Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2012 Land Rover LR4 VS 2012 BMW X5 Near Scottsdale, AZ

For enhanced safety, the front seat shoulder belts of the Land Rover LR4 are height-adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of driver and passenger heights. A better fit can prevent injuries and the increased comfort also encourages passengers to buckle up. The BMW X5 doesn’t offer height-adjustable seat belts.

Both the LR4 and the X5 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The LR4’s 5.0 DOHC V8 produces 75 more horsepower (375 vs. 300) and 75 lbs.-ft. more torque (375 vs. 300) than the X5 xDrive35i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6 cyl.

For better stopping power the LR4’s standard brake rotors are larger than those on the X5:

The LR4 stops much shorter than the X5:

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the LR4 has standard 19 inch wheels. Smaller 18 inch wheels are standard on the X5.

The LR4 offers an optional full size spare tire so your trip isn’t interrupted by a flat. A full size spare isn’t available on the X5, it requires you to depend on a temporary spare or run-flat tires, either of which has mileage and speed limitations.

The front and rear suspension of the LR4 uses air springs for a smoother, controlled ride than the X5, which uses coil springs. Air springs maintain proper ride height and ride more smoothly.

For better maneuverability, the LR4’s turning circle is 4.4 feet tighter than the X5’s (37.6 feet vs. 42 feet).

For greater off-road capability the LR4 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the X5 (9.5 vs. 8.7 inches), allowing the LR4 to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the LR4 HSE is quieter than the X5 xDrive35i:

The LR4 has 3.8 inches more front headroom, 2.4 inches more front legroom, 3.1 inches more rear headroom, 1 inch more rear legroom and 1.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the X5.

The LR4’s cargo area provides more volume than the X5.

The LR4’s cargo area is larger than the X5’s in almost every dimension:

Insurance will cost less for the LR4 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the LR4 will cost $177 to $205 less than the X5 over a five-year period.