BMW X5

autocar.india

•4d

Go for the Range Rover Sport petrol in 2027 - it will make your city days enjoyable and your long trips with kids and the dog easier. The air suspension glides over broken roads and can lower the car, so the dog hops in without drama, and the cabin stays very quiet, which matters with children on board. It also feels like a true upgrade from your 5 Series - far more special to sit in and arrive in, not just a taller BMW.The BMW X5 will likely be sharper to drive and lighter on its feet, and BMW’s service reach is wider. If you love the 5 Series’ tight, sporty feel, the X5 will feel familiar. But for family comfort first, the Range Rover Sport’s ride and seat comfort win.One honest catch: JLR ownership can be fussier than BMW - higher running costs and occasionally patchy service. Also expect the petrol to be thirsty in town. If that worries you, keep an eye on the X5 reveal in 2027, but if you want the most soothing daily drive and the best road-trip experience for kids and dog, the Range Rover Sport edges it.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

BMW X5

autocar.india

•7w

If you are mostly sitting in the back seat and your use is primarily in the city, the Lexus RX 350h fits that role well. It scores high on refinement, space and luxury, with exceptional attention to detail and a uniquely Japanese take on cabin design. Being a strong hybrid, the RX 350h moves mostly on electric power in traffic, and the switchover is near imperceptible; as you can imagine, fuel consumption is incredibly low by luxury SUV standards. Noise levels are low, so calls or resting in the back seat are easy. Lexus also has a strong record for trouble-free ownership, which matters when you plan to keep the car for a long.There are a few things to note for a back-seat user. The rear seat is comfortable and reclines, but the floor is a bit high, so tall people may sit a little knee-up. It is a wide five-seater, but it does not feel as airy as the biggest rivals. If you want a roomier back seat and a more stretched-leg feel, the Volvo XC90 will feel bigger, and it also gives you seven seats if that ever helps. If you sometimes drive yourself and enjoy a sportier feel, the BMW X5 is the one that feels more lively from the front seat, though its ride can feel firmer in the back.However, both those cars are more expensive than the Lexus, which today spells exceptional value in the segment.

Lexus RX

Volvo XC90

BMW X5

autocar.india

•13w

While there are a few interesting options in this price range, we feel you should pick the BMW X5 xDrive30d M Sport. Apart from being excellent to drive and very luxurious, it will feel like a nice departure from your GLS and Volvo XC90. BMW's straight-six engines are superb when it comes to refinement, smoothness and performance, and given your intended heavy usage, some of which is on the highway, we'd recommend the diesel, which is strong and efficient. You can easily get more than 700km out of a tank of diesel in your mixed driving cycle.An alternative is the Mercedes-Benz GLE, which offers more rear-seat space and a slightly more comfortable ride, though we feel it will be too similar to your GLS, or the Lexus RX 500h, whose smooth and efficient hybrid powertrain is an excellent alternative to the established order.

BMW X5

Volvo XC90

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Lexus RX

autocar.india

•17w

Firstly, there is no Mercedes GLE 450d variant. There is a diesel 400d, but the variant you must be meaning is the Mercedes GLE 450 4MATIC petrol, which compares with the BMW X5 xDrive40i petrol. Both the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 and the BMW X5 are very closely matched in power, using 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engines with 48V mild-hybrid systems. The GLE 450 4MATIC produces 375-380hp whilst the BMW X5 xDrive40i produces a near identical 375-380hp. Top of FormThe BMW X5 has slightly higher torque at 520Nm to the GLE 450’s 500Nm, which contributes to a more sporty feel. In fact, the BMW X5 is known for a more sporty, engaging driving character, with quicker acceleration. Whilst the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 delivers power in a very linear, smooth manner, prioritising comfort and luxury.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

BMW X5

autocar.india

•16w

Yes, considering your driving is in the city, the Lexus RX 350h is a good option. Its strong hybrid powertrain is incredibly efficient, which will bring down your running costs considerably compared to the BMW. Also, service and maintenance costs will be lower, too. It's also very luxuriously appointed and well equipped, with a uniquely Japanese take on exterior and interior design. Do note, however, that it is slightly less spacious than the BMW X5. Especially if you intend to carry three passengers in the rear seat frequently. Though the chassis is able enough, the four-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol-hybrid powertrain is nowhere near as strong or exciting as the 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines that power the BMW X5.

Lexus RX

BMW X5

autocar.india

•31w

If you don't mind the large size on the road, go for the Mercedes Benz GLS. Apart from having the benefit of a usable set of third-row seats, its large size gives it excellent road presence. Apart from that, it's an excellent luxury vehicle, with powerful and effortless six-cylinder engines and a sumptuously appointed cabin, with loads of high-tech features.However, in case you enjoy driving and will be driving the SUV yourself, you should go for the BMW X5.

Mercedes-Benz GLS

BMW X5

autocar.india

•34w

Without knowing your specific requirements, it is hard to give you a definitive pick. Of the options on your mind, the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE make for the most well-rounded luxury SUVs. They are spacious, well-equipped, comfortable and good to drive. The Range Rover Velar is big on style but isn't as roomy as the other SUVs. The Volvo XC90's firm ride and lesser refinement mark it down.

BMW X5

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Land Rover Range Rover Velar

Volvo XC90

autocar.india

•34w

While similarly priced as the entry-level versions of their respective model ranges, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 300d and BMW X5 xDrive30d xLine take two different approaches. The Mercedes-Benz uses a less powerful 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine, while the BMW retains the 3.0-litre 6-cylinder diesel engine.However, while the BMW sacrifices some features in this variant owing to the lesser xLine trim, the Mercedes comes in the fully loaded AMG Line trim. Thus, if you drive yourself even occasionally, the powerful 6-cylinder BMW will likely be the better choice for you, but if you're mainly chauffeur-driven, the Mercedes-Benz with its greater creature comforts and more spacious back seat is the better bet.

BMW X5

Mercedes-Benz GLE

autocar.india

•14w

There are plenty of options to choose from - including your Range Rover Sport - which is good to drive and be driven in. However, since you already have one of those in the household, why not consider something different? Cars like the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 are good options, but since her travel is primarily in the city, an interesting and often overlooked option is the Lexus RX. Unlike her Volvo, this is a strong hybrid, not a PHEV, so there's no need to plug it in to keep the battery topped up. It's also quite enjoyable to drive, offering a serene rear-seat experience when she is chauffeur-driven. Plus, Lexus's uniquely Japanese take on luxury is unlike any other in the segment and would feel like a meaningful change from the Volvo. As a strong hybrid, running costs will be very low, which is a bonus.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Mercedes-Benz GLE

BMW X5