Get ready to rev your engines as we take a look at the world of luxury SUVs. These vehicles have the capacity to transform your driving experience, but which SUV is better: Range Rover Sport or BMW X5?
From speed and safety features to design and fuel efficiency, in this comparison guide, we'll delve into the details of these vehicles to help you decide which is right for you.
Range Rover and BMW: a brief history
Before we begin our investigation, let's take a look at each brand and their origins.
Range Rover
The Range Rover is a luxury SUV brand that British car maker Land Rover manufactures. The first Range Rover model, known as the Classic, was introduced in 1970 and marked a significant departure from the typical utilitarian Land Rover design - combining off-road capabilities with a more refined and comfortable driving experience.
Following the success of the Classic Range Rover, the brand continued to expand and innovate. In the 1980s, Land Rover introduced the Range Rover's first major update with the "In Vogue" edition, catering to a more upscale market.
The brand has introduced more models, including the Range Rover Sport, which was added during the early 2000s. Throughout its history, the Range Rover has maintained a balance between luxury, off-road prowess, and technological innovation, solidifying its position as a symbol of luxury and capability in the SUV market.
BMW
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, commonly known as BMW, was founded in 1916 and produces automobiles and motorcycles. They manufactured their first motorbike, the R 32, in 1923 and made their first cars in 1928. In 1951, BMW released the 501, their first post-war automobile, a luxury six-seat vehicle that restored the car marker’s status as a manufacturer of technical excellence and high quality.
Over the decades, the brand has epitomised precision engineering and performance, coining the tagline 'The Ultimate Driving Machine.' BMW has become synonymous with producing a diverse lineup, ranging from compact cars to high-performance sports vehicles and luxurious sedans.
Today, the BMW Group, which includes BMW, Mini and Rolls Royce, stands as a beacon of innovation and automotive excellence, embracing sustainability and investing heavily in electric motor and hybrid technology.
Which car is best: Range Rover Sport vs BMW X5
Now we know a bit more about these brands, here's what these two vehicles have to offer.
Handling and comfort
Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport features rear-wheel steering, standard air suspension, and active anti-roll bars. These specifications combine to ensure a comfortable journey without compromising control, making every drive feel like a breeze.
The automatic gearbox shifts seamlessly in traffic, and every engine delivers ample power. Although its considerable size might make things slightly tricky, the surround-view cameras and parking sensors help with squeezing into tight spaces.
Out on the roads, the Range Rover Sport excels in comfort with stable, quiet cruising. Despite not being lightning-fast, it handles long journeys well, especially with the supportive seats. Switching to twisty roads, it’s not as sporty as its name suggests, but it strikes a balance between agility and comfort with decent handling.
Rating: 9/10
BMW X5
Could you handle this next SUV? With tight body control and ample grip, the BMW X5 offers a stable and reassuring driving experience.
From sharper-edged deviations to the most comfortable ride in its class, the X5 strikes a balance that few can match. Swap into Sport mode, and suddenly, it's closer to the ground, tightening its grip through corners while handling its substantial weight impressively.
Thanks to its four-wheel drive, this SUV feels stable on twisty roads, harnessing immense grip from its wide tires. Clearly designed for on-road prowess, it still manages to handle changes in direction sharply.
If comfort is your priority, the standard setup is the way to go, offering a more balanced ride. Yet, the plug-in hybrid, burdened by its heavier batteries, sacrifices a bit of nimbleness.
Rating: 8/10
Speed and acceleration
Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport doesn't mess around when it comes to speed. Take the base model, the Range Rover Sport SE, for a spin, and you'll hit 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds – talk about acceleration!
And let's not forget, this SUV isn't just quick off the mark; it can reach a top speed of 140 mph. So, whether you're cruising the city streets or hitting the open road, the Range Rover Sport isn't just a luxury ride - it has some serious get-up-and-go.
Rating: 8/10
BMW X5
Need that adrenaline rush? The BMW X5 has your back!
In just 3.8 seconds, you can reach 60mph. Although the current top speed for a BMW X5 is around 130mph, other models can exceed this speed. For example, the BMW X5 M can reach roaring speeds of 177 mph.
But here's something cool: BMW’s all about sustainability, right? Well, they’ve thrown in an electric motor with a 25.7 kWh capacity, giving you a mighty 194 bhp. This means you can zip along the road on pure electric power before the petrol engine even kicks in.
So, if you're chasing that rush and want a ride that's fast and eco-smart, the X5’s got you covered. It’s speed, power, and sustainability, all wrapped up in one sleek SUV package!
Rating: 9/10
Safety ratings
Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport features an advanced Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system that effectively responds to both pedestrians and cyclists to keep you, your passengers and other road users safe whilst you’re behind the wheel.
The Range Rover Sport also comes with front passenger airbags, standard seatbelt reminders, a fatigue detection system, lane support to correct the vehicle's path, and a speed assistance system that helps you stay within speed limits. We found this to be especially useful when driving in suburban areas, where speed limits are known to chop and change by 10 or even 20 mph at a moment’s notice.
With all these features, it's no wonder the Range Rover Sport earned a 5-star safety rating as of 2022.
Rating: 9/10
BMW X5
This SUV consistently earns high safety ratings from trusted organisations like the NHTSA and IIHS, excelling in various crash tests, including frontal, side, and rollover assessments.
When it comes to safety features, the X5 boasts advanced technologies like adaptive LED headlights for better visibility, improved stability, traction control systems for enhanced handling, and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for additional help.
Like the Range Rover Sport, the BMW X5 has received a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP for its safety measures.
