When it comes to SUVs that drive like sports cars, no brand has been better that Porsche. Both the Cayenne and Macan are masterclasses in SUV handling. This new BMW X5, though, is no slouch. While it might not feel like a sports car, it’s the best driving X5 to date. So does it have what it takes to take on the newest Porsche Cayenne? AutoGuide finds out.

If the BMW X5 is going to beat the Porsche Cayenne, it’s going to do so by being a better all-rounder. It’s never going to steer or handling as well as the Cayenne because Porsche engineers have sold their souls to the devil for the ability to set up chassis and steering better than everyone else. But the new X5 is so well-rounded and such an excellent overall car that it could have what it takes to beat the Porsche.

In this new comparison from AutoGuide, that’s exactly what happens. There’s no question, the Porsche Cayenne is the more fun SUV to drive. This new-gen Cayenne manages to be lighter than the one it replaces, while coming with more equipment, and it’s noticeable. It’s said to feel light, nimble and accurate, with excellent steering and a great engine. The new Cayenne S gets a 2.9 liter twin-turbo V6, which makes 434 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. It’s an engine share with Audi, in the RS5.

While the BMW X5 isn’t as sharp to drive, it’s not bad either. Plus, it’s more comfortable, more luxurious, quieter and better equipped. It also has better features, more as-standard technology and that very tech is easier to use and more intelligently laid out. The X5 is more practical as well.

More importantly, though, the X5 is a helluva lot cheaper. AutoGuide’s tester rang in at over $90,000 because it was the xDrive50i model. That means it had BMW’s 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 456 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. So it was more powerful than the Cayenne and faster too. Yet, it was still cheaper than their Porsche tester with its small blown-six. So for less money, you can have a more powerful, more luxurious, higher-tech and faster BMW X5 and take the money you save to buy a Mazda MX-5 for your twisty canyon fun.

[Source: AutoGuide]