2025 Cadillac Escalade vs 2024 BMW X5

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 Pro specification test vehicle came with Brooklyn Grey paint, 21-inch wheels, and all available equipment packages. 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 Cadillac Escalade, the largest and most expensive Cadillac, continued to embody old-school luxury, replacing models like the Fleetwoods and DeVilles. The updated design further distinguished it from its Chevrolet and GMC counterparts, featuring a new front end that aligned it stylistically with Cadillac EVs. The Escalade retained its tall, vertical taillights reminiscent of classic Cadillacs and introduced 24-inch wheels. Cadillac offered standard and long-wheelbase body styles with various trim levels, including the performance-oriented Escalade-V. Inside, Cadillac worked to differentiate the Escalade from other GM SUVs, replacing the 38-inch OLED display with a 55-inch display spanning the dashboard. The interior offered a range of leather options and curated motifs, with the Premium Luxury Platinum test car featuring Whisper Beige upholstery and wood trim, showcasing impressive craftsmanship for a mainstream automaker.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with significant enhancements to the xDrive50e PHEV’s electric range and power output. The PHEV featured a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, doubling the maximum AC charging rate to 7.4 kW. The xDrive50e offered 63 km of electric-only driving, with a combined fuel consumption of 10.6 L/100 km. It produced 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 96 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV excelled in both electric and hybrid modes, with an adaptive damping air suspension masking its weight and providing excellent ride quality. The X5 delivered impressive performance during a canyon run, with excellent acceleration, grip, and steering, and achieved an average fuel economy of 6.0 L/100 km over a 154 km evaluation drive.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade dropped the Duramax turbodiesel option, leaving the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Escalade-V continued with a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 producing 682 hp and 653 lb-ft of torque. All models featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing a balance of low and high ratios for efficient driving. In Canada, 4WD was standard on most models, with the Escalade-V featuring a performance-oriented AWD system. Magnetic Ride Control damping was standard on all but the base Luxury grade, but the Escalade’s body-on-frame construction limited its on-road handling compared to unibody SUVs. The V8 provided quick acceleration, but the brakes lacked confidence, with an optional Performance Upgrade Package offering Brembo calipers and other enhancements.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with seating for five and a cargo area expanding from 937 litres to 2,016 litres with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to access deep cargo. The test vehicle featured BMW’s Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, standard sport seats, and available 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation. Four-zone automatic climate control, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats were also available. The panoramic sunroof extended over the rear seats, enhancing the view, while side window sunshades protected passengers from the sun. The X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade, available in standard and long-wheelbase configurations, offered ample interior space, with the ESV model providing additional cargo space and third-row legroom. Seating for up to eight was available, or seven with second-row captain’s chairs. The Escalade boasted the most first-row headroom in its class, with competitive second-row headroom and legroom. The standard-length model offered 722 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 3,412 litres with the seats folded. ESV models further increased cargo capacity, surpassing the Lincoln Navigator L. The Escalade’s towing capacity met segment expectations, though it lacked some of the towing features offered by competitors like Lincoln.

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. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, failing to provide accurate directions and responses. The available head-up display effectively conveyed data, and an augmented video function enhanced navigation. Despite the assistant’s shortcomings, the technology suite offered a modern and connected experience.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade introduced a 55-inch door-to-door display, incorporating a digital instrument cluster, central infotainment touchscreen, and front-passenger touchscreen. A 19-speaker AKG audio system was standard, with a 36-speaker version available. The Escalade retained standalone wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a hard button for vehicle operation. The interface was user-friendly, though voice recognition lagged behind competitors. The optional Executive Second Row Package added rear-seat screens, controls, and upgraded seats, enhancing passenger comfort and entertainment.

The 2024 BMW X5 offered the Highway Assistant hands-free driving system, requiring deliberate activation and operating best in specific traffic conditions. The system performed well in dense or light traffic but could behave unpredictably in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance worked effectively, though occasional errant braking occurred. The X5 received high crash-test ratings from the IIHS, but lower headlight ratings prevented an award. The NHTSA gave the X5 a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade included standard driver assist features like adaptive cruise control, blind-zone steering assist, and automatic emergency braking. The Safety Alert Seat provided warnings through vibrations, and Super Cruise allowed hands-free driving on mapped roads. Super Cruise had improved since previous tests, though the handoff to manual control was abrupt. Current crash test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were unavailable at the time of writing.