Compare the2019 Infiniti QX60VS 2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e

The QX60 Luxe’s optional pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The X5 xDrive40e doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

For enhanced safety, the front, middle and rear seat shoulder belts of the Infiniti QX60 are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW X5 xDrive40e doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The QX60 Luxe offers an optional Backup Collision Intervention that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The X5 xDrive40e doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

To help make backing safer, the QX60’s cross-path warning system uses wide-angle radar in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. The X5 xDrive40e doesn’t offer a cross-path warning system.

Both the QX60 and the X5 xDrive40e have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available all-wheel drive, lane departure warning systems and around view monitors.

For its top level performance in all IIHS frontal, side, rear impact and roof-crush tests, and with its optional front crash prevention system, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the QX60 the rating of “Top Pick” for 2017, a rating granted to only 140 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The X5 xDrive40e has not been tested, yet.

The QX60 comes with a full 4-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire truck and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The X5 xDrive40e’s 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty expires 10,000 miles sooner.

Infiniti’s powertrain warranty covers the QX60 2 years and 20,000 miles longer than BMW covers the X5 xDrive40e. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 6 years or 70,000 miles. Coverage on the X5 xDrive40e ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2018 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Infiniti vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Infiniti fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 7 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 8th.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Infiniti QX60 higher (5 out of 10) than the BMW X5 xDrive40e (3). This means the QX60 produces up to 16.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the X5 xDrive40e every 15,000 miles.

The QX60 has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The X5 xDrive40e doesn’t offer a CVT.

The QX60 has a standard space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the X5 xDrive40e; it requires you to depend on its run-flat tires, which limits mileage and speed before they are repaired. If a run-flat is damaged beyond repair by a road hazard your vehicle will have to be towed.

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the QX60 is 1.1 inches wider in the front and 1 inch wider in the rear than on the X5 xDrive40e.

For better maneuverability, the QX60’s turning circle is 3 feet tighter than the X5 xDrive40e’s (38.7 feet vs. 41.7 feet).

The Infiniti QX60 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 800 pounds less than the BMW X5 xDrive40e.

The QX60 has standard seating for 7 passengers; the X5 xDrive40e can only carry 5.

The QX60 has 43.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the X5 xDrive40e (149 vs. 105.2).

The QX60 has 1.9 inches more front headroom, 1.8 inches more front legroom, 5.1 inches more rear legroom and 2.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the X5 xDrive40e.

The QX60’s cargo area provides more volume than the X5 xDrive40e.

The QX60’s liftgate lifts up in one piece, completely out of the way of loading and unloading, while sheltering the cargo loading area. The X5 xDrive40e’s tailgate’s top part raises up, but the bottom part lowers, getting in the way of loading and making an uneven surface for sliding cargo.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the QX60 Luxe’s available liftgate can be opened just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The X5 xDrive40e doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its tailgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Infiniti service is better than BMW. J.D. Power ranks Infiniti first in service department satisfaction. With a 19% lower rating, BMW is ranked 8th.

The QX60 offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The X5 xDrive40e doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The QX60 is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The X5 xDrive40e doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Insurance will cost less for the QX60 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the QX60 will cost $1750 to $1870 less than the X5 xDrive40e over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Infiniti QX60 will be $9730 to $11707 less than for the BMW X5 xDrive40e.