2025 Volkswagen Atlas 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 Volkswagen Atlas was available in four trim levels in Canada: Comfortline, Peak Edition, Highline, and Execline. The Atlas Peak Edition had an off-road appearance, while the Execline was sportier with the most standard equipment. A five-passenger version, the Atlas Cross Sport, offered a more rakish design. Base prices ranged from $50,995 to $60,995, excluding destination charges and fees. The test vehicle was an Atlas Execline in Mountain Lake Blue with a Shetland Beige leather interior, positioned at the top of the price range. The Atlas Execline featured polished aluminum detailing, front and rear light bars, and 21-inch wheels with a machined finish, giving it a chiseled, muscular, and upscale appearance. Inside, diamond-stitched leather, metallic accents, and artificial wood created a warm and inviting environment, complemented by digital instrumentation and a large infotainment touchscreen with appealing graphics. However, the touch-sensitive temperature and stereo volume controls were not satisfying to use, especially without gloves.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with a significant upgrade 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 kilometres of electric-only driving and achieved 10.6 L/100 km in combined driving. It produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 96 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was praised for its driving dynamics, with adaptive damping air suspension and excellent handling in Sport mode. It delivered an average fuel economy of 6.0 L/100 km during a 154-kilometre evaluation drive.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas replaced its previous engine options with a new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 269 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Despite initial concerns about its performance in an eight-passenger SUV, the engine proved refined and satisfying for daily driving tasks. The Atlas returned 15.2 L/100 km in city driving and 12.3 L/100 km over a 110+ kilometre route. However, the ride quality was criticized for lacking impact isolation, with excessive body motions at highway speeds. The Atlas’s handling was predictable, with the tires being the weakest link. The brakes resisted rumble and fade, but the excess body motions remained undesirable.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five people in two rows of seats. The cargo area provided 937 litres of space, expanding to 2,016 litres with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design offered a convenient seating area but required stretching to reach items deep in the cargo hold. The test vehicle featured BMW’s Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, sport seats, and available 20-way power-adjustable multi-contour front seats with heating and ventilation. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed comfort with supportive cushions and a panoramic sunroof. However, the X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas excelled in form and function, with a comfortable third-row seat and a cavernous cargo area. The Execline model featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, with excellent outward visibility and a surround-view camera system. The second-row bench seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with ample leg-, foot-, and headroom. The third-row seat provided adequate leg support and easy access. Storage space was commendable in all three rows, with a total cargo capacity of 2,735 litres with the second-row seats folded.

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 connectivity, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and over-the-air software updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, was criticized for its performance, struggling with voice recognition tasks. The available head-up display and augmented video function for navigation were praised for their effectiveness.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas used VW Group’s MIB3 operating system with a 12-inch touchscreen display. The lack of traditional stereo and climate controls was a drawback, with touch-sensing temperature buttons and a touch-and-slide volume control. The native digital voice assistant was unreliable, but wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided a better experience. The Atlas Execline’s Harman Kardon audio system was highly regarded, but the MIB3 system had user-experience glitches, making it less user-friendly.

The 2024 BMW X5 offered the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, which worked well in dense or light traffic but had some issues in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assistance performed well, but there were instances of errant braking. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, but lower headlight ratings prevented it from earning a safety award. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2025 Volkswagen Atlas featured IQ.Drive, including Front Assist, Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, and Travel Assist. The adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and rear cross-traffic alert system were standard. The Atlas earned a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was a 2024 IIHS “Top Safety Pick.”