2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a unique blend of style that sat comfortably between the sleek Evoque and the more traditional, boxy Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a distinctive profile, setting it apart from the typical SUV silhouette. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs hinted at performance capabilities. Despite its stylish exterior, the Velar's interior was a departure from its 1969 predecessor, featuring high-quality leather and metal trim that created a cockpit-like feel, making occupants feel enveloped rather than perched on top.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 adhered to the brand's signature design language, ensuring it was unmistakably a BMW. Its proportions and styling were consistent with the brand's SUV lineup, offering a sense of familiarity. The X5 featured adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black trim, depending on the model. Inside, the X5's interior was a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though it shared many design elements with other BMW models. The M Sport models added a touch of aggression with unique styling cues, but the overall design was more about consistency than innovation.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar, particularly in its SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, marked a shift towards performance with the introduction of a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine, producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar's performance was not class-leading, as competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S offered quicker acceleration. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, but its size made it less agile on tight roads. Off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, although the Velar's single-speed transfer case limited its off-road prowess.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, while the X5 M delivered 600 hp, increasing to 617 hp with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid added a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, with up to 30 miles of all-electric range. While the X5's powertrains were capable, its steering dynamics were less engaging than expected from a BMW, with a Lincoln-like feel at higher speeds.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar occupied a unique position in terms of size, being larger than compact luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. However, this did not translate to more interior space, as competitors like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class offered more headroom and legroom. The Velar's cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The avant-garde styling, while visually appealing, limited headroom and visibility, creating a somewhat claustrophobic interior. Towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models rated at 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with a well-organized center console and spacious seating. While the front seats were comfortable for short trips, they became less so on longer journeys. The rear seats were accommodating for adults, and an optional third row was available. The X5's split liftgate and power functionality made loading cargo easy, and the air suspension allowed for height adjustments. Without the third row, the cargo area was spacious, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. The doors' limited opening angle made accessing the second row more challenging.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The upper screen handled smartphone and media functions, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. While the system offered high-quality graphics, its slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and various connectivity options. While the iDrive system required some acclimation, it was user-friendly once familiar. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, premium audio systems, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The wireless Apple CarPlay had connectivity quirks, occasionally taking over audio functions unexpectedly.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as options. Land Rover's driver-assist tech was less sophisticated than competitors, with only lane-keep assist offered.

The 2021 BMW X5 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.