2022 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's lineup of true SUVs. Its design, from the iconic kidney grille to the body shape, was unmistakably BMW, offering a sense of familiarity and consistency. However, this sameness also meant that the X5 could easily blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The exterior featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice between xLine and M Sport styling, with the latter offering a sportier appearance through body-color matched trims and high-gloss black accents. The interior, while not groundbreaking, maintained BMW's standard of quality with leather and soft-touch materials, though it did suffer from an overuse of black plastic. M Sport models added a touch of aggression with unique styling elements like an M sports steering wheel and exclusive interior trim strips.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover's redesign was more evolutionary than revolutionary, maintaining its broad, rounded face and large expanses of sheet metal. The most notable change was at the rear, where thin LED strips replaced the old square taillights, integrated into a darker trim element. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger tablet-like touchscreen, offering a modern look. The materials were of excellent quality, with premium leather and rich wood trim elements, creating an atmosphere of luxury. The Range Rover's solid feel and quiet cabin further enhanced its premium appeal, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model added to the lineup, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with a 30-mile all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were not as engaging as expected, with dynamics more akin to a Lincoln. The cabin remained quiet, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections well. Charging the X5 was convenient, with a five-hour charge time on a Level 2 charger and an EPA-estimated 400-mile range.

The 2022 Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder mild hybrid system producing 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, and the P530 with a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The P400's acceleration was impressive, with a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds, while the V8 provided more power for those seeking it. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed driving experience. Rear-wheel steering enhanced maneuverability, and the Terrain Response system optimized off-road capability. The ride quality was smooth, with minimal wind and road noise, making it one of the most comfortable luxury SUVs available.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders conveniently placed and a wireless phone charging pad out of the driver's line of sight. Seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats offered ample space for children and two adults, with an optional third row available. The split liftgate was easy to operate, and the air suspension's height adjustment aided in loading cargo. Without the third row, the cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. Moving children and cargo in and out of the second row was somewhat challenging due to the narrow door openings.

The 2022 Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort, with available massage functions offering a range of settings. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered generous space for taller passengers, with power recline and sliding adjustments. The optional third row was accessible via a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space behind the third row was 17.1 cubic feet, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 93 cubic feet with the second row down. The split tailgate facilitated loading, with buttons to lower the air suspension for easier access.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar. Standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, a proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone climate control, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and premium audio systems.

The 2022 Range Rover featured a larger 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, complemented by a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade available. Other tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote control via a smartphone app. The touchscreen's lower placement required more attention, but basic climate controls were designed for ease of use.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, fatigue alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package's adaptive cruise control had issues with stopped traffic and lane-keeping, particularly in sunny or rainy conditions. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.

The 2022 Range Rover came standard with frontal collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. These features performed reliably, with the surround-view cameras proving especially useful off-road. While adequately equipped, the Range Rover lacked some advanced features offered by rivals, such as advanced high beams and emergency stop functions. Neither the NHTSA nor the IIHS had published crash test results for the Range Rover, which is common for luxury SUVs.