Rating: 9/10
Fuel economy
Range Rover Sport
Whether you'd prefer a petrol, diesel or electric car, the Range Rover Sport has an impressive fuel economy.
The diesel model offers between 35 and 38 mpg, while the petrol-powered counterpart achieves in the region of 30 mpg. Hybrid models have slightly better fuel economies, with certain models managing to travel an incredible 76 miles on electric power alone.
It's safe to say that the Range Rover Sport offers a versatile range of fuel options to suit every driver's preferences, blending power and efficiency in its diverse lineup.
Rating: 8/10
BMW X5
When it comes to the BMW X5, you’ll get a similarly impressive range regardless of your fuel of choice.
While petrol models, like the M50i, tend to be less fuel-efficient and more expensive to run, diesel options can range from 30-34mpg.
Compared to the Range Rover, their plug-in hybrids boast a remarkable 235mpg figure. These models can travel up to 60 miles on electric power alone, making them suitable for daily short trips. However, while these models emit low levels of CO2, the overall running costs for any X5 variant aren't much cheaper.
Considering EV-specific home energy tariffs for cost savings is crucial, as standard costs or public charging may not yield significant benefits over petrol or diesel.
Rating: 7/10
Interior detailing
Range Rover Sport
The inside of a Range Rover Sport exudes luxury and comfort. It's like stepping into a high-end hotel - every inch of the car’s interior is decked out in top-quality materials that make you feel like royalty. The seats? Think cosy, dreamy leather that hugs you just right.
Range Rover has truly thought of everything, from a fancy Meridian sound system to a heated steering wheel for those chilly mornings. Plus, the cabin space has dual-zone climate control that can help keep your car feeling fresh. It's a big SUV, but Range Rover has made it feel snug with a smart and comfy design that'll make those long drives much more bearable.
Rating: 9/10
BMW X5
The BMW X5's interior follows a different vibe compared to newer BMW models, favouring dual large screens over lots of physical buttons. Even with this tech-forward approach, a sense of sturdiness and premium quality is hard to miss. The higher-end X5 models boast leather-clad dashboards, while even the base models flaunt luxe materials and leather seats with all the electronic tweaks.
BMW’s iDrive system blends into the whole setup, perfectly intertwining luxury and practicality. Like the Range Rover, the X5 lets you connect your phone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to ensure your favourite songs are always just a few taps away. And, the cherry on top of the cake? A panoramic sunroof and toasty heated seats mean you can take those night drives to the next level.
Rating: 8/10
Exterior and bodywork
Range Rover Sport
The Range Rover Sport's exterior is designed with both style and functionality in mind. Its array of features balances practicality with a refined aesthetic, from the heated windscreen and washer jets to the sleek body-coloured roof and auto-dimming mirrors. With thoughtful additions like rain-sensing wipers and a high-mounted stoplight, this SUV ensures safety and convenience in various weather conditions.
These elements, coupled with clean lines and minimalist branding, contribute to its modern and sophisticated appearance, making the Range Rover Sport an impressive presence on the road.
Rating: 8/10
BMW X5
The BMW X5 rocks an awesome combo of style and engineering prowess in its exterior. It boasts sleek LED headlights and a distinctive illuminated grille that adds a striking flair, especially on the M Sport variant.
Along the wings of the X5, you'll notice bold air intakes and 22-inch wheels, giving it a robust yet luxurious look. The rear design is equally modern, featuring LED lights with a cool three-dimensional style and a sleek Glacier Silver skid plate. Overall, the X5 has a confident and contemporary appearance that'll definitely capture people's attention.
Rating: 8/10
The Verdict: Range Rover Sport vs BMW X5
Now that we've seen what these two SUVs have to offer, let's take a look at the final scores.
Range Rover Sport: 51/60
BMW X5: 49/60
And the winner is the Range Rover Sport!
While the BMW X5 showcased remarkable features and strengths, the Range Rover Sport excelled in various aspects, securing higher ratings across handling, safety, and interior quality.
The BMW X5 didn't fall far behind, displaying excellent speed and acceleration. But in this head-to-head, the Range Rover Sport is the preferred choice for those seeking a blend of performance, safety, and luxurious interior comfort in their SUV.
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Both of these luxury car brands offer top-tier comfort, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional performance, making them excellent choices.
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For further luxury inspiration, take a look at Slingo's lifestyle news or check out these blogs:
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FAQs
Which is more reliable, the BMW X5 or the Range Rover Sport?
Reliability can vary between individual models and specific years. Historically, BMW tends to have a slightly better reputation for reliability compared to Range Rover. However, both brands have made improvements in recent years, and reliability can differ between different versions or model years. Researching specific models, reading reviews, and considering maintenance history can provide a clearer idea of reliability for each car.
Is a Range Rover Sport the same size as a BMW X5?
The Range Rover Sport and BMW X5 are similar in size, falling within the midsize luxury SUV range. However, there might be slight variations in dimensions between specific model years and trims. Generally, both vehicles offer similar seating capacities and cabin space, but exact measurements can vary. It's a good idea to compare specific dimensions of the models you're interested in for a more accurate assessment.
Which is better, Range Rover or BMW?
Determining whether a Range Rover or BMW is better largely depends on individual preferences and priorities. Both brands offer high-quality vehicles with distinct characteristics. Range Rover vehicles often prioritise luxuriousness, off-road capabilities, and a distinctive design, while BMW models typically emphasise performance, driving dynamics, and advanced technology.
Assessing your specific needs, such as intended use, driving preferences, and desired features, will help determine which brand aligns better with your requirements.
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