BMW SUVs have been getting a ton of new competition lately, with Porsche, Jaguar, Range Rover and Audi, among others, all coming out with newer, more impressive SUVs. BMW does have the new X3 coming down the pike, as well as the X7. But those reinforcements aren’t here just yet. So its current stable of SUVs is going to have to hold off the newcomers until then. So can the new BMW X5 hang on, despite it being the oldest car in its segment?

In this new Auto Express test, the BMW X5 takes on two newcomers, the Porsche Macan and the Range Rover Velar. To be fair, the Macan really isn’t in this segment of SUVs. It’s more of a competitor to the upcoming X3 M40i or the current X4 M40i. It’s not as big or as luxurious as the X5 or Velar. So this isn’t the fairest of testing. Even the Velar is a bit small for the X5, though it’s forgiven as the newest ‘Rover is a bit of a ‘tweener, so it can compete in more than one segment.

According to AE, the BMW X5 comes in third place. In X5 xDrive30d-guise, it uses a 3.0 liter turbocharged I6 diesel engine that’s so good it actually makes it the fastest car in the test, despite being the heaviest by far. As-tested, the X5 ran from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, faster than the Macan’s 6.3 seconds and the Velar’s 7.2 seconds. That’s quick. It’s also pretty sprightly in corners, with its optional M Sport suspension. The problem is that it’s not as sporty as the Macan (of course not, it’s far bigger and that’s not its job) and it isn’t as comfortable or as luxurious as the Velar.

In second place came the Range Rover Velar. It is the newest car in the test, so it does have that going for it. But it’s a special car, the Velar. From the outside, it looks fantastic, with a gorgeous, low-slung design that still looks like a proper Land Rover, albeit a sporty and dynamic one. On the inside, it’s really exciting looking, with gorgeous leather and contrast stitching, combined with really slick looking screens and graphics. The Velar rides on as-standard air-suspension so it’s the most comfortable car here. It’s also pretty fun to drive, though not as sporty as the Macan.

So the Porsche Macan wins the test but it was never really a fair fight. The Macan is of course going to be the sportier car of the three and that’s what gives it the win. It’s more dynamic, rides on optional suspension and is just more enjoyable to drive.

[Source: Auto Express]