It’s one thing to compete in such a popular and thriving car sector, but quite another to have played a major role in its very creation - which is the case with each of these trend-shaping and iconic SUVs. Head to head, how do they compare?
Exterior design and dimensions
While both cars are considered to be relatively large SUVs, the BMW X5 is the larger of the two overall at 4,886mm in length, compared to the Range Rover Evoque, which measures 4,370mm. These British and German luxury 4x4s are more similarly aligned in width at 1,900mm and 1,938mm respectively (excluding wing mirrors), but the BMW (1,762mm) is again noticeably taller than the Evoque (1,635mm).
In terms of aesthetics, the Evoque is the softer and sleeker of the two, with a curvaceous silhouette, wraparound headlights, tapered roofline and more rounded rear. The BMW X5 on the other hand is purposefully squarer, more muscular, upright and imposing, with the marque’s trademark kidney grille and chiselled detailing on show.
The BMW is available purely as a 5-door SUV, but the Range Rover Evoque can be chosen in three body styles - Coupé, Five-Door and Convertible - offering added flexibility to suit customers’ lifestyles and personalities.
Conclusion: The BMW wins for road presence and its overall rarer image
First class interiors
Visibility is superb in the BMW X5 thanks to the lofty driving position, and its interior has evolved perfectly to incorporate an even higher quality of materials and elevated levels of comfort.
The car’s shape and dimensions translate into plenty of space for five people, and the X5 can also be specified as a 7-seater if desired. Storage is abundant, the dashboard and controls are driver-focussed in line with BMW’s core principles, while the 650/1,870 litre boot is cavernous. Infotainment is served up by the latest 10.2-inch screen combined with iDrive, and a swathe of optional convenience, luxury, safety and connectivity features are offered.
The Evoque’s more compact interior equally excels, and provides plenty of comfort for up to five. Whereas the BMW’s infotainment screen is mounted on top of the dashboard, the Evoque’s is embedded into the fascia. Large buttons and other chunky controls hint at the car’s off-road heritage, while the rotary Terrain Response selector provides added reassurance in four-wheel drive models. Leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control are found across the range of trims, while various upgrades from a panoramic roof to the range-topping InControl Touch Pro infotainment system can be specified. The Evoque’s 420-litre boot will prove ample for most everyday situations and the rear seats fold completely flat for carrying bulkier loads.
Conclusion: The Evoque instils a slightly stronger sense of off-road ability
Economical yet potent engines
Blending responsiveness and responsibility in a remarkable way, even the base X5 sDrive25d SE’s 2-litre diesel engine delivers a punchy 231bhp while achieving upto 53.3mpg on the combined fuel economy cycle.
In the middle of the X5’s powerplant line-up is the six-cylinder xDrive30d that combines four-wheel drive and relatively excellent MPG of 40.9, while still reaching 62mph in under 7 seconds.
For ultimate performance out of this sports-focussed and agile SUV, there’s the xDrive50i with a V8 at its heart, generating a hefty 449bhp and sprinting to 62mph in 4.9 seconds on its way to a theoretical 155mph.
The Range Rover Evoque is the pick if economy is the primary requirement from a luxury SUV. The highly-respected 2-litre eD4 150bhp e-Capability engine offers incredible fuel consumption of up to 65.7mpg combined, with emissions of just 113g/km.
The sportier-looking Evoque Coupé, paired with the 2-litre 290bhp Si4 petrol engine in four-wheel drive guise, represents the most powerful and engaging Evoque - accelerating to 60mph in an impressive six seconds and on to 144mph.
There’s also a 240bhp diesel unit available for the Evoque called the TD4, providing the best all-round blend of performance and efficiency with credentials of 45.6mpg and 7.5 seconds.
Conclusion: The X5 xDrive30d is hard to beat as an overall package
In numbers…
|
|
BMW X5 |
Range Rover Evoque |
||
|
|
Min |
Max |
Min |
Max |
|
Power(HP) |
231 |
449 |
150 |
290 |
|
Fuel(comb MPG) |
29.4 |
53.3 |
34.5 |
65.7 |
|
Emissions(CO2, g/km) |
139 |
226 |
113 |
185 |
|
Top Speed(mph) |
136 |
155 |
113 |
144 |
|
0 – 60mph in….(seconds) |
4.9 |
7.7 |
6.0 |
10.6 |
|
Price |
£48,140 |
£69,220 |
£30,760 |
£55,300 |
Of the two, the smaller Evoque represents the more affordable route into luxury 4x4 ownership, but the spacious and powerful X5 is equally brilliant at what it does. Ultimately, the choice comes down to budget, and how much space is required. Whether the Brit or German is chosen, a treat is guaranteed. Compare them for yourself at Cooper BMW and Inchcape Land Rover.