VS
At a Glance
Power
617hp @ 6000
348hp @ 5400
Torque
553lb-ft @ 1800
368lb-ft @ 1450
Towing
1653lbs
7716lbs
Engine
4.4 L/268cc
3.0 L/183cc
Choosing between the BMW X5 M and the Porsche Cayenne is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The BMW X5 M delivers 617hp @ 6000 while the Porsche Cayenne produces 348hp @ 5400. Pricing starts at $131,000 for the X5 M and $95,100 for the Cayenne. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output (hp)
617hp @ 6000
348hp @ 5400
Torque (lb-ft)
553lb-ft @ 1800
368lb-ft @ 1450
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
4.4 L/268cc
3.0 L/183cc
Engine Layout
—
V
Cylinders
8
6
Fuel Type
—
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic w/OD
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
13mpg
17 (Est)mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
18mpg
23 (Est)mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
21.9gal
23.7gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
195in
194.1in
Width (in)
79.3in
78.1in
Height (in)
68.9in
66.1in
Wheelbase (in)
117in
114in
Curb Weight (lbs)
5455lbs
4740lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
1653lbs
7716lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
—
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Porsche Cayenne
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Tied
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Cayenne
Practicality
Cayenne
Pros & Cons
BMW X5 M
Well-rounded specification
Higher starting price
Porsche Cayenne
Lower starting price ($95,100)
Higher towing capacity (7716lbs)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has more power, the X5 M or Cayenne?
The X5 M produces 617hp @ 6000 and 553lb-ft @ 1800 of torque while the Cayenne delivers 348hp @ 5400 and 368lb-ft @ 1450 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the X5 M and Cayenne?
The X5 M starts from $131,000 and the Cayenne from $95,100. The Cayenne is cheaper by $35,900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X5 M or Cayenne?
The X5 M has a braked towing capacity of 1653lbs and the Cayenne can tow 7716lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X5 M or the Cayenne?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.