Competition Check: BMW X5 35i xDrive petrol

BMW has introduced a new petrol engine for its X5 SUV for a price tag of Rs 73.5 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. It is a 3.0-litre V6 that makes over 300bhp of power and pits the BMW against its arch-rival the Mercedes GLE 400. You can also have the Porsche Macan R4 for a couple of lakh more. So here is how the BMW X5 35i xDrive performs compared to the Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 4matic and the Porsche Macan R4.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 4matic

The GLE 400 is the prime competitor of the BMW X5. Both get almost similar 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines but the Mercedes manages to churn out 333bhp of power and 480Nm of torque as against the 306bhp of power and 400Nm of torque from the BMW. Even in terms of size, the Mercedes is – longer, taller and wider than the BMW. In terms of interior, because of the larger size, the cabin and boot space in the Mercedes is obviously more than the BMW. Both being luxury barges, all the creature comforts are standard including display screen, sunroof, power seats et al. Yes the Mercedes is a lakh and a half expensive as compared to the BMW, but looking at everything, it seems justified.

Porsche Macan R4

The bragging rights that a Porsche in your garage gives you are way more than either of the other Germans can never match. The Porsche is a couple of lakh more expensive than the Mercedes and one would certainly be tempted. But that is all about the Porsche Macan R4. It is the cheapest Macan. It gets a 2.0-litre inline four engine that develops only 252bhp of power and torque figure is nowhere close. It will certainly not be as luxurious as the BMW or the Mercedes and given its sporty focus, the ride will certainly be stiffer. So unless you want a trophy car in your start-studded garage, the BMW does pip the Porsche fair and square.