The three sports utility vehicles we’ve gathered for this story are the hot rock stars of their segment/generation. They play unique SUV “tunes”, but their “band instruments” are similar, with each having a 6-cylinder engine, an 8-speed automatic and permanent all-wheel-drive.
The rocker with the longest legacy is Land Rover’s Range Rover Sport. The latest Rangie Sport is lighter and more efficient than the previous model, but its commanding presence and terrain-conquering reputation remain undiminished.
Another long-running rocker is the BMW X5, now in its third generation. It offers more interior space, and promises a better driving experience than its predecessor.
The Porsche Cayenne is the youngest of the three rockers here. Recently facelifted, this second-generation model is said to have been improved in efficiency and driveability.
These Euro rock stars have assembled on stage, plugged in their guitars, and are ready to rock this arena!
The Range Rover Sport may be the “oldest” rocker here, but that hasn’t stopped it from churning out the hits ‒ on the road and off it. Its superior presence wherever it goes is complemented by the commanding view from its driver’s seat and the ruggedness of its 4×4 system. The Rangie is an evergreen rock star in the luxury SUV arena.
The Porsche Cayenne is more than just a popular musician. It’s also a serious performer than excels both on-road and off-road. The car’s cockpit ergonomics, however, could be more excellent. In any case, the Cayenne’s fan base is likely to stay strong and loyal.
The BMW X5 is well-suited to suburbanites who have no intention of venturing beyond the concrete jungle. Its superb powertrain, solid infotainment and practical interior are guaranteed smash hits in suburbia. The X5 plays its brand of sports-utility pop-rock exceedingly well.
SPECIFICATIONS
Land Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE V6, 24-valves, supercharged
CAPACITY 2995cc
BORE X STROKE 84.5mm x 89mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.5:1
MAX POWER 340bhp at 6500rpm
MAX TORQUE 450Nm at 3500-5000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 158.4bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS All
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 7.2 seconds
TOP SPEED 210km/h
CONSUMPTION 13.3km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 199g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT Double wishbones, coil springs
REAR Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs
TYRES
TYPE Continental ContiCrossContact LX Sport
SIZE 275/45 R21
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION AIDS ABS, DSC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4850mm
WIDTH 2073mm
HEIGHT 1780mm
WHEELBASE 2923mm
KERB WEIGHT 2147kg
TURNING CIRCLE 12.1m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $410,888
(no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Most confident off the beaten path, cushiest seats, biggest boot
– Highest list price, surprisingly compact backseat, heaviest steering
* BEST OF THE THREE IN OFF-ROADING ABILITY
SPECIFICATIONS
Porsche Cayenne 3.6 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE V6, 24-valves
CAPACITY 3598cc
BORE X STROKE 89mm x 96.4mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 11.7:1
MAX POWER 300bhp at 6300rpm
MAX TORQUE 400Nm at 3000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 147.1bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic
with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS All
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 7.7 seconds
TOP SPEED 230km/h
CONSUMPTION 10.9km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 215g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT Double wishbones, coil springs
REAR Multi-link, coil springs
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs
TYRES
TYPE Michelin Latitude Sport 3
SIZE 255/55 R18
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION AIDS ABS, ESC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4855mm
WIDTH 1939mm
HEIGHT 1705mm
WHEELBASE 2895mm
KERB WEIGHT 2040kg
TURNING CIRCLE 11.9m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $374,400
(after $5k CEVS surcharge)
WARRANTY 5 years/unlimited km
WE SAY
+ Sharpest suspension, most accurate steering, sportiest-sounding motor
– Average hi-fi with no sat-nav, confusing climate controls, thirstiest engine
* BEST OF THE THREE IN HANDLING
SPECIFICATIONS
BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
TYPE Inline-6, 24-valves, turbocharged
CAPACITY 2979cc
BORE X STROKE 84mm x 89.6mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 10.2:1
MAX POWER 306bhp at 5800-6400rpm
MAX TORQUE 400Nm at 1200-5000rpm
POWER TO WEIGHT 145.4bhp per tonne
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic with manual select
DRIVEN WHEELS All
PERFORMANCE
0-100KM/H 6.5 seconds
TOP SPEED 235km/h
CONSUMPTION 11.8km/L (combined)
CO2 EMISSION 197g/km
SUSPENSION
FRONT Double-track control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
REAR Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
FRONT / REAR Ventilated discs
TYRES
TYPE Goodyear Eagle F1
SIZE 255/55 R18
SAFETY
AIRBAGS 6
TRACTION AIDS ABS, DSC
MEASUREMENTS
LENGTH 4886mm
WIDTH 1938mm
HEIGHT 1762mm
WHEELBASE 2933mm
KERB WEIGHT 2105kg
TURNING CIRCLE 12.7m
BUYING IT
PRICE INCL. COE $352,800
(no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
WARRANTY 3 years/100,000km
WE SAY
+ Most useful cabin, best infotainment, most driveable drivetrain
– Smallest boot, weakest air-conditioning, overly light steering
* BEST OF THE THREE IN DRIVING FEEL
