Range Rover vs. BMW X5

These multi-faceted SUVs give you the power of choice regarding performance. While they both start strong, the Range Rover takes an early lead. Its standard 3-liter engine generates 395 horsepower (HP), while the X5’s produces 375 HP. Their mid-range powertrains yield an identical 523 HP, and their high-performance variations equip supercharged V8s that generate over 600 horsepower.

This neck-and-neck competition extends into hybrid territory, with the Range Rover and the X5 each offering a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). Still, the numbers detail their differences, with the Range Rover offering greater horsepower and a more extensive all-electric driving range.

As the original luxury SUV, the Range Rover maintains its position as the first—and foremost.

With that much power, you'll be free to go almost anywhere and do nearly anything you want. With the BMW X5, that’s true to a point. It offers available all-wheel drive and a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. Meanwhile, the Range Rover has standard All Wheel Drive and can tow 8,200 pounds, enabling you to pull a boat or trailer more easily.

When it comes to handling and maneuverability, the Range Rover includes several standard features you won’t find in the X5:

• All Wheel Steering - Provides agility at lower speeds and increased stability when you put the pedal to the metal.
• Terrain Response® - 8 modes allow you to configure your SUV’s performance to current or changing conditions, including challenging situations like mud, rocks, or slippery surfaces.

The Range Rover offers greater opportunities to enhance your active lifestyle. Based on the model's monogram, it should be no surprise which is better suited to R&R.

There’s something about the power of quiet sophistication, being able to say more with a whisper than a shout. The latest model year of the Range Rover speaks volumes by including everything you need and nothing you don’t. These distinctively modern touches prove the brand’s reductive approach to design:

• Uninterrupted rear edge
• World’s-first hidden-until-lit tail lights
• Flush door handles that automatically deploy and unlock as you approach

Although BMW has made a few minor updates to the X5, it lacks the fresh-is-best perspective of the Range Rover.

Of course, your vehicle should express what you want to say. That starts with its exterior color. Here, the Range Rover continues its design dominance by offering a palette with twice as many paints as the X5. Plus, you can choose from solid or metallic shades with gloss or satin finish, and a body-colored or contrasting Gloss Black roof—options unavailable with the BMW. With the Range Rover, first impressions are lasting.

You have high standards for the interior of your luxury SUV, expecting a serene environment furnished with top-tier materials and abundant amenities. Even with its streamlined design extending to the interior, the Range Rover raises the bar to exceed your expectations, putting everyone on board in the lap of luxury.

Clearly, the Range Rover far exceeds the standards of the BMW by providing a more lush and refined interior.

Dimensionally speaking, these models are similar, although the Range Rover provides rear-seat passengers with stretch-out-worthy legroom of 40.4 inches, while the BMW X5 falls short with 37.4 inches. Need to load up sports gear, suitcases, or your latest purchases?

• Range Rover Cargo Capacity (behind rear row/behind front row): 40.7/83.5 cubic feet
• BMW X5 Cargo Capacity (behind rear row/behind front row): 33.1/72.3 cubic feet

As you can see, you’ll be able to pack more into the Range Rover, ensuring nothing gets left behind or has to reside on someone’s lap.

As expected, the Range Rover and the X5 include intuitive touchscreens over 13 inches, Bluetooth® for hands-free connectivity and audio streaming, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto, and wireless charging. That said, there are several features available in the Range Rover that drivers of the BMW X5 will have to forego:

• Rear Seat Entertainment system with two 11.4-inch HD screens
• 34-speaker Meridian™ 3D Surround Sound System
• Active Noise Cancellation

Although the X5 offers a rear-seat entertainment system, it's less comprehensive. Plus, BMW's Harman Kardon® Surround Sound Audio System maxes out at 16 speakers, limiting your opportunity to enjoy a fully immersive concert-level experience. The X5 likewise doesn't offer Active Noise Cancellation, which ensures you’ll only hear what you want without interference from the engine or road noise.

Safety remains a priority whether carpooling to a conference, going to dinner with your significant other, or taking a solitary cruise. Thanks to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), the Range Rover and the BMW X5 remain vigilant with similar brand-specific versions of:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist
• Lane Keep Assist
• Blind Spot Assist/Rear Traffic Monitor
• Traffic Sign Recognition with Adaptive Speed Limiter
• Driver Condition Response
• Park Assist/Front and Rear Parking Aid

For the latest model year, the Range Rover includes the new Driver Assistance mode that combines four safety features accessible by pressing a button on the steering wheel: Forward Collision Warning, Lane Assistance, Speed Limit Warning, and Speed Limit Notification.

Plus, only the Range Rover has an available ClearSight interior rearview mirror with live video feed that magically eliminates any obstacles, such as rear-row passengers or cargo, that might block your view.