2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's SUV lineup. Its design was unmistakably BMW, from the iconic kidney grille to its body shape, ensuring it stood out as a luxury SUV. However, this familiarity also meant it could blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The M Sport models added a sporty flair with body-color matched trim and unique styling elements. Inside, the X5's interior was consistent with BMW's design language, utilizing parts from the brand's extensive catalog. While the interior was not lacking in quality, with leather and soft-touch materials, the abundance of black plastic was prone to collecting dust. M Sport models offered a more aggressive interior design, with exclusive features like an M sports steering wheel and unique trim strips.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to become a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Starting at $92,000, the Range Rover offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, with the potential to reach a price tag of $250,000. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine and a modest selection of options. Despite its age, the Range Rover's design remained timeless, with hallmark features like blacked-out pillars and clean styling. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance. While the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models, it was manageable with some patience. The Range Rover's interior was a blend of comfort and style, though the second row lacked the support and adjustability expected in a vehicle of its class.

The 2021 BMW X5 offered a variety 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 producing 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 model combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, and offering up to 30 miles of all-electric range. The X5's driving dynamics were not as engaging as other BMW models, with steering that felt disconnected and a ride that absorbed road imperfections well. The X5 xDrive45e's charging was convenient, and it achieved an EPA-estimated 50 MPGe when using both electricity and gas.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover provided a range of powertrain choices, including turbodiesel V6 and supercharged V8 engines, as well as mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. The HSE Westminster edition featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine with 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Range Rover's 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured its off-road capabilities. The SUV's adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, while the steering was slow and syrupy, requiring a measured approach to handling. The Range Rover excelled in comfort and quietness, with a commanding driving position and a cabin that isolated occupants from road noise. The EPA estimated the Range Rover's fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, with our test vehicle achieving 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The front seats were comfortable for short trips, but the firmness became noticeable on longer journeys. The rear seats offered ample space for children and two adults, with an optional third row available. The X5's climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with power functionality made loading cargo convenient. The X5 xDrive45e had slightly less cargo space than the traditional X5, but the difference was minimal for most buyers. However, the rear doors did not open wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier entry and exit. The front seats were decadently comfortable, wrapped in quality leather upholstery. However, the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in a slouched seating position. Despite this, the back seat offered quad-zone climate control and heated and ventilated seating positions. Storage space was limited, with dual glove compartments and a small refrigerated bin. The Range Rover's cargo area provided 25 cubic feet of space, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. A button in the cargo area activated the suspension kneel function for easier loading.

The 2021 BMW X5 came equipped with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, voice recognition, Bluetooth, USB ports, navigation, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional upgrades included remote start, a head-up display, massaging seats, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while not entirely intuitive, was manageable with practice. The Range Rover offered a comprehensive head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The SUV included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience. The touch-sensing steering wheel controls and voice assistants with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enhanced the user experience.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight and light rain. The X5 received nearly all Good ratings from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance as standard. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, which performed well, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.