2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 BMW X5

The 2021 BMW X5 was a testament to BMW's renowned craftsmanship, fitting seamlessly into the brand's lineup of true SUVs. Its design, characterized by the iconic kidney grille and familiar body shape, ensured it was unmistakably a BMW. While this consistency was reassuring for brand loyalists, it also meant the X5 could blend in with other BMW models in a crowded parking lot. The exterior featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice between xLine and M Sport styling, with the latter offering a sportier appearance through body-color matched trims and high-gloss black accents. Wheel options ranged from 19 to 22 inches, adding to its customizable appeal. Inside, the X5's interior was a mix of familiar BMW elements, with a focus on leather and soft-touch materials, though the abundance of black plastic was prone to collecting dust. M Sport models boasted unique interior styling, including an M sports steering wheel and exclusive trim strips.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, a hallmark of Land Rover's luxury SUVs. Its design was a scaled-down version of the larger Range Rover, maintaining the brand's signature proportions in a sporty package. The Velar's exterior was a blend of blocky and streamlined elements, with a sloping roof and flush door handles contributing to its sleek appearance. Special details like taillight lenses with depth illusions and air ducts reminiscent of Bugatti's NACA ducts added to its allure. The R-Dynamic trim introduced bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper. Inside, the Velar's cabin was stylish yet understated, with high-quality materials and a polished black center stack. The infotainment system featured three screens with sharp graphics, and upper trims offered additional luxury touches. Despite its base trim, the Velar's interior maintained a high standard of fit and finish.

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 producing 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque, with rear-wheel drive available only on the base model. 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 achieved 389 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque, offering up to 30 miles of all-electric range. Despite its power, the X5's steering and handling were less engaging than expected, with dynamics more akin to a Lincoln. The cabin was quiet, and the suspension absorbed road imperfections well. Charging the X5 was convenient, with a five-hour charge time on a Level 2 charger and an EPA-estimated 400-mile range.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in improved handling and steering compared to previous Land Rover models. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a plush "magic carpet" experience. The Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but the Velar's street-focused design limited its off-road capabilities. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivered 340 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque, with the R-Dynamic HSE offering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft. This powertrain provided the performance expected by luxury buyers while reducing emissions.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with well-placed cupholders and a wireless phone charging pad. The seating was comfortable for short trips, though the front seats could feel hard after extended periods. The rear seats were spacious enough for two adults, and an optional third row was available. The climate controls were easy to manage, and the split liftgate with power functionality made loading cargo convenient. The X5's cargo area was spacious without the third row, though the xDrive45e offered slightly less space. However, the rear doors did not open very wide, making it challenging to move children and cargo in and out.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was tighter than midsize SUVs, with limited headroom and visibility due to thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was modest, with 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design sacrifices practicality for style, and the lack of a discrete parking brake control was a significant oversight. The new Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability, but the redesigned controls were frustrating. Despite these issues, the Velar's interior remained stylish and high-quality.

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, voice recognition, Bluetooth, five USB ports, navigation, HD Radio, satellite radio, automatic climate control, a proximity key, and a panoramic moonroof. Optional features included remote start, a head-up display, quad-zone climate control, a wireless charger, massaging seats, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and premium audio systems. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once familiar.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was surprisingly reliable, with a simplified layout and customizable features. The system included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, a heated windshield, and advanced navigation features. The 4x4 app provided off-road information, and the 360-degree cameras offered a comprehensive view. The instrument panel was versatile, though the driving assist display lacked detail. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, power heated front seats, a proximity key, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, fatigue alert, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. 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.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been crash-tested by U.S. agencies, but it scored well in the European NCAP. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.