The BMW X6 vs Volkswagen Touareg

This battle of SUVs has its roots in Germany, a country well known for its superior auto engineering as well as the legendary Michael Schumacher. It is no surprise as he is one of the greatest drivers in the world who hails from a country that makes some of the best cars in the world. He definitely had a major advantage if you ask me.

In a very strict sense, the BMW X6 is not really a sports utility vehicle but rather a sports activity coupe. This is because it combines attributes of both a SUV as well as those of a coupe. However I think it is a fair contest and since both speak German and come from some well known families and well to do families.

The BMW X6 has a 4395cc, V8 engine that operates with a High Precision Direct Injection system to deliver a whooping 408hp. Torque has been estimated to be at about 500lb·ft at 1500 to 5600 RPM. With such power, this beautiful beast is able to move from 0-100kmph in about 4.7 seconds which is quite an impressive feat.

The Volkswagen Touareg on the other hand comes armed with a 5,998cc engine that produces 450hp and a torque that goes up to 600 lb·ft. This enormous power helped in securing a world record as the passenger car that towed the heaviest load which was a Boeing 747 airplane. It however peaks slowly compared to the X6 as it needs 5.7 seconds to get to a speed of 100kmph from 0kmph.

Both cars are all wheel drive and preference in performance will depend on what you are looking for. If your thing is speed, the X6 is your best bet while those doing a lot of hauling around would be better off with the Touareg.

With rising oil prices and plummeting economies, efficiency is now a key word in everything we do. The BMW X6 is the more fuel efficient of the two cars with a consumption of about 15 miles per gallon in a city setup and 21 miles per hour on highways. The difference is however only minimal as the Volkswagen Touareg can deliver 14 miles per hour within the city and 19 miles per hour on the highway.

Both vehicles have the full array of safety features that one would expect in a modern high powered SUV. ABS brakes, stability control, seatbelt pretentioners as well as front, side and overhead airbags. The BMW has an addition in the form of an anti whiplash head restraint which are an important especially where there is unanticipated collision from the rear. Ignition disable immobilizer is active in both vehicles and this ensures that the car cannot be started unless by use of the correct key from the manufacturer. Both the Touareg as well as the X6 can be handled especially well in all weather and on all road surfaces. This is possible due to the ABS and driveline traction control technology used in both vehicles. In addition to these, low tire pressure warning, child lock, panic alarm, parking assist and occupancy sensors are some of the additional safety and security features that are present in both vehicles.

As mentioned earlier, the BMW X6 is not a real SUV, it is a crossover or sports utility coupe which means it combines features of both a coupe and a SUV. For me that means it is a hybrid and in most cases, hybrids are better than pure breeds. As far as the X6 and Touareg compare I think the X6 looks meaner, leaner and a lot sexier simply because it is longer, wider, weighs less and has an awesome shape. The Touareg is definitely sleek but in this time and age, sleek is slowly becoming meek.

The Volkswagen Touareg is a more gadget leaning vehicle which happens to have a lot of devices. These include a navigation system, auto dimming rear view mirror, rearview camera, satellite radio, iPod connection and much more. The X6 on the other hand has the basic devices and features of a modern vehicle such as HD radio, leather upholstery, AC, power seats and little else. The VW also has greater leg room both for the driver and front passenger as well as the three rear passengers. The BMW X6 has less space and is designed for 4 including the driver. It is not crammed but the Touareg does have a few inches more which makes it more comfortable on long trips.

It looks like the Touareg has won this of battle of SUV performance and luxury as it can tow a Boeing, has greater leg room along with more space for luggage, has more devices and is popular with the ladies. A great show off car right there but it’s the last point that really makes the decision for me.