2024 BMW X5 vs 2024 Chevrolet Suburban

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, though the M Sport treatment was less favoured, 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 worthy upgrade despite potential replacement costs. The X5 offered various powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder, a turbo-six PHEV, and a turbocharged V8, with high-performance variants available. The xDrive50e M Sport Pro specification test vehicle showcased Brooklyn Grey paint and included every available equipment package. Updates for 2024 included a BMW Curved Display and reduced physical switchgear, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban, a long-standing automotive icon, blended into traffic despite its massive size. Measuring 5,733 millimetres in length and 1,923 millimetres in height, it was not suited for urban environments but ideal for those needing ample cargo and passenger space. Available in six trims, from LS to High Country, the Suburban offered features like automatic windshield wipers and LED lights, with higher trims adding luxury touches. However, some expected features remained optional, even on top trims. The interior provided comfort with leather upholstery from the LT trim upwards, and the High Country trim featured premium leather options. Despite its size, the Suburban's interior felt somewhat ordinary, though it offered practical features like a heated steering wheel and tri-zone climate control.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced new mild-hybrid engines and enhanced the xDrive50e PHEV’s electric range and power. The PHEV boasted a 19.2 kWh battery and a 7.4 kW charging rate, offering 63 kilometres of electric-only driving. It delivered 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 96 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV excelled in efficiency, achieving 7.0 L/100 km in hybrid mode. Equipped with adaptive damping air suspension, it handled well despite its weight, offering excellent visibility and steering. The X5 was praised for its performance in Sport mode, providing superb acceleration and handling, with effective brakes and energy recuperation during drives.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban offered three engine options: a 5.3-litre V8 with 355 horsepower, a 6.2-litre V8 with 420 horsepower, and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel with 277 horsepower. The 5.3-litre V8 provided a towing capacity of 3,765 kilograms with the Max Trailering Package. The 6.2-litre V8 offered smoother acceleration, while the diesel engine excelled in fuel economy and towing. The 10-speed automatic transmission was well-tuned, though the electronic button-style shift mechanism might not appeal to all. Standard rear-wheel drive was available on lower trims, with four-wheel drive standard on others. The Suburban’s steering and brakes were commendable, and the air suspension managed rough roads effectively, though its size necessitated cautious driving.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior for five, with a cargo area of 937 litres, expandable to 2,016 litres. The split liftgate design provided seating but required stretching to access deep cargo. The interior featured standard Sensafin artificial leather, with optional 20-way power-adjustable seats and climate control upgrades. Rear passengers enjoyed comfort with available sunshades and a panoramic sunroof. However, the X5 no longer offered a third-row seat, unlike the larger BMW X7.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban excelled in cargo space, offering 1,175 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,656 litres with seats folded, and a maximum of 4,097 litres. It surpassed competitors like the Ford Expedition Max in capacity, making it ideal for large families and road trips. The Suburban featured a 106-litre fuel tank, allowing over 1,000 kilometres of highway driving with the diesel engine. Its vast interior space and fuel efficiency made it a top choice for those needing extensive cargo and passenger capacity.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured a BMW Curved Display combining a 12.3-inch digital panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen. Running BMW Operating System 8.5, it offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. The system included a cloud-based navigation and Intelligent Personal Assistant, though voice recognition performance was lacking. The optional Harman Kardon sound system impressed, while the head-up display and augmented video navigation added value. However, the reduction in physical controls was less favourable due to the assistant’s limitations.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban came with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, standard on most trims, featuring Google Built-in for seamless access to apps like Google Maps. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were included, with a rear-seat entertainment system as an option. The 10-speaker Bose audio system provided decent sound but lacked depth compared to competitors. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the upcoming 2025 model promised more significant tech updates.

The 2024 BMW X5 offered the Highway Assistant hands-free driving system, effective in specific traffic conditions but occasionally causing abrupt braking. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance performed well, though the system misinterpreted obstacles at times. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS but missed an award due to headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating.

The 2024 Chevrolet Suburban received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with strong side-crash results but lower rollover ratings. It included standard ADAS features like forward collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered Super Cruise, a semi-autonomous driving system, enhancing safety on pre-mapped roads. The Suburban’s comprehensive safety features made it a reliable choice for families.