2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was characterized by its modernist and reductive design, which translated to a clean and simple aesthetic. This approach might not have appealed to those seeking a flashy luxury SUV, as the factory options for making the Range Rover Sport stand out were limited to a Firenze Red paint color and diamond-turned, multi-spoke 23-inch wheels. The test vehicle, finished in Eiger Gray with silver 23-inch wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme, complemented by aluminum and shiny black trim, created a sophisticated atmosphere. The Range Rover Sport was available in SE P360, SE Dynamic P400, and Autobiography P440e specifications, with the SE Dynamic P400 test vehicle priced at $98,420, including destination charges. Notable design features included premium LED headlights, flush-mounted door handles, and surface LED technology taillights, contributing to its aerodynamic profile with a drag coefficient of 0.29. The interior boasted a high-tech appearance with sustainable Ultrafabrics and Windsor leather upholstery.

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless styling, although the M Sport treatment was not universally favored. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch "741M" wheels with staggered-width summer tires, enhancing its appearance. The X5 was available with various powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, a turbocharged V8 engine, and a high-performance turbo V8 variant. The xDrive50e M Sport test vehicle, priced at $88,075, included Brooklyn Grey paint, 21-inch wheels, and comprehensive equipment packages. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh, aligning it with other BMW models, and introduced the BMW Curved Display instrumentation and infotainment screen, modernizing the interior. Despite the reduction in physical switchgear, the X5 retained the quality of materials and construction that tied it to its heritage.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement, comfort, and driver-focused engagement, though it only partially succeeded. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in the SE Dynamic model. The lower-priced SE P360 offered 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography P440e, delivering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft with an estimated 51 miles of electric range. Early-build 2023 models included a 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine, but it was temporarily unavailable. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, achieving 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, with a towing capacity of 7,716 pounds. It boasted a new vehicle architecture with a 35-percent increase in torsional stiffness, adaptive damping air suspension, and various driving modes. However, it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. Off-road, the Range Rover Sport excelled with advanced suspension and technology, offering impressive ground clearance and wading depth.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured a new mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine and a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. The lithium-ion battery pack had a capacity of 19.2 kilowatt-hours, providing 38 miles of electric-only driving and 22 mpg in combined driving. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV excelled in efficiency, with a Level 2 home charging station recommended for maximizing electric driving. The adaptive damping air suspension concealed the vehicle's weight, offering a comfortable ride. The X5 xDrive50e M Sport delivered excellent acceleration, grip, and steering response, with minimal body motion. It also gained battery charge during spirited driving, achieving an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg. The xDrive50e was praised for its driving dynamics and efficiency, making it a preferred choice unless the X5 M was a necessity.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, offering a tall and airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit, and the front seats were comfortable with adjustable armrests. The test vehicle featured Windsor leather upholstery, 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, and optional massage and air purification features. The rear seat, while improved, remained tight for taller passengers, with narrow door openings and hard seatback panels. The cargo area offered 31.9 cubic feet of space, expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The test vehicle's full-size spare limited underfloor storage, but Land Rover provided solutions for securing smaller items.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e accommodated five passengers in two rows, with a 33.1 cubic-foot cargo area expandable to 71.2 cubic feet. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to access deep cargo. The test vehicle featured Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, standard sport seats, and the Climate Comfort Package, which included 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed comfort and amenities, including a panoramic sunroof and side window sunshades. The X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport featured a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and connected services. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was often confusing and frustrating to use, with difficulties in accessing features and understanding its functions. The native digital assistant struggled with basic tasks, such as finding nearby locations. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and Active Noise Cancellation, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The iDrive 8.5 system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, providing inaccurate directions and responses. Despite this, the head-up display and augmented video function for navigation were praised for their effectiveness. The Harman Kardon sound system delivered excellent audio quality.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with advanced driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included automatic high-beam headlights, a driver monitoring system, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. Remote Park Assist allowed the SUV to park itself using a smartphone app. However, the adaptive cruise control and steering assist were found to be less responsive and trustworthy, particularly on freeway curves.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, which required deliberate activation. It performed well in dense traffic and at higher speeds but exhibited errant braking in heavy traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance were effective on winding roads, though the system occasionally misinterpreted obstacles. The X5's driver aids operated subtly, encouraging their use. The IIHS awarded the X5 high ratings, but lower headlight ratings prevented an IIHS safety award. The NHTSA gave the X5 an overall crash-test rating of four stars.