2021 Porsche Cayenne vs. BMW X5

2021 Porsche Cayenne vs BMW X5 sDrive40i

If you need the spaciousness of a mid-size SUV, but you love the handling and drive of a sports car, then the 2021 Porsche Cayenne and 2021 BMW X5 should be on your radar. These two SUVs come with plenty of horsepower, luxurious interiors, and responsive German engineering.

Both the 2021 Porsche Cayenne and BMW X5 deliver on their expectations, but one outshines the other.

Responsive Power and German-engineered Performance

The 2021 Porsche Cayenne comes standard with a 2.9L V6 engine that delivers 335 turbocharged horsepower, while the X5 offers a 3.0L Inline-6 with the same horsepower thanks to a pair of twin turbos. They both come with an 8-speed automatic transmission that allows for optional shifting for drivers who enjoy controlling the RPMs.

While much of the powertrain is similar, the drivetrain is where the two luxury SUVs differ. The base model Cayenne Turbo comes standard with all-wheel drive, while the 2021 X5 has standard rear-wheel drive. You can upgrade X5 models to all-wheel drive.

The Porsche model gets an EPA-estimated 19 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway, while the BMW performs a bit better with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 21 and 26. If you add all-wheel drive to the BMW, the fuel economy resembles that of the Porsche.

Luxurious and Sporty Interiors and Exteriors

Both models have an attractive and aggressively sporty exterior design with four doors and a large hatch in the rear. They also both come standard with 19-inch wheels. Both models also have LED headlights, taillights, and exterior accessory lights.

On the inside, both models have room for five with two rows. The backseats have a 40/20/40 folding system for the times you need extra cargo space. The BMW comes standard with a panoramic sunroof, but the sunroof is available on the Porsche. The front seats on both models come with full adjustability as well as some leather trims. The steering wheel on the Porsche Cayenne has shifting paddles, as does the BMW.

Filled with Safety Features

Most new cars come with several standard safety and driver-assist features. The 2021 Porsche Cayenne and the BMW X5 are no exception. The Porsche offers Warn and Brake Assist, Park Assist, a rearview camera, and substantial interior airbags. The BMW X5 comes standard with BMW Assist eCall™ for help in emergencies and the Active Driving Assistant with Frontal Collision Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Dynamic Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, and Speed Limit Info.

Porsche offers an available Assistance Package which includes a Heads-up Display, Night-Vision Assist, Surround View, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Keep Assist.

High-End Technology and Audio

Both vehicles are loaded with the technology a driver would expect from a Porsche and BMW. The Porsche Cayenne has an attractive analog tachometer as well as a pair of digital instrument clusters. It also has a large interior touchscreen with the Porsche Communication Management system that includes navigation, mobile-phone connections, Bluetooth, USB, and aux plugs. It comes with Apple CarPlay, Porsche Car Connect with Carfinder, and remote vehicle status and services. The Porsche sound hi-fi sound system has 10 speakers, and an HD Radio Receiver with voice control.

The BWM comes with a Live Cockpit with a 12.3” digital instrument cluster and matching infotainment display. The iDrive 7.0 system operates through voice, touchscreen, and touchpad. The BMW comes with cloud-based navigation, Bluetooth, two USB ports, and 10 speakers with the hi-fi audio system. It also offers Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and smartphone connectivity.

BMW also offers an available Connected Package with real-time traffic and parking information, remote services, stolen vehicle recovery, and concierge services with an intelligent personal assistant.

Why Choose the Cayenne

While the 2021 BMW X5 is a respectable vehicle with notable power, performance, and technology, nothing quite compares to a Porsche. The 2021 Cayenne is aptly named for a spicy pepper as the vehicle is hot, hot, hot! It’s a joy to drive, with Porsche power and performance as well as the iconic luxury that drivers expect from the German automaker.

To see all the Porsche Cayenne has to offer, we invite you to visit us at Capital Porsche. Our experienced sales staff can show you all of the features and special deals on the performance SUV. Take one for a test drive today and experience the Porsche difference.