2025 BMW X5 vs 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

The 2025 BMW X5 had gracefully evolved from its predecessors, maintaining the distinctive proportions that defined the original model while incorporating intriguing new details. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which added a three-dimensional flair. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized, avoiding the puzzling designs seen on other BMW models. The optional M Sport Package introduced sportier bumpers and Shadowline trim, with further upgrades available in the M Sport Professional version. The X5 Silver Anniversary Edition celebrated the model's 25th anniversary with unique features like Lime Rock Grey paint and an off-road package, showcasing the array of trim options available.

Inside, the X5's interior represented a gradual evolution of BMW's aesthetic, with a curved dashboard display that maintained connections to previous generations. The quality was evident, though the appearance was plainer compared to rivals like Mercedes-Benz or Genesis. The Silver Anniversary Edition featured carbon fiber trim and illuminated "X5" graphics, enhancing the interior's appeal. Despite the changes, the X5 retained a sense of familiarity and quality that BMW enthusiasts appreciated.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport presented a sportier image within the Range Rover family, with a taller stance and shorter wheelbase that contributed to its athletic appearance. Large front air intakes and fake vents on the hood and fenders added to the sporty look, though the vehicle appeared somewhat tall and narrow from certain angles. The 2025 lineup included SE, Dynamic SE, Autobiography, and SV Edition Two trims, with the Dynamic SE offering a Stealth appearance package featuring Carpathian metallic-gray paint and black 23-inch wheels. The SV Edition 2, the highest-performance model, boasted carbon-fiber wheels and a hood with an exposed patch, giving it a sleeper look compared to rivals like the BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne.

Inside, the Range Rover Sport SV Edition 2 featured red leather upholstery, sport seats with light-up "SV" inserts, and illuminated steering-wheel paddle shifters. The minimalist interior design was consistent across all models, with a touchscreen, stubby shifter, and engine start button maintaining a clean aesthetic. The high console, dash, and door panels created a cockpit-like feel, though it made the front seats feel slightly cramped. Material quality met luxury segment standards, but the use of reflective piano black plastic was a bit excessive.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the RWD X5 sDrive40i and AWD X5 xDrive40i, both powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the X5 to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The AWD-only X5 M60i xDrive featured a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, achieving a zero to 60 mph time of 4.2 seconds. Both models had electronically limited top speeds of 130 mph, which could be increased to 155 mph with optional performance tires. The X5 also offered a plug-in hybrid variant, the xDrive50e, with a total system output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, providing a zero to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and up to 39 miles of all-electric range.

The Silver Anniversary Edition X5 was mechanically identical to the xDrive40i, with the electric motor's instant torque enhancing the smooth power delivery of the inline-six. The chassis delivered precision handling, and the absence of rear-wheel steering made for a pleasant driving experience. The xOffroad Package, standard on the Silver Anniversary Edition, included air suspension, a locking rear differential, and off-road drive modes, though it compromised the X5's on-road dynamics.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport offered multiple powertrain options, all with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The base SE model featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 355 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, while the Dynamic SE offered a higher output of 395 hp and 406 lb-ft, along with a plug-in hybrid powertrain rated at 454 hp and 487 lb-ft. The Autobiography trim increased the plug-in hybrid's output to 543 hp and 590 lb-ft, and also offered a BMW-sourced twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft. The SV Edition Two used the same V8 but with 626 hp, making it the most powerful Range Rover model, achieving zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph.

The Range Rover Sport SV Edition 2 featured sport-tuned air suspension, four-wheel steering, and brake-based torque vectoring, providing agile handling and a luxurious ride. The Terrain Response system, hill descent control, and ascent control were standard across all models, with the Autobiography trim offering a two-speed transfer case for off-roading. The SV Edition 2's carbon-ceramic brakes provided excellent stopping power, and the platform delivered impressive comfort and refinement.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV, offering generous passenger space but not class-leading. It had slightly less first-row legroom than competitors like the Acura MDX, Audi Q7, or Genesis GV80, but provided more first-row headroom than the Acura. The X5's second-row headroom was also slightly better than most rivals, except for the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class. The sport seats in the X5 test car offered extra bolstering for cornering without compromising comfort on long drives. However, the lack of real leather upholstery and front-seat ventilation was noticeable given the X5's price.

The X5 provided 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, comparable to the Mercedes and more than the Audi Q7, Range Rover Sport, or Lexus RX. With the rear seats folded, cargo space increased to 72.3 cubic feet, just behind the GLE. The split tailgate was a unique feature, serving as a backstop and bench, with air suspension allowing for easier access. The X5's 7,200-pound towing capacity was competitive, though slightly less than the Audi Q7 or Mercedes GLE.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport was also a two-row, five-seater SUV, offering similar front-seat headroom to other midsize luxury SUVs. The Acura MDX and Audi Q7 had slightly more legroom, but the Range Rover Sport's sloping roof didn't significantly impact rear-seat headroom. The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class offered more second-row legroom, but the Range Rover Sport's reclining rear seats and 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and memory provided comfort.

The Range Rover Sport offered 31.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, more than the Lexus RX but less than the MDX, X5, GLE, or Genesis GV80. With the rear seats folded, cargo space increased to 53 cubic feet, less than most competitors. The power-operated tailgate and air suspension's "access height" setting facilitated loading and unloading. The Range Rover Sport's 7,716-pound towing capacity for turbo-six and V8 models was competitive, though plug-in hybrids were rated at 6,614 pounds.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and steering wheel controls for intuitive operation. The angular instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read, with a speed readout flanked by a secondary speedometer and tachometer. Augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity were welcome additions.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport shared its screen setup with the larger Range Rover, featuring a 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster and 13.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration were standard. The clean, minimalist design had functional limitations, with most controls requiring touchscreen interaction. Steering-wheel controls offered limited alternatives, but the Pivi Pro infotainment system was responsive, with natural-language voice recognition. The SV Edition 2 featured "Body and Soul Seats" with embedded transducers for a unique audio experience.

The 2025 BMW X5 came standard with Active Driving Assistant, including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added Highway Assistant, a hands-free system for speeds up to 85 mph. The standard Parking Assistant included Reversing Assistant, with an optional Parking Assistance Professional Package offering additional features. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Land Rover Range Rover Sport included standard driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention monitor. The standard 360-degree camera system and digital rearview mirror aided parking, though parking sensors were overly sensitive. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.