2024 Land Rover Defender vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, though the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch “741M” wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with various trim packages and options available. The xDrive50e M Sport model tested came with Brooklyn Grey paint, 21-inch wheels, and all available equipment packages, priced at $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh and introduced the BMW Curved Display, enhancing the interior with modern technology while retaining high-quality materials.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender combined a classic boxy profile with modern features like angular headlights, aligning it with other Land Rover models. Its interior was more rugged and adventure-ready, akin to a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but with more soft-touch materials. Offered in three body styles—90, 110, and 130—the Defender provided various trims, including S, X-Dynamic SE, X, Carpathian Edition, and Outbound. The Defender 110 S, the most popular configuration, featured the County visual package with white wheels and vintage graphics, emphasizing its throwback appeal. Standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, power-adjustable front seats, and a 10-speaker Meridian sound system, with options for premium leather upholstery and additional climate control features. The Defender's interior was practical, with rubberized floors and numerous cargo compartments, making it suitable for both urban and rugged environments.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with the xDrive50e PHEV receiving a significant upgrade in electric range and power output. The PHEV featured a more powerful electric motor and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery, offering 38 miles of electric-only driving and 22 mpg in combined driving. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was praised for its driving dynamics, with adaptive damping air suspension and excellent handling. It achieved an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg during testing, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender offered several powertrains, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 296 horsepower. The P400 test model featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 395 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Two supercharged V8 options, P500 and P525, delivered 493 hp and 518 hp, respectively. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The Defender excelled in off-road capabilities, with features like adaptive air suspension and Terrain Response 2 system. The P400 model provided ample power for highway driving, though it exhibited some lurching at low speeds. Overall, the Defender offered a pleasant on-road ride with impressive off-road prowess.

The 2024 BMW X5 offered a spacious interior with room for five passengers and a cargo area expanding from 33.1 to 71.2 cubic feet. The split liftgate design provided a convenient seating area but required stretching to access deep cargo. The test vehicle featured Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, standard sport seats, and the Climate Comfort Package, which included 20-way power-adjustable front seats, four-zone climate control, and heated features. The panoramic sunroof and side window sunshades enhanced passenger comfort. The X5 no longer offered a third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender balanced luxury and functionality with soft-touch materials, grip handles, and rubberized floors. Seating capacity varied from five to eight passengers, with the Defender 110 offering an optional third row for children. The Defender 130 provided more space, with 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 76.1 cubic feet with seats folded. The Defender 110 offered 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 78.8 cubic feet with seats folded. The two-door Defender 90 provided 15.6 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 58.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The cargo area featured practical hard plastic surfaces, making it easy to clean.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured a BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and over-the-air updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, leading to inaccurate directions. The head-up display and augmented video function for navigation were praised, but the reduction in physical controls was seen as a drawback.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender came with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and an 11.4-inch touchscreen, offering navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The straightforward setup complemented the Defender's utilitarian design, with home buttons for easy navigation. The system included Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD radio, and a 10-speaker Meridian stereo system, providing a blend of refinement and utility.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving system, which required deliberate activation. It performed well in light traffic but exhibited errant braking in heavy traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance were effective, though the system occasionally misinterpreted obstacles. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS but missed an award due to lower headlight ratings. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2024 Land Rover Defender included standard driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The lane-departure and lane-keeping assist were overly sensitive, but could be deactivated. As of this writing, the Defender had not been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA.