The BMW X5 was a founding father of the luxury SUV segment.
Being a trailblazer isn't enough these days, because the market for posh 4x4s has exploded in popularity. There are now dozens of top-tier rivals to consider alongside the big BMW.
These are the best BMW X5 alternatives. Many of these cars are available as great-value nearly new and used cars from Motorpoint.
Mercedes GLE
Smaller SUVs in Mercedes' lineup like the GLA and GLC have a rounded, elegant profile, but the bigger GLE is altogether a tougher, more imposing vehicle. The brutish bodywork means masses of space inside, especially in the first and second rows, and plush upholstery and trim pieces to set the scene. Like the X5, there's an optional third row but this is best saved for occasional journeys as the space back there is a bit cramped. On the road, the GLE doesn't feel as sporty as the X5, with all models featuring air suspension for a soft, pillowy ride.
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Audi Q7
Completing the traditional trio of German premium brands is the Audi Q7. The four-ringed rival is somehow even longer than the X5 and GLE, with most of that extra space going to the third row. This means the Q7 is the best of the three if you're planning to carry people back there more often. It's also available with up to six Isofix points across every single passenger seat, making it one of the most practical choices if you have three or more young children. As you'd hope, the Q7's image and build quality both feel suitably upmarket.
Porsche Cayenne
The X5 is often praised for its ability to blend a surprisingly entertaining driving experience with grown-up body control and ride comfort. If there's any SUV that can beat the BMW in the driving department, however, it's the Porsche Cayenne. This rocketship on stilts handles better than many cars that ride much closer to the road, with an unnatural ability to tuck harder into corners without the body pitching about above the wheels. Prices are a little steeper than the X5 but build and material quality is immaculate. Just beware the expensive options list.
Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is enduringly popular. It's now a decade old, and a heavy facelift in 2024 means it's not going anywhere soon. And why should it? The handsome-yet-subtle exterior styling still looks modern, and the cabin is still a masterclass in taste and space. Materials are plush and you won't find acres of gloss-black plastic like some rivals. The first two rows are just as spacious as the X5, and third-row passengers will find there's a little more space to stretch out than the BMW. It's only available with four-cylinder engines, unlike the German rivals above with their smoother six and eight-cylinder alternatives.
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Lexus RX
The Lexus RX is the largest SUV the brand sells in the UK but, unlike the X5, it's only available with two rows and a big boot as standard since the longer RX L was discontinued. Its interior design might not be quite as modern as the X5, but material and build quality are flawless, though you'll have to forgive infotainment graphics that look a little 'last-gen' compared to German alternatives. There's a choice of either full-hybrid or plug-in-hybrid power under the bonnet, and Lexus's 10-year service-activated warranty is one of the best in the business.
Range Rover Sport
All the options on this list feel premium, but what if you want something truly luxurious? If you have a little more flexibility in your budget, try out the Range Rover Sport. Every surface you see and touch feels sumptuous under your fingers, and there's an imperious quality to the way the Sport glides down the road. It's also noticeably more accomplished as an off-roader than most other models on this list – assuming you're brave enough to take your 80-grand SUV off the beaten track! Performance is strong but running costs are likely to be quite steep.
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Mazda CX-80
A Mazda instead of a BMW? Spend some time inside the CX-80 and you'll easily see why the Mazda is a serious competitor to the German cars. The cabin is trimmed in expensive-feeling materials and there's a subtle but stylish design that complements the car's flowing, organic bodywork. There are three rows of seating but you'll mostly want to spend time in the front two as the rearmost row is only really useful for short drives. Like the five-seat Mazda CX-60, there's a choice of plug-in-hybrid or six-cylinder diesel power, with both delivering decent performance.
Genesis GV80
It's a bit of a shame the traditional choices have so much of the luxury SUV market sewn up, because you might miss interesting left-field choices such as the Genesis GV80. This comes from Hyundai's premium spin-off and the materials used in the cabin should be seen – but more importantly felt – to be believed. You'll find stitched leather, brushed aluminium and open-pore wood used throughout the interior, plus plenty of room in the first two rows for passengers, plus a third row for occasional use. A hugely underrated car.
Polestar 3
A fairly recent addition to the brand's lineup, the Polestar 3 is a dramatic-looking five-seat electric SUV. Long-range single-motor cars return an impressive 438 miles on a full charge, or you can upgrade to a dual-motor to drop the 0-62mph time below six seconds with only a minor dent in claimed range. Like the Volvo models the Polestar shares its bones with, understated elegance is the name of the game with plush materials deployed sparingly across its minimalist cabin, and lots of space for passengers and cargo.
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Kia EV9
Another great choice for drivers who aren't badge snobs. The Kia EV9 is the brand's gargantuan three-row battery-powered SUV. The 100kWh pack under the floor means a claimed driving range of 349 miles, and the car's 800V architecture means you can regain up to 154 miles in just 15 minutes from a sufficiently fast charger. Unlike some of the seven-seaters on this list, the EV9 genuinely has space for full-sized adults in all three rows making the EV9 a remarkably good road-trip car even if you're consigned to the back row.
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