BMW X5 vs Porsche Cayenne | Your Family Demands It

We reviewed the 6-cylinder 2025 BMW X5 vs. Porsche Cayenne to compare the mid-luxury segment's best 2-row family SUV options. While both have pros and cons, we drove them back to back and discussed the engineering. The Lexus GX, Audi Q5, Acura MDX Type S, Genesis QV70, and Mercedes are others to consider.

#cars #technology #engineering

Index:
00:00 Interior and Exterior Porsche Cayenne
3:33 Interior and Exterior BMW X5
7:50 Audio Testing
8:48 Mechanical Impressions Porsche
10:53 Mechanical Impressions BMW
13:46 B58
14:49 Driving Impressions Porsche
21:08 Driving Impressions BMW
27:33 Final Thoughts

[jaynuck]

When Jack speaks of his “Family Car” I just imagine an E39 wagon with the rear seats ripped out and two B58’s lovingly strapped down

[somerandomfella]

If you get the Cayenne, you're 9 Porsches away from a GT allocation.

[infinotize]

Came for the B58, was not disappointed

[dannoyes]

The B58 is more than an engine; it is an ode to the pursuit of perfection.
Well Done.

[Slythey]

Man I hope Geese get over this 700k hump- they've been grinding at it for a while and deserve well over 1m subs with this production value, detail, and humor.

[StereoHound]

Finally Jack bringing his relationship with the B58 into the next level.

[future]

Rented an X5 40i from Sixt... so good. Perfect powertrain, 23-24 MPG combined without trying. I actually liked the infotainment too.

[joetacchino]

I have a '23 Cayenne E-Hybrid and a '24 M3. The Cayenne is our second, and when we purchased, we compared to the X5 45e. The 45e suspension was a mess, particularly compared to the Cayenne. Also, the hybrid range and EV only power level of the Cayenne was higher. Fast forward to now, and they have both been refreshed. The Cayenne has gotten cheaper inside (there is evidence of cost cutting apparent if you look at the two cars back to back you can easily spot) while at the same time getting more expensive. And the BMW's electric performance has gone up, both in range and in terms of electric power. The PHEV component for us was important as 80% of our use is local around town driving; in the 14k miles we've put on the car, over 10k have been with the ICE switched off, which is fantastic.

I will say that having driven an X5 for over 1, 200 KM all over Southern Germany last summer, in addition to the 5k miles on my M3 I'm not sure that I'd make the same choice again. Yes, the Cayenne virtues are there but the way I'd spec them, you're talking over $35k difference now in as-tested prices, apples to apples. And with the cayenne getting cheaper inside and the BMW's electric performance continuing to remain strong, plus the larger cargo capacity, the much better tech and the lower operating can't make much of a case for the base Cayenne. And the PHEV struggles to justify it's price.

I think you guys nailed the pros and cons to a tee in this video. In the end it comes down to what you want. Both are excellent vehicles and the Porsche handling really is fantastic for what it is. But is that worth smaller interior, worse tech, a worse base engine, worse transmission tuning, higher initial cost and higher running costs (MPG plus service)? I don't know. I'm like Jack, a Porsche homer but lover of both brands. My take is if you can get used to the iDrive 8.5 screen (it doesn't bother me) the X5 is the winner 9/10 times.

Nice video.

[MugatuJag]

The B58 is intoxicating. I have not driven it in the X5 just long term courtesy cars, M440i Coupes, Convertibles, and Sedans. It’s Smooth, music to your ears, the turbo spool up noise/chirp is like nothing I’ve ever heard. Glorious is right.

[vancouverdrafting]

How such an incredible channel doesn’t have 5m+ subs is truly baffling. The production, content, and cohesion are top 3 on YouTube for car content. Great work, guys.

[Techjunkiero]

I replaced my ‘20 Macan GTS for a 2025 BMW X40i M Sport in Brooklyn Grey (same as tested here I think). I couldn’t be more happier. Test drove the Cayenne but the X5 with the glorious B58 engine and whole package was the winner.

[IKhanNot]

The B58 motor is an absolute gem. The smoothness, power output and the sound are all great.

[jumpmanqiaoj]

This particular Cayenne rides way better than the BMW is because its on 20 inch wheels vs the stupid 22 inch on the BWM. I recently test drove a cayenne on 21 inch and also a X5 on 21 inch and the ride is pretty comparable. HOWEVER, I noticed way more road noise in the X5 than the Cayenne so you are on point about the isolation of the Cayenne being superior.

[pan]

3:23 I love getting blinded by piano black

[legatus]

Thank you for putting that b58 segment together, I thoroughly enjoyed it

[stevelilley]

Great review! I cross-shopped these two early last year when it was time to replace my wife's X3. Disclaimer: I'm also a P-car fanboy. I loved the way the Cayenne drove, and loved the legroom in the backseat. But there wasn't a $12K difference in price, as stated in this review - it was more like $17K when compared to a moderately equipped Cayenne, and a whopping $22K difference when checking off all the Porsche options to make it nearly identical from a feature perspective to a well-equipped X5. This made the decision a relatively easy one - a BMW X5 4.0i is sitting in the driveway with nearly 20K miles on it. Zero regrets! One feature that the Cayenne didn't have: remote start (not sure if this has been address by the Cayenne refresh). Since I make my wife park her car outside so that my P-car gets the comfy garage spot, this simple feature is one that we both agree is a huge advantage to the BMW. Love the reviews - keep them coming!!

[gonepostal]

My only problem with the Cayenne, since its inception, is just how blah the lower specs look, even though they are quite capable, nice vehicles. Oh yeah, and the price.

[jrod]

Thanks for this competitive comparison with joyful jabs at each other. Yeah, people with 6 figure salaries and sperry shoe shaped feet buy these brand new but the common folk who wear crocs while shopping at Costco wait 5 years to buy these for a manageable $38K. 2020 X5 for the win!😎

[dunbar]

To correct something Mark said, you can actually get 2-axle air suspension on the X5. It’s a $1k option on the 40i trims and is standard on the 50e. The X5 is so good that it’s hard to justify spending 20-25% more on the Cayenne even though it is 5-10% better dynamically.

[maximeparent]

I was cross shopping these two but didn’t like the shape of the key so I kept my Kia Sorento.