The current BMW G05 X5 has been well received by customers from around the world. So it comes as no surprise that some automakers are using the new X5 as a benchmark for their own SUVs.
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In a recent set of spy photos, Kia was spotted doing some tests with the upcoming 2021 Sorento, the SUV being heavily camouflaged to keep prying looks away from its shapes. Nothing out of the ordinary so far but, when you look closer, you notice there’s an Alpine White BMW X5 right next to it. Most likely, the X5 is used for side-by-side testing, a practice not unusual in the automotive industry.
The X5 is a great car to begin with so creating a Sorento that could match up to it would definitely paint me impressed. Kia and Hyundai have come a long way since they first arrived on the scene and they are causing some waves in the industry. The Kia Stinger GT, for example, has been getting glowing reviews while the Genesis G70 followed the same path.
Most likely, nobody will even cross-shop between the X5 and the Sorento, but the fact that Kia aims so high with its products does say a lot about how ambitious they are. If you are considering a new SUV and the Sorento is on your list, you should know it will most likely arrive next year as a 2021 model.
Sales of BMW cars in the United States have been clearly aided by the ever-growing SUV/crossover market. Sales have increased 1.7 percent in May 2019 for a total of 27,109. BMW X3 Sports Activity Vehicle continues to be the best-selling BMW model in the U.S. with nearly 6,200 units sold in May 2019. BMW Sports Activity Vehicles in total – including X1 through X7 – account for 56% of BMW sales YTD.
[Source: Carscoops]
Why? The Mercedes GLE and the Audi Q5 have been outshining the X5, but I get it, for that price point of a Kia, it cannot benchmarked the the GLE or the Q5.
I think you meant Q7, but I don´t know what you´re talking about. I think that the new GLE it’s at the same level that the new X5 but in a different way. However, the Q7 is one generation old and it´s not that good anymore compered to those two.
While the GLE’s tech is impressive, it’s design I have quite the hard time warming up to. The Audi is in need of a desperate refresh. However, BMW did their homework with the ’19 G05 X5 and it really looks handsome and is sporty by nature. Its tough-rugged 4×4 style mixed with sportiness from BMW makes it a hell of a combo, in my opinion…
Outshining BMW where and to whom? Surely that is your opinion because sales say otherwise. While I consider the M Class/GLE the same as the X5 (pick the brand you like more), it should be noted that since 2004, BMW has sold almost 20,000 more X5’s than M Class/GLE in the U.S.
For that price point, the Kia should benchmark the Audi since it is the cheapest of the 3, followed by Mercedes with the X5 being the most expensive starting at $60,000 USD.
What a troll.
But don’t call him out unless you want your inbox filled with juvenile name-calling pap.
Q5 competes with the X3 not X5. Audi’s interiors lack the quality and class BMW offers. I’ve owned an SQ5, X3 M40i, X5 50i etc, BMW is the clear winner
And since X3 is now size of original X5 & available in M, seems obvious choice.
So if Sorento=X5, is Telluride=X7? @ 1/2 the price? Hmm, good luck. Liked 2nd gen. Santa Fe so much didn’t even realize it was inspired by RAV4.
No one who buys a BMW would consider a KIA, it’s not just about how something drives, there’s more to it like brand prestige, quality etc