2024 BMW X5 vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

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 specification test vehicle came with Brooklyn Grey paint, optional wheels, and all available equipment packages, priced at $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh and introduced the BMW Curved Display, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender presented a rugged and customizable design, with the Defender 110 four-door model being the most visually balanced. Base prices ranged from $58,525 to $120,525, with the new Defender OCTA priced at $153,625. The Defender 130 test vehicle in X trim included the Extended Black Exterior Pack, upgraded interior materials, and comprehensive off-roading technology, priced at $106,092. It featured 20-inch wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires and options like the Towing Pack and Climate Pack. The test model, painted in Gondwana Stone, lacked the new matte paint protection film, and the color combination with orange brake calipers and twin-spoke wheels was not favored. Inside, the Defender X upgraded to premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, with illuminated door-sill treadplates and metal pedal covers. The interior maintained an industrial theme with quality materials, offering a purposeful look rather than traditional luxury.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with significant improvements in electric range and power output. It boasted a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, doubling the maximum AC charging rate to 7.4 kW. The xDrive50e offered 38 miles of electric-only driving, with a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg. It 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 on various terrains. It achieved an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg during testing, with impressive regenerative braking capabilities.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD with a low-range setting for off-roading. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Defender excelled in off-road environments, with impressive ground clearance and wading depth. However, on-road performance was less engaging, with a focus on comfort and stability. The test vehicle achieved 16.2 mpg in combined driving, below the expected 19 mpg.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e 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 with heating and ventilation. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed comfort and panoramic sunroof views, though a third-row seat was no longer available.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 provided three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The Defender offered excellent forward visibility, though rear visibility was limited. The test vehicle included a Clearsight digital rearview mirror and a surround-view camera system. The panoramic sunroof and fixed glass panel over the third row created an open and airy feel. The Defender 130 excelled in third-row accessibility and comfort, with a side-hinged cargo door and a high load floor. Cargo space ranged from 15.3 to 89 cubic feet, with a 40/20/40-split folding third row.

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. It ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and connected services. The Intelligent Personal Assistant had limitations, struggling with voice recognition and navigation accuracy. However, the head-up display and augmented video function for navigation were praised for their effectiveness.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring an 11.4-inch touchscreen and a configurable digital driver display. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and connected services. Pivi Pro's performance improved, with accurate voice command responses and an intuitive user experience. The Defender also included a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system, enhancing visibility and ease of parking.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, effective in dense or light traffic but occasionally causing irritation in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance performed well, though errant braking episodes were noted. The X5 received high crash-test 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 2025 Land Rover Defender featured driver aids such as automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist. The technology operated smoothly, though lane-keep assist occasionally misdirected the vehicle. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, as the NHTSA and IIHS typically do not test low-volume models like the Defender.