Land Rover Defender vs BMW X5

Land Rover Defender vs. the Competition

Compare the New Land Rover Defender to the BMW X5 in Glen Cove, NY

Seeking out the ideal crossover can be a difficult endeavor. There is no shortage of midsize SUVs to browse through. That isn't a problem. The complications arise when you want to drive something luxurious enough to fit your high standards. From the moment Land Rover Glen Cove rolled out the all-new Defender, the game changed. Its distinct design and one-of-a-kind features raised the bar for luxury SUVs in Glen Cove.

But there are still options out there for drivers who appreciate what an established name can bring to the roads. Drivers still tend to gravitate toward the BMW X5 because its name has come to represent elegance and performance. But we believe the Land Rover Defender can hold its own against the familiarity of the BMW X5. Let us show you what we mean.

  
  

Smooth Performance

When it comes to horsepower, admittedly, the BMW has the Defender beat. But there is much more to an impressive powertrain than simply horsepower. Let's break down the available powertrain options for both models.

  • Land Rover Defender: Turbocharged 2.0-liter Inline Four-Cylinder, 296 horsepower & 295 lb-ft of torque
  • And a turbocharged 3.0-Liter Six-Cylinder, 395 horsepower & 406 lb-ft of torque
  • BLW X5: Turbocharged 3.0-liter Six-Cylinder, 335 horsepower
  • And Twin-Turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, 456 horsepower

When it comes to conquering your terrain with style, the Land Rover Defender has the X5 beat. It comes loaded with an all-wheel drive for your adventurous commute. A Coil-Spring suspension or air suspension system gives you the right ride for your conditions. With 11.5 inches of ground clearance and the ability to wade through 35.4 inches of water, you should never get caught off guard by a creek again. The X5 offers adaptive suspension and all-wheel drive, but you have to upgrade to get them.

Interior Room

If you care about your passengers at all, you will consider a crossover with plenty of room for them to stretch out and not have to bump their heads or knees on any obstacles. Both the X5 and the Defender fit up to five people comfortably, but that doesn't tell the whole story. The back row of the Defender is incredibly spacious, providing 39.1 inches of rear legroom. That is compared to just 37.4 inches in the X5. Something else not available in the X5 but is available in the Defender is the optional third row of seating to accommodate up to six passengers.

That extra space of the Defender extends to the cargo hold, where you'll get 41.2 cubic feet of storage with the seats up. That space expands to an incredible 83.7 cubic feet when you lay flat the 60/40 split-folding seats. By comparison, the X5 provides just 33.9 cubic feet and 72.3 cubic feet, respectively.

Interior Design & Fetures

Leather. The Defender starts with genuine leather upholstery and heated seats at every trim level. The X5 starts with a fine synthetic leatherette, which also comes heated. But leatherette isn't quite the same as the real thing. The infotainment system of the Land Rover Defender starts with a massive 10-inch touchscreen that links up to your Apple and Android smartphone. Wireless device charging comes standard in the Defender. The X5 starts with an impressive 12.3-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay also comes standard, but Android users will find it lacking the Android Auto app. There are plenty of other features, like wireless charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot, that the X5 will gladly make you pay extra for.

Test Drive the Land Rover Defender in Glen Cove

We can tell you everything that makes the Defender surpass the features of the BMW X5. But the best way to determine which is best for you is to come and see it for yourself. Visit the team in Glen Cove and take the new Land Rover Defender for a test drive. Explore the different trim levels and find the perfect features for you. Your next journey of excellence begins at Land Rover Glen Cove.

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