What is the difference between a 9005/9006 halogen bulb and a 9005XS/9006XS halogen bulb?

 

The XS is most likely just the style of bulb..I know Sylvania uses things like "LL" = Long Lasting...9003CB = Cool Blue, I think SS is silverstar....XS probably is XTRA Strength or something of that nature......either way if you need a 9005 and the bulb is 9005XS ..IT WILL FIT.

Hope this helps..

 

You're right, the only difference is the shape of the base. the regular base are "L" shaped where the connector plugs in, wheras the XS are just straight connectors with no bend like the regular one has. There is no other difference as far as I can tell.

 

Sometimes the car will require a straight bulb instead of the L shaped one. Most HID manufacturers will give you the option of the regular 9006 bulb or the 9006xs bulb.