
When it comes to large luxury SUV’s, the BMW X5 and the Porsche Cayenne SUV are extremely popular, especially on our car subscription service. Comparing them can prove difficult despite them being the same caliber of vehicle, so today we thought we’d have a look at a few key features of the two cars and compare them.
BMW X5 vs. Porsche Cayenne SUV
Boot Space:
When you look at the two models side-by-side, the BMW X5 does look like it will have more boot space, this is due to the straighter lines and boxier feel of the vehicle, but the BMW X5 (5-seat) does have the smaller boot space of the two vehicles at 650 litres versus the 772 litres (petrol non-hybrid) version of the Porsche Cayenne SUV.
If you need to put the seats down, the BMW X5 does actually win with 1,870 litres when compared with 1,708 litres of the Porsche Cayenne.
The Look:
The 2023 BMW X5 looks stunning with the manufacturer making those important tweaks at each refresh. The Porsche Cayenne has also had a well-deserved nip and tuck, so it is hard to choose between the two.
The BMW X5 has a very boxy shape and is on par with some of the latest products from Land Rover, yet it still looks visually appealing.
If you want that Sports Car look, you need to opt for the Porsche Cayenne, with it’s smoother lines and longer bonnet.
The Insides:
With both models receiving a refresh, we feel that the BMW’s interior is one of the best available. A huge screen forms from behind the steering wheel and curves around to the left-hand side of the centre console. BMW has really pushed the boat out when it comes to the materials used.
The Porsche Cayenne now has a full digital display with everything pointing in the direction of the driver. You can now also opt for a 2nd screen for the passenger. The steering wheel feels sporty and they have retained the rotating switch gear on the steering wheel to control driving modes.
The Tech:
The Porsche Cayenne shares mamy of its tech from the Volkwagen Touareg, but don’t let that put you off. Tried and tested, the system feels slick when it comes to the infotainment system. Optional extras would push the price up if you were taking this on a long-term car lease, but standard spec if pretty acceptable.
The BMW X5 offers one of the best infotainment systems in the marketplace with their ‘iDrive’ infotainment system. The 2023 model has made certain controls such as the climate control a little fiddly, but once you get used to it, you’ll still be smiling.
Both vehicles offer Climate Control, Apple CarPlay, DAB Digital Radio, Satellite Navigation and Android Auto.
The Drive:
It is quite difficult to sum up the drive of the BMW X5 and the Porsche Cayenne as there are so many different engine choices and some option packs can make the feel of the drive completely different.
The BMW X5 that we have driven is the BMW X5 30d M Sport with a Tech Pack. This has a 3-litre diesel engine that is far from tractor like and the pickup is amazing. The car itself corners like a much lower car and can handle tight corners, letting you feed the steering wheel as you exit onto the straight. On top of that, we got 50.9 mpg on a long run to Southampton and back which is amazing from such a big car.
The BMW X5 is available as a Petrol, Diesel and Plug-in Hybrid. Whilst we are petrol heads in the office, the 30d is the one to go for unless you are a company car tax payer, then you’d choose the BMW X5 50e M Sport, although the price can be crazy.
The Porsche Cayenne SUV is only available in Petrol or Plug-in Hybrid, in the case of driving, we have now driven both versions. Whilst the E-Hybrid (PHEV) is the quickest and the most economical, but the swapping of electric to petrol can cause travel sickness to even the driver. The petrol is our choice and a good 26 mpg out of the 3.0 litre petrol engine is excellent and still does not disappoint.

The Size:
These cars are massive when you compare them to a UK standard car parking space, so parking is always challenging.;
BMW X5 is 4,935mm long, 2,004 wide and 1,765mm tall
Porsche Cayenne is 4,930mm long, 1,983mm wide and 1,698mm tall
The Verdict
It is a really difficult one, as everyone in the office loves both cars but if we were pushed, then the BMW X5 is the clear winner. This is based on the engine (30d), the comfort of the vehicle and the cost per month when you look at our BMW Car Subscription prices.
That being said, the Porsche Cayenne is a beautiful car, amazing to drive and very practical. Porsche Car Subscriptions have become very popular recently and our range is growing with the Macan, Taycan and the Panamera.
For business users of short-term vehicle solutions, the hybrid options of both cars make excellent company cars for the Directors or the CEO’s with low CO2 emissions and low benefit-in-kind.
More Information
If you would like any more information on the BMW X5 or the Porsche Cayenne SUV, please speak to the Cocoon Vehicles on 01332 290173 or use the ENQUIRY FORM at the bottom of this article.
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