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2024 BMW XM vs Range Rover Sport: What To Buy?
The 2024 BMW XM SUV is a high-performance, luxury powerhouse with a twin-turbocharged V8 and a plug-in hybrid system, cranking out 738 hp and accelerating to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. It seamlessly switches to electric power for short trips. Inside, the cabin is opulent, comfortable, and spacious, loaded with top-tier tech features like a curved dashboard display and advanced driver-assistance systems. As for the Range Rover Sport, it lives up to its name by injecting a dose of adrenaline into the Range Rover lineup. Balancing luxury with athleticism, it competes with rivals like the BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne, and Mercedes-AMG GLE53. The Range Rover Sport offers potent powertrains, from a 355-hp inline-six to a 542-hp plug-in hybrid. Its cabin is the epitome of luxury, featuring high-quality materials and comfortable seating.
| 2024 BMW XM | Range Rover Sport | |
| Dimensions | 201.2 in x 78.9 in x 69.1 in | 194.7 in x 80.6 in x 71.7–74.2 in |
| Engine | 4.4L twin-turbo V8 + AC motor | 3.0L supercharged, turbocharged inline-6 + AC motor |
| Horsepower | 644 hp | 542 hp |
| Torque | 590 lb-ft | 516 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.4 sec | 4.7 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 8.2 sec | NA |
| Top-Speed | 168 mph | 150 mph |
BMW XM
Engine & Performance
In the BMW XM, they’ve joined forces. A potent twin-turbo 4.4L V8, an electric motor, and a sizable battery, delivering a whopping 644 hp. Forget the technical jargon. Think of it as blending a robust engine with electric support for an extra boost. The XM glides on a coil-spring suspension with smart dampers and anti-roll bars that adapt to the road. While not as silky as air suspension, switch to Comfort mode, and the ride is quite cushy. The XM’s 25.7-kWh battery provides around 30 miles of electric range per charge; our test yielded a close 29 miles. BMW notes the XM’s charger can fill up the battery at 7.4 kW. Hitting a full charge in just over three hours. So, you get powerful performance and a comfortable ride, all while enjoying an electric boost.
Price & Mileage
Starting at a premium of $159,995. The XM packs in luxury goodies like plush leather seats, massive 23-inch wheels, a sleek curved infotainment display, and a bunch of driver-assistance tech. Despite being a plug-in hybrid, the XM falls short on fuel efficiency. Scoring just 12 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA.
Acceleration & Features
In a test drive, we experienced an instant power boost from the engine, estimating a 3.8 sec sprint to 60 mph. However, in a different climate, the XM pleasantly surprised us, achieving a 3.4 sec acceleration to 60 mph. The dashboard boasts a sizable curved display covering two-thirds of its space. This multifunctional display acts as both a digital gauge cluster and an onboard infotainment center, running BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 software. Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Along with extras like SiriusXM satellite radio, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium stereo system.
Range Rover Sport
Engine & Performance
The base engine is a turbocharged 3.0L inline-six with a 48-volt hybrid system, delivering 355 hp in the P360 SE and 395 hp in the P400 SE Dynamic. For the luxurious Autobiography trim, there’s an exclusive plug-in-hybrid P550e setup, combining an electric motor with the inline-six for a robust 542 hp. All models feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, standard AWD, and an adjustable air suspension. Additionally, the Range Rover Sport offers an optional performance driving setup known as the Stormer Handling Pack, which introduces rear-wheel steering and torque vectoring. This enhances agility and control on the road. Whether you go for power, luxury, or a blend of both, the Range Rover Sport has options to suit your preferences.
Price & Mileage
When it comes to the Range Rover Sport, we recommend going for the more potent P400 Dynamic SE trim. It packs extra horsepower, giving you a noticeable kick in both city driving and on the highway. Plus, it’s loaded with luxurious and convenient features, and the best part is, you won’t be facing a sky-high bill. Starting at $85,075, the Range Rover Sport offers a sweet deal. According to Land Rover, you can expect 20 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway from both the P360 and P400 models. In a nutshell, choosing the P400 Dynamic SE trim ensures a powerful ride with added perks, all without breaking the bank.
Acceleration & Features
Testing the P360 SE was a breeze. It hit 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, but it felt a bit sluggish in city traffic. Land Rover estimates the PHEV powertrain will get the Range Rover Sport to 60 mph in a swift 4.7 seconds. The dashboard is spacious, boasting a generous 13.1-inch curved touchscreen for infotainment and an even larger 13.7-inch screen displaying gauges in front of the driver. Land Rover’s Pivi Pro interface is their best shot at in-car entertainment. The displays are sharp and high-end, seamlessly floating above the plush dashboard. All Range Rover Sports come with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with Amazon’s Alexa.