2021 Buick Enclave vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design, from the iconic kidney grille to the body shape, was unmistakably BMW, offering a sense of familiarity and luxury. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice between xLine and M Sport styling, with the latter providing a sportier appearance through body-colour matched trims and high-gloss black accents. Inside, the X5 maintained the brand's signature interior design, with a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though it was criticized for its overuse of black plastic. The M Sport models added unique styling elements, enhancing the sporty feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to Buick's glory days with its impressive size and presence. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave offered a luxurious and spacious interior, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured unique grille patterns and polished 20-inch wheels. The interior boasted a minimalist design with soft, perforated leather and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine. The Enclave's simplicity extended to its controls, with a focus on comfort and ease of use, despite the somewhat fussy electronic transmission shifter. The Enclave's design successfully combined Buick's past grandeur with modern SUV preferences.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model featured a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, with all-wheel drive as standard. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered up to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The new xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offering up to 50 kilometres of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were criticized for lacking the engaging drive experience typical of BMW, with dynamics more akin to a Lincoln.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a simpler approach with a 3.6-litre V6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produced 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, with front-wheel drive standard on the Essence trim and all-wheel drive on higher trims. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, aided by the low torque peak, and it handled like a smaller SUV despite its size. The Avenir Technology Package added a premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave's ride and handling were praised for their comfort and adaptability across various driving conditions. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres combined, or 11.8 L/100 km with AWD.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats were spacious enough for two adults, with an optional third row available. The X5's split liftgate and adjustable vehicle height made loading cargo easier, though the doors did not open wide enough for easy access to the second row. The xDrive45e model offered slightly less cargo space due to the battery, but this was negligible for most buyers.

The 2021 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space, offering room for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massage functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The centre console provided ample storage, and the second-row captain's chairs and third-row bench seat offered comfort and easy access. The Enclave's cargo space was impressive, with 668 litres behind the third row, 1,642 litres with the third row folded, and 2,764 litres with the second row down. The Enclave's size and design ensured a comfortable and quiet ride.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital gauge cluster, and a 10-speaker sound system. Additional features included voice recognition, Bluetooth, USB ports, navigation, and a panoramic sunroof. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, quad-zone climate control, a wireless charger, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with quick response times and a simple interface. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a WiFi hotspot. Upgrades offered a premium sound system, navigation, wireless charging, and a surround-view camera. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose system were less competitive compared to rivals. The rear camera mirror provided a useful live video feed of the rear view.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package's adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems were criticized for inconsistent performance, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were more limited, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard in Canada. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, added forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and park assist sensors. Adaptive cruise control and enhanced emergency braking were only available with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars. The IIHS gave it high marks, but a Marginal headlight rating prevented a Top Safety Pick accolade.