The 2023 BMW X5 boasts a versatile range of powertrain options and premium interior technology; however, its optional V8 engine carries a hefty price tag, and this midsize luxury SUV can’t quite keep up with the performance of some of its sportier competitors.

At a glance: BMW X5 vs. the competition

Model	Starting price range	Engine options	Maximum seating capacity	Maximum cargo volume	Maximum towing capacity	Fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
BMW X5	$62,595 to $86,395	V6, hybrid, or twin-turbo V8	5 to 7	72.3 cubic ft	6,603 lbs	20/26/22 mpg
Mercedes-Benz GLE	$58,850 to $85,000	4-cylinder, V6, or V8	5 to 7	80.3 cubic ft	7,200 lbs	19/26/22 mpg
Audi Q8	$73,995 to $84,295	V6	5	60.1 cubic ft	7,700 lbs	17/22/19 mpg
Acura RDX	$42,745 to $52,545	Turbo 4-cylinder	5	58.9 cubic ft	1,500 lbs	21/26/23 mpg
Genesis GV80	$56,925 to $77,695	4-cylinder or twin-turbo V6	5 to 7	84.0 cubic ft	6,000 lbs	21/25/22 mpg
Cadillac XT5	$45,540 to $58,440	Turbo 4-cylinder or V6	5	63.0 cubic ft	1,000 lbs	21/28/24 mpg
Lexus RX 350	$48,550 to $59,145	Turbo 4-cylinder, V6, or hybrid powertrain	5 to 7	58.5 cubic ft	3,500 lbs	19/26/22 mpg
Infiniti QX60	$50,395 to $63,795	V6	6 to 7	75.4 cubic ft	6,000 lbs	21/26/23 mpg
Lincoln Nautilus	$46,220 to $68,640	Turbo 4-cylinder or V6	5	68.8 cubic ft	2,000 lbs	21/26/23 mpg

1. Mercedes-Benz GLE

Starting price: $58,850 to $85,000

Selling points: High-tech cabin, upscale appointments, spacious seating

Weak spots: Best features have serious price tags, snug optional third row, stiff ride

The Mercedes-Benz GLE-class offers surprising off-road capabilities for a luxury vehicle. The interior is loaded with impressive tech, and the standard four-cylinder engine offers the best mileage at 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway/22 mpg combined.

Customize the GLE to your liking with the following options:

V6 and V8 engine upgrades

Third-row seating

for up to seven passengers

2. Audi Q8

Starting price: $73,995 to $84,295

Selling points: Fun to drive with next-level tech

Weak spots: Sacrifices practicality for style, laggy acceleration

The Audi Q8 is sure to turn heads with its sleek, stunning style. This SUV is packed full of futuristic tech and passenger comforts, including:

Leather upholstery

Panoramic sunroof

Power-operated tailgate

The 3.0-liter V6 engine provides 335 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque for an incredibly pleasurable driving experience.

Pro Tip: Turn on the Audi Q8’s Dynamic mode to utilize four-wheel drive for extra fun on rough surfaces—the ride will still be smooth and quiet.

3. Acura RDX

Starting price: $42,745 to $52,545

Selling points: Less expensive than rivals, generous standard features

Weak spots: Clumsy transmission, some packages are all superficial

If you’re looking for the luxury and driving experience of a BMW without the price tag, consider the Acura RDX instead. This compact SUV is roomy, comfortable, and sporty without being overly expensive.

Best for city driving: The RDX’s turbocharged 4-cylinder engine can take a while to respond to the gas pedal, leaving acceleration a little clunky and slow. Still, you get 272 horsepower and quick response at low speeds, making it ideal for stop-and-go city driving.

4. Genesis GV80

Starting price: $56,925 to $77,695

Selling points: Nice tailoring, smooth ride, lots of tech

Weak spots: Heavy steering, standard 4-cylinder isn’t exciting

A winner of Car and Driver’s Editor’s Choice award, the Genesis GV80 is all about driving in the lap of luxury with top-of-the-line features.

Spring for the upgrade: The GV80 more than delivers on a drive that’s both composed and comfortable. But if sports performance is what you crave, opting for the twin-turbo V6 engine (an extra $10,000) will give you that adrenaline.

5. Cadillac XT5

Starting price: $45,540 to $58,440

Selling points: Stylish both in and out, generous cargo space

Weak spot: Weak acceleration with the base engine

The Cadillac XT5 captures all the luxury and style of the full-size Escalade in a smaller package. Choose from one of the following engine options:

Base turbocharged 4-cylinder (237 horsepower)

Optional V6 (310 horsepower)

Despite some problems with engine performance and ride smoothness, you’ll be able to handle the twistiest of roads and pack a lot of cargo thanks to the XT5’s many storage cubbies and folding rear seats.

6. Lexus RX 350

Starting price: $48,550 to $59,145

Selling points: Fuel efficient, very comfortable ride

Weak spots: A little slow, confusing infotainment design

The Lexus RX 350 is all about versatility with the following options:

Powertrain: Turbocharged 4-cylinder,

powerful V6

, or an eco-friendly hybrid engine

Seating arrangement: Two rows of five seats or three rows for up to seven seats

The RX 350’s interior is finished with leather seats, wood trims, soft-touch plastics, and features

competitive cargo space

. While the infotainment display could be improved, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their SUV.

7. Infiniti QX60

Starting price: $50,395 to $63,795

Selling points: Elegant, smooth-shifting, great storage space

Weak spots: Stiff ride, no Android Auto available

The Infiniti QX60 is the only BMW X5 competitor with a standard third row—which provides adequate room for children and small adults alike. Passengers ride in style with the following amenities:

Full-leather seating

Ventilated front seats

A massage option for the driver and front-passenger.

Powertrain review: Overall ride is somewhat stiff, but you’ll be driving with ease thanks to the new nine-speed automatic transmission. And don’t forget to consider the

QX60’s towing capacity

—up to 6,000 pounds of towing power!

8. Lincoln Nautilus

Starting price: $46,220 to $68,640

Selling points: Smooth ride, huge infotainment screen

Weak spots: Peak luxury is pricey, poor fuel efficiency

The Lincoln Nautilus combines old-school plush Lincoln luxury with a touchscreen infotainment system and driver-assist technology that takes the guesswork out of navigating a large vehicle.

Pro Tip: Upgrade to a Reserve or Black Label and you’ll get a wireless smartphone charging pad. And if you’ve got kiddos, rear-seat entertainment is available as an option on all
trim levels
.