2024 BMW X5 vs 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, although the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with the high-performance X5 M Competition variant. The xDrive50e M Sport specification test vehicle came with Brooklyn Grey paint, optional wheels, and all available equipment packages, priced at $88,075. 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 while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport emphasized a sportier SUV aesthetic within the Range Rover family, with a taller stance and shorter wheelbase for a more athletic appearance. Large front air intakes and fake vents contributed to its look, though it appeared tall and narrow from some angles. The lineup included SE, Dynamic SE, Autobiography, and SV Edition Two trims, with a Stealth appearance package available for the Dynamic SE. The SV Edition 2 test car, the highest-performance model, featured 23-inch carbon-fiber wheels and a carbon-fiber hood. The interior boasted red leather upholstery, sport seats with light-up “SV” inserts, and illuminated steering-wheel paddle shifters. The minimalist aesthetic was consistent across models, with a touchscreen, stubby shifter, and engine start button. The high console, dash, and door panels created a cockpit-like feel, though front seats felt cramped. Material quality met luxury standards, but the use of reflective piano black plastic was excessive.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with the xDrive50e PHEV receiving a significant upgrade in electric range and power output. It featured a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The battery's maximum AC charging rate doubled to 7.4 kW. The xDrive50e offered 38 miles of electric-only driving, with a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg after the gasoline engine engaged. It produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was favored for its balance of performance and efficiency, though a Level 2 home charging station was recommended for maximizing electric driving. The adaptive damping air suspension masked the vehicle's weight, and the 21-inch wheels did not compromise ride quality. The X5 excelled in handling, with quick steering and excellent visibility. During testing, it achieved an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg over 95.5 miles.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered multiple powertrain options, all with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The SE base model featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 355 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The Dynamic SE offered a higher output of 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, with a six-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain rated at 454 hp and 487 lb-ft. The Autobiography trim increased output to 543 hp and 590 lb-ft, with an optional BMW-sourced twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 producing 523 hp and 553 lb-ft. The SV Edition Two used the same V8, with output pushed to 626 hp, achieving 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph. The sport-tuned air suspension provided excellent cornering capabilities, while four-wheel steering and brake-based torque vectoring enhanced agility. The Terrain Response system and off-road features maintained Land Rover's off-roading reputation, with varying ground clearance and approach angles across models.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e functioned well as a midsize luxury SUV, accommodating five people in two rows. The cargo area offered 33.1 cubic feet, expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design provided a seating area but required stretching to access deep cargo. The test vehicle featured BMW's Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, which was indistinguishable from genuine leather. Standard sport seats and the Climate Comfort Package added 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, four-zone automatic climate control, and heated rear seats. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the view, while side window sunshades protected infants from sunlight. The X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport, positioned between the Velar and full-size Range Rover, offered more room than the Velar while remaining a midsize SUV. It was a two-row, five-seater, with front-seat headroom comparable to other midsize luxury SUVs. The sloping roof minimally impacted rear-seat headroom, with only the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offering slightly more. The Mercedes provided additional second-row legroom, but the Range Rover Sport's reclining rear seats and 20-way power-adjustable front seats ensured comfort. The cargo space measured 31.9 cubic feet behind the second row, expanding to 53 cubic feet with the seats folded. The power-operated tailgate and air suspension's "access height" setting facilitated loading and unloading. The Range Rover Sport's towing capacity was 7,716 pounds for turbo-six and V8 models, with plug-in hybrids rated at 6,614 pounds, surpassing some competitors.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a single curved glass. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Personal Assistant were notable features, though the latter struggled with voice recognition accuracy. The optional Harman Kardon sound system delivered excellent audio quality. The head-up display effectively conveyed data, including advanced driving assistance system status, while the augmented video function enhanced navigation. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant's performance was disappointing, with inaccurate responses to voice commands, highlighting the drawbacks of reduced physical controls.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport shared its screen setup with the larger Range Rover, featuring a 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard. The screens offered a sleek design, but the minimalist approach limited physical controls, requiring screen widgets for functions like climate control and drive mode selection. Steering-wheel controls provided limited alternatives. The Pivi Pro infotainment system improved in responsiveness and voice recognition, aligning with competitors. The gauge cluster offered various configurations for information display. The SV Edition 2 test car included "Body and Soul Seats" with embedded transducers, providing a unique, albeit slightly gimmicky, experience. The Meridian audio system, with up to 29 speakers, enhanced the auditory experience.

For 2024, the BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, requiring deliberate activation through the infotainment screen and steering wheel controls. The system performed well in dense or light traffic but exhibited erratic braking in heavy traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance effectively navigated curves, though hard braking occurred when encountering obstacles. The driver aids operated subtly, encouraging usage. The IIHS rated the X5 highly, but lower headlight ratings prevented an IIHS safety award. The NHTSA gave the X5 a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included standard driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention monitor. The 360-degree camera system and digital rearview mirror aided parking, though parking sensors were overly sensitive. The IIHS and NHTSA had not released safety ratings for the current-generation Range Rover Sport at the time of publication.