2012 BMW X5 vs. Its Competition

2012 BMW X5 AWD 4-door 50i Angular Front Exterior View

Meta Rating 8.4 out of 10

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Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Nelson Ireson

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Nelson is a Senior Editor at High Gear Media focusing on reviewing cars and covering the hottest topics in luxury and performance cars, car culture... More

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Jan 27, 2012

While the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class offers the same seating and off-road capability as the X5, it also has what some consider to be edgier styling.

Porsche's Cayenne is just as impressive in on-road handling, but seats five passengers maximum and has perhaps worse styling.

The Lexus GX 460 is slightly smaller, but packs in even more features than the X5, while the Cadillac Escalade is glitzier and larger, with the option of a hybrid.

Land Rover's Range Rover is the most stylish of the group, with a truly excellent interior and real off-road prowess, but at a premium price.

2012 BMW X5 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Cadillac Escalade Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Land Rover Range Rover Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Lexus GX 460 Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Mercedes-Benz GL Class Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Porsche Cayenne Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.4 It doesn't pop with the styling or interior plushness of its competitors, but the 2012 BMW X5 has the powerful X5 M and frugal diesel up its sleeve.	8.6 The 2012 Cadillac Escalade models still rank among the most luxurious, spacious vehicles at any price—especially if towing capability matters.	9 It can't rightly be called a value, but the 2012 Land Rover Range Rover delivers a truckload of ability and exclusivity along with its admittedly huge Monroney.	7.6 The 2012 GX 460 is a good pick for those who need the serious towing ability of a body-on-frame SUV, along with the refinement of a Lexus. But gas mileage is dismal, and it has some pretty critical packaging flaws that limit its usefulness.	8.8 With rugged styling, fairly nimble handling and diesel economy, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class can charm the mud right off a Land Rover Range Rover.	8.2 The 2012 Porsche Cayenne comes equipped to take on a rugged trail, the racetrack, and child ferrying, all in the same day.
MSRP From
$47,500	$63,170	$79,425	$53,245	$61,570	$48,200
Gas Mileage
14 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	13 MPG City / 18 MPG Hwy	12 MPG City / 18 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 20 MPG Hwy	12 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy
Engine
Turbocharged Gas I6	Gas/Ethanol V8	Gas V8	Gas V8	Turbocharged Diesel V6	Gas V6
EPA Class
4WD Sport Utility Vehicle	N/A	4WD Sport Utility Vehicle	4WD Sport Utility Vehicle	4WD Sport Utility Vehicle	Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Style Name
AWD 4dr 35i	2WD 4dr Base	4WD 4dr HSE	4WD 4dr	4MATIC 4dr GL350 BlueTEC	AWD 4dr Man
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	4-Wheel Drive	4-Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	7	5	7	7	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door Sport Utility Vehicle	4 Door	4 Door	4-Door SUV	Sport Utility	Sport Utility Vehicle
Transmission
Automatic	HD Automatic w/OD	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Manual