2020 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover carried a legacy of luxury and ruggedness, tracing its roots back to the original Series I off-roader. Initially favored by affluent British landowners for its robust 4x4 capabilities, the Range Rover evolved into a luxury SUV in 1969, combining opulence with off-road prowess. By 2020, the Range Rover offered various trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with dual 10-inch screens. Optional upgrades ranged from heated rear seats to a 19-speaker Meridian audio system, enhancing the vehicle's luxurious appeal.

The 2021 BMW X5, known for its high-quality craftsmanship, was a quintessential luxury SUV within BMW's lineup. Its design, marked by the iconic kidney grille and adaptive LED headlights, was unmistakably BMW, though it risked blending in with other models. The X5's interior, while sharing many components with other BMW vehicles, offered a mix of leather and soft-touch materials, though it was prone to dust accumulation. M Sport models featured sportier styling elements, including an M sports steering wheel and unique interior trim. The X5's design emphasized both luxury and functionality, with a focus on delivering a familiar BMW experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered a diverse range of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims boasted a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, with an optional plug-in hybrid powertrain offering 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The SV Autobiography Dynamic trim topped the range with a 557 hp, 516 lb-ft V8. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, ensuring a blend of power and off-road capability.

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

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover offered two wheelbase options: Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB). Both configurations provided standard seating for five, with the option for second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to four for enhanced comfort. The SWB version offered 70.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while the LWB model provided 77.5 cubic feet. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece design, facilitating easy loading and tailgating. Interior storage included a convenient center-console compartment and decently sized door compartments.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with front cupholders positioned conveniently at the center console. The interior featured buttons and dials that were challenging to differentiate at night. Seating was spacious and comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard over longer journeys. The X5 offered an optional third row, though it was not tested in this review. The split liftgate, with full power functionality, made loading cargo easy, and the vehicle height adjustment button was particularly useful for handling awkward-sized items. The X5's cargo area was spacious, though slightly reduced in the xDrive45e model.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, consisting of two touchscreens. The top screen managed navigation, phone, stereo, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while the lower screen controlled climate settings, seat functions, and Terrain Response modes. The system's integrated dials changed functions based on the selected menu, though the reliance on digital screens posed a learning curve. A fully digital instrument panel and optional head-up display enhanced the Range Rover's tech offerings.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system included a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and various connectivity features. Optional upgrades included a head-up display, massaging seats, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar. However, wireless Apple CarPlay occasionally took over music operations unexpectedly, requiring a reset to resolve the issue.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover came with standard safety features such as low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some competitors provided more standard equipment.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package's adaptive cruise control system had issues with timely reactions to stopped traffic and lane-keeping functionality, particularly in sunny conditions. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, despite being subject to seven recalls.