LaFontaine INFINITI Ann Arbor – Comparing the 2026 INFINITI QX60 vs 2026 BMW X5 near Farmington Hills, MI
Among luxury SUVs, seating layout is one of the most misunderstood differences shoppers encounter. A common question we hear is whether the BMW X5 offers a true three-row configuration like the INFINITI QX60. The short answer: the X5 is a two-row SUV, while the QX60 is engineered from the ground up as a three-row luxury crossover with family flexibility at its core.
Because the X5 focuses on a two-row package with performance-forward tuning, families who regularly need six or seven seats often find themselves wishing for more built-in flexibility. That’s where the QX60 excels. With standard three-row seating, available second-row captain’s chairs, and the clever EZ Slide function that simplifies access to the third row—even with a compatible child seat installed in select positions—the QX60 is a better fit for real-world family routines. Add the ease of Google built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, and you have a cabin that engages thoughtfully with daily life instead of asking you to work around limitations.
To help you zero in on what matters most, consider these practical differences:
- Seating count: QX60 seats up to seven, while the X5 offers two rows for five.
- Third-row access: QX60’s EZ Slide second row enables quick entry to the third row; the X5 has no third row.
- Everyday tech: QX60 integrates Google built-in for native navigation and voice assistance; X5 focuses on its proprietary system with standard wireless smartphone mirroring.
- Family comfort: QX60 emphasizes quiet ride tuning and relaxed ergonomics across three rows; X5 highlights agile responses for drivers prioritizing sportiness.
- Ownership onboarding: QX60 includes a MyINFINITI Expert session tailored to your vehicle; X5 offers a robust feature set through its own ecosystem.
Framing your decision around how you actually use a vehicle—school drop-offs, carpools, weekend luggage, and the occasional third adult—makes the differences crystal clear. If your calendar includes multiple passengers most days, the QX60’s standard three-row layout removes a layer of stress from every drive. If you rarely carry more than four people and lean into performance edge, the X5 makes sense. Most families, however, discover that extra row becomes indispensable after the first busy week.
Beyond seating, the QX60’s everyday tech advantage is hard to miss. Google built-in places Google Maps and Google Assistant into the center display, reducing your reliance on a phone and creating a seamless experience for voice commands and routing. Meanwhile, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ keep your digital life front and center without cables. It’s all tuned to be intuitive, reducing setup time for new drivers in the household and simplifying travel for guests on board.
We also recommend thinking through how you use cargo space. The QX60’s cabin is designed to accommodate passengers and gear simultaneously, so you can keep the third row up and still manage backpacks or groceries with ease. The X5’s cargo area is generous for a two-row SUV, but without the extra seating, you lose flexibility on game days or extended family dinners where a sixth or seventh seat would make things simpler.
For families seeking a luxury SUV that adapts gracefully to changing needs, the QX60’s combination of smart packaging, serene ride comfort, and intuitive tech makes a compelling case. That’s why LaFontaine INFINITI Ann Arbor is serving Okemos, East Lansing, and Farmington Hills with side-by-side comparisons tailored to your routine and priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Does the BMW X5 offer a third-row seat?
No. The X5 is designed as a two-row luxury SUV. If you need standard three-row seating and easy third-row access, the QX60 is the better fit.
Can both vehicles integrate my smartphone wirelessly?
Yes. Both support wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. The QX60 also adds Google built-in for native navigation and voice control.
Which one is better for carpool duty?
The QX60—its standard third row, available second-row captain’s chairs, and EZ Slide function simplify life when you regularly carry six or seven.
Ready to see which layout fits your world? We invite you to schedule a drive and explore cabin configurations hands-on. With one-on-one product guidance, you’ll get a clear sense of how features, tech, and seating work for your day-to-day—and how the right choice can make busy weeks feel smoother.
Visit us to compare both SUVs and get personalized insights that make the decision straightforward and satisfying. You will leave confident in a luxury SUV that truly works for your life today and tomorrow.
Request more 2026 INFINITI QX60 information
Connect with us
