2020 Cadillac XT4 vs 2019 BMW X5

The 2019 BMW X5 was designed with a focus on delivering a sedan-like driving experience, despite its size and weight. BMW prioritized on-road performance over off-road capabilities, recognizing that most SUV owners preferred a smooth ride on pavement. The X5 offered a five-passenger layout, expandable to seven, though the third row was notably cramped. It came with two turbocharged engine options: a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder and a 4.4-liter V8, both paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. The base xDrive40i model started at $60,700, featuring AWD, adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, and a comprehensive safety suite. Various packages allowed for customization, adding features like keyless entry, satellite radio, and advanced climate controls.

In contrast, the 2020 Cadillac XT4 employed a "Y" trim level strategy, starting with the standard Luxury trim and offering upgrades to Premium Luxury or Sport trims. The test vehicle, in Premium Luxury trim, featured FWD, 20-inch aluminum wheels, and several option packages, totaling $45,660. The XT4 was praised for its visually appealing design, especially with the larger wheels, and its interior offered competitive quality materials. However, some elements, like the black trim around the power window controls, felt out of place in a luxury vehicle. Despite these minor missteps, the XT4's cabin was generally pleasant, with a focus on comfort and style.

The 2019 BMW X5 excelled in performance, with its turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The engine provided consistent power, especially in Sport mode, and the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission offered smooth shifts. The xDrive40i achieved an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined. For those seeking more power, the xDrive50i's V8 engine produced 456 hp and 479 lb-ft, reaching 60 mph in around 4 seconds. The X5's ride quality was impressive, thanks to its Cluster Architecture platform and optional air suspension, which allowed for adjustable ride height and excellent bump absorption.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The engine's torque band contributed to its lively character, though the nine-speed automatic transmission was sometimes hesitant to downshift. The XT4 returned 24.8 mpg in testing, slightly below the EPA's 26 mpg estimate for FWD models. The XT4's ride and handling were mixed, with good steering effort in Tour mode but an artificially heavy feel in Sport mode. The suspension struggled with speed humps and smaller bumps, though the oversized wheels provided impressive grip.

Inside the 2019 BMW X5, the design shifted to aggressive angles and dual 12.3-inch screens for the iDrive infotainment system. While the design was appealing, some materials felt cheap compared to competitors. The seats were somewhat uncomfortable, lacking ventilation and proper lumbar support. However, the X5 offered ample space, with 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 72.3 cubic feet. The split rear tailgate and air suspension made loading easier, and the X5 could tow up to 7,200 pounds.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4's interior focused on comfort, with soft leather, padded armrests, and heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. The rear passenger compartment was spacious, though the seat cushion lacked support. The XT4's air conditioning system was highly effective, and the cabin offered ample storage space. However, cargo space was limited, with 22.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 48.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. A hands-free power liftgate was available.

The 2019 BMW X5's technology was a disappointment, with gesture controls and voice recognition proving unreliable. The iDrive interface was well-designed but required time to learn. The Driving Assistance Plus package offered limited hands-off driving, but its performance was inconsistent, leading to safety concerns. The X5 did offer useful features like Parking Assistant Plus and a high-quality Harman Kardon stereo, with options for a night-vision system and rear-seat entertainment.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 featured an improved Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The 8-inch touchscreen was intuitive, but a larger screen would have been preferable. The voice-recognition system worked well, though it wasn't integrated with the climate controls. The optional 13-speaker Bose audio system provided a satisfying listening experience, though the test vehicle lacked some advanced features like a head-up display and rear camera mirror.

The 2019 BMW X5 introduced a new brake-by-wire setup, providing a nearly natural feel. It received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA, with 5-star side crash test results. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+, awarding top scores in all tests.

The 2020 Cadillac XT4 added several standard safety features, including forward-collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Premium Luxury and Sport trims added blind-spot warning and lane-change warning systems. The Driver Awareness Package offered additional features like lane-keeping assistance. The XT4 received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not completed all testing.