These three super-SUVs are all capable of amazing feats despite their physical attributes. If this story was only about on-road performance, the X5M would have this contest in the bag. The BMW’s ability to “devour” slower traffic is made even more impressive by its ominous looks and stupendously powerful drivetrain, both of which never fail to send road hogs scampering. The X5M’s other trump card is its cabin, which is roomy enough to accommodate passengers of all sizes.
When it comes to traversing the unbeaten path, however, it is the Range Rover Sport that leads this pack. As a modern-day steed for today’s suburban cowboy, the Rangie is skilled enough to tackle the most treacherous terrain while simultaneously pampering its occupants. The Rangie’s focused off-road ability (coupled with its weight), however, does affect its dynamics back on paved tarmac.
Matching the X5M’s asphalt-munching ability and running close to the Rangie in mountain-climbing talent, it is the Cayenne Turbo that ultimately has the transcendental performance needed to conquer earth’s varied surfaces.
Range Rover Sport 5.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type V8, 32-valves, supercharged
Capacity 4999cc
Bore x stroke 92.5mm x 93mm
Compression ratio 9.5:1
Max Power 510bhp at 6000-6500rpm
Max Torque 625Nm at 2500-5500rpm
Power to weight 196.9bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 6.2 seconds
Top Speed 225km/h
Consumption 6.7km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, air suspension
Rear Double wishbones, air suspension
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Continental SportContact
Size 275/40 R20
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with DSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4783mm
Width 2004mm
Height 1789mm
Wheelbase 2745mm
Kerb Weight 2590kg
Turning Circle 11.5m
BUYING IT
Price $436,000 incl. COE
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Larger-than-life character, refined yet surefooted everywhere, keen pricing
– Rear bench lacks comfort, weight hampers performance, thirsty motor
BMW X5M 4.4 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type V8, 32-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 4395cc
Bore x stroke 89mm x 88.3mm
Compression ratio 9.3:1
Max Power 555bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 680Nm at 1500-5650rpm
Power to weight 233.2bhp per tonne
Gearbox 6-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 4.7 seconds
Top Speed 250km/h
Consumption 7.2km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, coil springs
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, air suspension
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Bridgestone Dueler H/P Sport+
Size (F) 275/40 R20
(R) 315/35 R20
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with DSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4851mm
Width 1994mm
Height 1764mm
Wheelbase 2933mm
Kerb Weight 2380kg
Turning Circle 12.8m
BUYING IT
Price $485,800 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/100,000km
+ Thumping motor, comfortable cabin, aggressive “alien” styling
– Less skilful off-road, gearbox lacks smoothness, few storage bins
Porsche Cayenne Turbo 4.8 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type V8, 32-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 4806cc
Bore x stroke 96mm x 83mm
Compression ratio 10.5:1
Max Power 500bhp at 6000rpm
Max Torque 700Nm at 2250-4500rpm
Power to weight 230.4bhp per tonne
Gearbox 8-speed automatic with manual select
Driven Wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 4.7 seconds
Top Speed 278km/h
Consumption 8.7km/L (combined)
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, air suspension
Rear Multi-link, air suspension
BRAKES
Front / rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Latitude
Size 275/45 R20
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction Control ABS with PSM
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4846mm
Width 1939mm
Height 1702mm
Wheelbase 2895mm
Kerb Weight 2170kg
Turning Circle 11.9m
BUYING IT
Price $510,000 incl. COE
Warranty 5 years/100,000km
+ Nimble handling, excellent drivetrain, fantastic build quality
– Busy cockpit, limited luggage capacity, some ergonomics issues
