound towing capacity, the QX60 can’t handle heavier loads like boats or large trailers, which could limit my outdoor adventures.
• The 12.3-inch infotainment screen, while user-friendly, is smaller than the X5’s, and the lack of standard navigation on base trims felt like a cheap move.
• Fewer Infiniti dealerships meant I had to drive farther for service, which was inconvenient compared to BMW’s widespread network.
• The 7.4/10 reliability rating from iSeeCars is solid but lags behind the X5’s 8.4/10, making me wonder about long-term dependability.
• Smaller wheel designs on lower trims looked less sporty than the X5’s bold alloys, which took away some of the QX60’s visual appeal.

Read more: Comparison Of Jeep Wagoneer And GMC Yukon

Driving Experience: My Take

The BMW X5 felt like a performance car in SUV clothing, with razor-sharp handling and quick acceleration that made my daily commute through city traffic an absolute blast. By contrast, the Infiniti QX60 prioritized comfort, offering a smooth, quiet ride that felt like a sanctuary on long highway drives, especially when I just wanted to relax after a busy day.

Technology And Connectivity

The X5’s 14.9-inch iDrive touchscreen was a standout, with crisp graphics and voice commands that let me change radio stations or call my spouse without taking my eyes off the road. The QX60’s 12.3-inch InTouch system was intuitive, but the smaller screen and lack of standard navigation on base models made it feel a step behind, though both SUVs handled Apple CarPlay and Android Auto like champs.

Who Are These SUVs For?

The BMW X5 is tailor-made for drivers like me who crave a thrilling ride and don’t mind paying a premium for a luxurious, sporty SUV that handles like a dream. The Infiniti QX60, on the other hand, is perfect for families on a budget who need space, safety, and value without sacrificing style, making it a practical choice for carpooling or road trips.

My Verdict

The BMW X5 won my heart with its exhilarating performance and upscale interior, but its high price and lack of standard third-row seating had me second-guessing for my family’s needs. The Infiniti QX60 impressed with its affordability, spaciousness, and top-notch safety, though it couldn’t match the X5’s driving excitement, so your choice comes down to whether you prioritize thrills or practicality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion

You’re faced with a tough choice between two fantastic luxury SUVs, each with its own strengths that could make your daily drives and family adventures unforgettable. The BMW X5 delivers heart-pounding performance and a luxurious interior for those who love to drive, while the Infiniti QX60 offers unbeatable value, space, and safety for family-focused buyers, so take them for a spin and let your lifestyle guide your decision.