The BMW X5 M is an amazing mix of very high performance, luxurious accommodation and SUV practicality, but it doesn’t come cheap.
Pros Fabulous engine Superb handling Loads of technology
Cons Ageing looks Expensive to buy and run Not all the safety features are standard
The all-new 2020 BMW X5 M represents the third generation of the Bavarian automaker's sportiest X5 SUV. It's more powerful than the outgoing X5 M, with 33 horsepower more in standard trim and 50 extra horsepower in the Competition model. The rest of the changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary. Still, its resculpted sheetmetal, enhanced interior, and modernized technology help make the latest X5 M better than ever.
Pros Massive power, stunning acceleration, high-end interior appointments.
Cons Six-figure base price, stiff ride, complicated drive-mode system.
The 2020 BMW X5 M comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.600 horsepower in standard trim and 617 hp with the Competition package.All-wheel-drive system tuned for maximum handling performance.Unique interior and exterior styling touches.
Pros Massive power from both twin-turbo V8 engines Rapid acceleration at any speed Impressive handling for such a big vehicle Includes modern refinements found in the standard X5
Cons Stiff and sometimes unyielding ride Small mirrors and thick roof pillars create large blind spots Not a lot of interior storage
With its rugged body-on-frame construction, heavy duty hardware and new-age technology that enable it to crawl over obstacles, the Prado is not for pretenders. To be fair, the Prado is far from rudimentary. It feels solid on the road at highway speeds and around town, although you quickly learn to take roundabouts a little more gingerly because of the tendency for big, tall and heavy 4WDs like this to lean in corners. The new engine is a worthwhile freshen-up for the Prado but doesn't suddenly transform the vehicle.
Likes New diesel engine is more refined Long range due to better economy and 150L tanks Genuine off-road ability
Dislikes Towing capacity unchanged at 2500kg The price is high, especially on top end models Interior design starting to look a little dated
Cast an eye over the SUV market and you’ll see very few truly off-road capable vehicles. One of them is the Toyota LandCruiser Prado, and here we’ve got the most capable Prado of all, the top-shelf Kakadu.The LandCruiser Prado Kakadu is a very good off-the-shelf off-roader, with its blend of both tradi-tional and modern off-road equipment. With decent all-terrain or mud-terrain tyres (which nearly all standard SUVs would need) we reckon the Kakadu could go just about anywhere.
Likes Rear axle articulation KDSS system Crawl control
Dislikes Lack of power and torque Over-bonnet vision No height-adjustable front suspension