Stunning speed and carpool-duty comfort in one pricey package. Once you’ve driven a BMW X5 M, you just might have a hard time convincing yourself that any other SUV will suffice. Could the dry cleaning be dropped off, the kids picked up, and the five-inch puddle from the broken water main be forded in a regular X5 or a Mercedes-Benz GLE-class? Surely.
Pros Absurdly quick, credibly seats five, luxurious interior comes standard.
Cons Comparatively small cargo hold, too many drive modes, lack of active safety tech.
The 2018 BMW X5 M handles everyday SUV duty with comfort, style and refinement. It's also ridiculously fast and cuts winding roads like a knife. How fast? It dashes from zero to 60 mph in 4 seconds flat, a shade faster than BMW's iconic M4 sport coupe. Now wondering whether you need an SUV that makes more than 500 horsepower or reaches a top speed of 160 mph misses the point. It's best to just marvel at a machine that can take you for both a sedate run to Costco, or to county jail for excessive speed, with such ease.
PROS Outlandish acceleration and handling for an SUV Interior materials are impeccable Front seats are comfortable and supportive
CONS No option for a third-row seat Sporty suspension may feel too firm for some drivers, passengers Gas pedal sometimes responds slowly in low-speed driving
A backup camera is now standard, as are trapezoidal tailpipes for the 35i and 35d models.The high-performance X5 M is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine that makes 567 hp and 553 pounds-feet of torque. The engine works with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and power is routed to all four wheels. BMW says the X5 M can hit 60 mph in just 4 seconds. As expected of a performance offshoot, the X5 M has unique bumpers, aggressive side sills and highly bolstered sport seats.
Pros Seat comfort Handling Cabin materials Diesel's estimated fuel economy iDrive control system
Cons Leather upholstery not standard Awkward liftgate and tailgate combo
The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar takes chances in its exterior and interior and wins spectacularly. It’s a new benchmark for the luxury SUV company.
Pros Gorgeous shape Adjustable and capable air suspension Modern and sleek interior Opulent interior... …made better by extra-cost cloth fabric
Cons Six figures for a mid-size SUV is a thing now Engines feel old now Big wheels = tough ride Did someone say more for cloth? Just enough second-row space
The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar ranked #7 in Luxury Midsize SUVs. Currently the Land Rover Range Rover Velar has a score of 8.6 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 12 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Innovative, responsive infotainment system with dual touch screens Lots of cargo space Excellent fuel economy Quiet, polished ride
Cons No robust V8 engine option
The 2018 Land Rover Range Rover Velar is a new vehicle.
PROS Distinctive styling inside and out Refined driving experience Strong V6 engine
CONS Touch-sensitive steering wheel controls give too many false positives Gloss-black interior is a fingerprint magnet
