New Range Rover Sport vs BMW X5: verdict
The new Range Rover Sport steps up to the plate to face its luxury SUV rival from BMW. Let’s see if it can knock the ball out of the park...
Our verdict
It’s taken a thoroughly brilliant effort to dethrone our favourite luxury SUV, but the new Range Rover Sport is exactly that. Lovely to sit in, relaxing to drive and cheaper than you might think to own, it’s an SUV that backs up to its immense desirability with real substance.
The traffic isn’t entirely one way, though; the X5 is still a very fine car, with a superior infotainment system, better performance and slightly sharper handling. It’s just a shame its lower list price doesn’t translate to cheaper long-term ownership costs.
Don’t buy either car assuming you’re doing the environment a favour, though. Even if you charge up religiously, you’re unlikely to ever offset the huge carbon footprint from their manufacture – something you’d do after several years if you bought a fully electric car.
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1st – Range Rover Sport
For Brilliant driving position; more cosseting ride; quieter cruiser; faster charging
Against Disappointing efficiency; diesel versions ride even more smoothly
Recommended options Metallic paint (£895)
What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5
Read our full Range Rover Sport review >>
Find Range Rover Sport deals >>
2nd – BMW X5
For Stronger performance; better infotainment system; more agile
Against Inferior electric range; you’ll want to add options; slow charging
Recommended options Comfort Pack (£2495), Technology Plus Pack (£2300)
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
Read our full BMW X5 review >>
Find BMW X5 deals >>
Specifications: Range Rover Sport P440e Dynamic SE
Engine 6cyl, 2996cc, turbo, petrol, electric motor
Peak power 434bhp (combined)
Peak torque 457Ib ft (combined)
Gearbox 8-spd automatic
0-60mph 5.9sec
30-70mph 5.4sec
Top speed 140mph
30-0mph 12.1m
70-0mph 69.1m
Noise at 30mph 57.9db
Noise at 70mph 64.4db
Kerb weight 2735kg
Tyre size (std) 275/50 R21
Fuel tank 72 litres
CO2 emissions 18g/km
Battery capacity 31.8kWh
Peak charging rate 50kW
Charging time 7kWh wallbox 5hr (0-100%), rapid charger 50kWh 50min (10-80%)
Specifications: BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport (Pro/Tech packs)
Engine 6cyl, 2998cc, turbo, petrol, plus electric motor
Peak power 389bhp (combined)
Peak torque 443Ib ft (combined)
Gearbox 8-spd automatic
0-60mph 4.9sec
30-70mph 4.6sec
Top speed 146mph
30-0mph 10.7m
70-0mph 58.3m
Noise at 30mph 59.6db
Noise at 70mph 66.3db
Kerb weight 2510kg
Tyre size (std) 275/40 R21 (f), 315/35 R21 (r)
Fuel tank 69 litres
CO2 emissions 30g/km
Battery capacity 20.9kWh
Peak charging rate 3.7kW
Charging time 7hr 15min (0-100%)
Weather conditions Damp
Cars pictured
BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport with Arctic Grey metallic paint (£795) and Ivory White/Black extended merino leather (£995)
Range Rover Sport P440e Dynamic SE with Varesine Blue metallic paint (£895), SV Bespoke black 22in alloy wheels (£1600), Black Exterior Pack (£1450) and black contrast roof (£950)
