2025 BMW X5 vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2025 BMW X5 had gracefully evolved from its predecessors, maintaining its distinctive proportions while incorporating intriguing new details. The cab-rearward profile and rounded fender arches were complemented by arrow-shaped lighting elements in the headlights and taillights, which added a three-dimensional shape. The front fascia was somewhat busy, but the signature twin-kidney grille remained reasonably sized. The optional M Sport Package introduced sportier bumpers and Shadowline trim, with further upgrades available in the M Sport Professional version. The X5 Silver Anniversary Edition celebrated its 25th anniversary with unique features like Lime Rock Grey paint and an off-road package, showcasing the array of trim options available. Inside, the X5's interior evolved gradually, maintaining a connection to previous generations with a focus on quality, albeit with a plainer appearance compared to some competitors.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender, on the other hand, presented a rugged and customizable design. The Defender 110 four-door model struck a balance in design, while the Defender 90 appeared stubby and the 130 carried more visual mass. Base prices ranged from $58,525 to $120,525, with the Defender OCTA priced at $153,625. The Defender 130 X trim included the Extended Black Exterior Pack and off-roading technology as standard. The test vehicle featured 20-inch wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires and options like the Towing Pack and Climate Pack. The Gondwana Stone paint didn't complement the orange brake calipers, and the 20-inch wheels seemed delicate. Inside, the Defender X upgraded to premium Windsor hides and Kvadrat fabric, with an industrial theme that emphasized purpose over luxury.

The 2025 BMW X5 offered a range of powertrain options, starting with the RWD X5 sDrive40i and AWD X5 xDrive40i, both powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine producing 375 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. The AWD-only X5 M60i xDrive featured a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Both models shared an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild hybrid system. The X5 plug-in hybrid, the xDrive50e, combined the inline-six with a larger electric motor, delivering a total system output of 483 hp and 516 lb-ft, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.6 seconds and up to 39 miles of all-electric range. The Silver Anniversary Edition included the xOffroad Package, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender's test vehicle featured a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The Defender X came with an adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes, including off-road capabilities. The Defender excelled off-road, with its 11.4 inches of ground clearance and impressive approach, breakover, and departure angles. On-road, the Defender 130's 20-inch wheels and Pirellis limited its agility, but it cruised comfortably on highways. The Defender's six-cylinder engine provided ample power, though the brakes were occasionally challenging to modulate. The test vehicle achieved 16.2 mpg in combined driving, below the expected 19 mpg.

The 2025 BMW X5 was a two-row, five-seater SUV with generous passenger space, though not class-leading. It offered slightly less first-row legroom compared to competitors like the Acura MDX and Audi Q7 but provided more headroom. The X5's sport seats offered extra bolstering for cornering and comfort on long drives. The cargo space measured 33.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.3 cubic feet with the second row folded. The split tailgate design was a standout feature, providing convenience for loading and tailgate parties. The X5's towing capacity was 7,200 pounds, competitive for its size.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 offered three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The Defender's tall seating position provided excellent forward visibility, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. The panoramic sunroof and fixed glass panel over the third row created an open and airy feel. The Defender 130's cargo space was limited to 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 43.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 89 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, but a button allowed for lowering the air suspension for easier loading.

The 2025 BMW X5 featured a curved dashboard display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running BMW Operating System 8. The system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a rotary controller, touchscreen, voice recognition, and gesture control. The angular instrument cluster layout was distinctive and easy to read, with a speed readout in the center. Augmented reality navigation and digital key connectivity were welcome additions.

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, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and connected services. The Pivi Pro system had improved response and accuracy, passing voice prompt tests with ease. The user experience was more intuitive, and programming favorite radio stations was straightforward. The Defender's Meridian premium sound system impressed, and additional features included a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2025 BMW X5 came with standard Active Driving Assistant features, including lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and forward collision warning. The optional Driving Assistance Professional Package added Highway Assistant, a hands-free system for speeds up to 85 mph. The Parking Assistant setup included Reversing Assistant, with an optional Parking Assistance Professional Package offering additional features. The X5 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with driver aids such as automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. The adaptive cruise and lane-centering assist operated smoothly, though the lane-keep assist occasionally attempted to steer the Defender into a turnout area. Crash-test ratings for the Defender were unavailable at press time.