2024 BMW X5 vs 2024 Volvo XC90

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, although 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 equipment 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, aligning it with other BMW models, and introduced the BMW Curved Display, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 was available in B5, B6, and Recharge T8 model series, with the Recharge T8 being a plug-in hybrid offering the most performance and efficiency. All models featured standard all-wheel drive and were offered in Core, Plus, and Ultimate trim levels, with prices ranging from $56,000 to $79,600. The Recharge T8 test vehicle in Ultimate trim included seven-passenger seating, the Lounge Package, active air suspension, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, and a trailer hitch, with an MSRP of $89,145. Volvo excelled in color and materials, offering a subdued and earthy exterior paint palette and various wheel designs. The interior, though dated, featured rich materials, with options for wool-blend upholstery or ventilated Nappa leather, and an Orrefors crystal shift knob added a touch of class. Volvo allowed buyers to mix and match paint, wheels, and upholstery to suit their preferences.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured a new mild-hybrid six-cylinder engine and a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. It boasted a 19.2-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, offering 38 miles of electric-only driving and 22 mpg in combined driving. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft 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, even on challenging roads like Mulholland Highway. The X5 PHEV achieved an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg during evaluation, making it a top choice for those seeking a balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 combined an 18.8-kilowatt-hour battery and a 107-kilowatt electric motor with a supercharged and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 455 horsepower and 523 lb-ft of torque. It offered 32 miles of electric-only driving and 27 mpg in hybrid mode. The Recharge T8 accelerated to 60 mph in five seconds and featured multiple driving modes, including Pure, Power, Hybrid, and Off-Road. While the XC90 provided ample power and a comfortable ride, it lacked the thrilling handling of a performance SUV. The 21-inch wheels affected ride quality, and the aging architecture allowed more cabin noise and vibration. Despite these drawbacks, the XC90 excelled in everyday use, offering electric driving for short trips and a smooth transition to gasoline power when needed.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five people in two rows of seats. The cargo area provided 33.1 cubic feet of space, expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design allowed for convenient seating but required stretching to access items deep in the cargo hold. 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 automatic climate control, and heated rear seats. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the view and providing shade when needed.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 Recharge T8 accommodated seven passengers or six with optional captain's chairs. The interior featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, wood trim, and a four-zone climate control system. The panoramic glass roof added natural light, and higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats with massage, and an integrated booster child seat. The front seats had adjustable lower leg support bolsters, but their design occasionally hindered entry. The XC90 provided a commanding driving position with good sightlines, though the climate control system struggled to cool the cabin in hot weather. The cargo capacity reached 85.7 cubic feet with the second and third-row seats folded.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system running BMW Operating System 8.5. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, connected services, and over-the-air software updates. The Intelligent Personal Assistant, however, struggled with voice recognition, leading to inaccurate directions and responses. The available head-up display effectively conveyed data, and the optional Harman Kardon sound system provided excellent audio quality.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 utilized a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology, offering Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Assistant. It was compatible with Android devices and included Apple CarPlay and SiriusXM satellite radio. The XC90 offered a 14-speaker Harman Kardon or a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system. The infotainment system was intuitive, and the digital voice assistant generally performed well, though occasional rephrasing was necessary. The XC90 also featured a 12-inch digital instrumentation panel, a head-up display, and a surround-view camera.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, which required deliberate activation. It performed well in dense or light traffic but occasionally engaged the brakes unexpectedly. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance worked effectively, though the system misinterpreted obstacles at times. The X5 received high crash-test ratings from the IIHS, but lower headlight ratings prevented an IIHS safety award. The NHTSA awarded the X5 an overall four-star crash-test rating.

The 2024 Volvo XC90 emphasized safety, earning a five-star rating from the NHTSA in most assessments and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS in 2023. However, its advanced driving assistance systems lagged behind competitors, lacking a hands-free driving system. The XC90 featured Pilot Assist, which combined adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assistance. While generally smooth, Pilot Assist struggled with curves and lane markings, and a significant error during testing raised concerns about its reliability.