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Porsche Cayenne vs BMW X5

A photo collage comparison of a 2023 Porsche Cayenne and 2023 BMW X5.

2023 Porsche Cayenne

Estimates put the base price of a 2023 Porsche Cayenne at roughly $70,000. The new top-of-the-line Turbo GT Coupe pushes this up to over $181,000.

When it comes to excellent German automobile engineering, the 2023 Porsche Cayenne, a 5-seat luxury SUV, demonstrates that size is irrelevant. The Cayenne may be large and heavy, yet it drives with the nimbleness and speed of a true sports car.

The most recent iteration of the Cayenne maintains the performance torch with a wide variety of available turbocharged V6 and V8 engines. Porsche also offers a hybrid version of the Cayenne, as well as the option to customize the SUV into a “Coupe,” with a lower roofline and a more streamlined rear end. The Cayenne Coupe is the subject of its review here.

In 2023, the Cayenne will receive a subtle refresh that includes new wheels, a modified front grille, and reshaped headlights and taillights. The base engine is a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 335 horsepower, which also serves as the foundation for the hybrid system that can increase output to 455 horsepower. Approximately 17 kilometers of the range are available while using electric power. 

On the base Cayenne S model, you’ll find a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine, and you can get a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 in no less than four different trims. This increases to 541 hp in the Cayenne Turbo for the standard Cayenne, but not the Cayenne Coupe. Its main competitors are the Lamborghini Urus, BMW X5, and Maserati Levante.  

2023 BMW X5

The all new BMW X5 in metallic silver colorway in 3D illustration.

The 2023 BMW X5 is a high-performance, high-class, and high-utility midsize sport utility vehicle. In addition, it provides potent engine choices, a plush interior, and a plethora of cutting-edge amenities. 

This car has a lavish interior and potent engine and starts at $61,600, which is why I like it. It drives like a Zimmer. The 2023 BMW X5 is a steal in the midsize luxury segment, despite its high price and cramped third-row seating. If you want all the bells and whistles, expect to pay considerably more.

There are three unique engine choices, a plush cabin, and state-of-the-art features in the audio system. It has a 6,603-pound towing capacity.

There are three engine options for this year’s BMW X5, which starts at $60,600. Both the sDrive40i and xDrive40i models of the X5 are powered by turbocharged inline-six engines. The xDrive45e has 389 horsepower thanks to a combination of an electric motor and a turbocharged inline-six. The X5 can reach its highest speed of 173 mph with this engine and can reach 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. It has a city/highway fuel economy of 21/25. 

(The 40i can also go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 secs.) Moreover, the M50i can go from zero to sixty miles per hour in less than four seconds thanks to its 523-horsepower twin-turbo V-8. All three drivetrains are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, so drivers won’t have to worry about being underpowered in most situations.

The base model has a smooth inline-six engine, and even the higher trim levels include all the newest in entertainment and convenience features. Plug-in hybrid versions of the X5 can be driven entirely on electricity generated, allowing for short trips, but the standard V-8 engine lacks the rapid acceleration of the plug-in hybrid’s alternative twin-turbo design.

2023 Porsche Cayenne vs 2023 BMW X5 (Similarities)

There are quite a few similarities between these two beauties. Both have similar

8-Speed automatic transmissions and comfortably seat five people.  

Porsche Cayenne vs BMW X5 (Differences)

Price

A white Porsche Cayenne is parked there in the gloom.

Both cars are a great buy in terms of luxury and performance, but they also both have some major and minor differences. The starting price for the BMW X5 is $61,600 compared to $72,200 for the Porsche Cayenne. 

2023 BMW X5 Trim level prices

The base trim sDrive40i: $61,600 

xDrive40i trim: $63,900

Mid-level trim: xDrive45e: $65,700

M50i trim: $85,400

Highest trim: M trim: $108,900

2023 Porsche Cayenne Trim Level Prices

Coupe trim: $80,700

Platinum Edition Coupe trim: $84,800

S Coupe trim: $95,200

S Platinum Edition Coupe trim: $97,300

GTS Coupe trim: $115,800

Performance

A photo of black BMW X5 at the parking near sea water.

The Bimmer gets its power from a 3.0L Turbo Inline-6, while the Cayenne gets its force from a 3.0L Turbo V6 engine. Neither vehicle is excellent when it comes to fuel efficiency, but the X5 does outshine the Cayenne in this area. Inside the city, the BMW X5 can get up to 21 MPG, while along the highway you get 26 MPG. 

Fuel Efficiency

Meanwhile, the Porsche Cayenne gives a mere 17 MPG city/ 22 MPG along the highway.

The fuel tank on the X5 holds up to 21.9 gallons of fuel, while the bigger Cayenne tank has a 23.7-gallon capacity. 

The BMW operates on a rear-wheel drive system but the Porsche uses an all-wheel drivetrain. While they both have the same 335 horsepower, the X5 is at 200 more rpm, totaling 5500 rpm. The pound-feet of torque you’ll get from the X5, however, is less, pushing 330 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm, while the Cayenne offers 332 lb-ft @ 1340 rpm.

Weight and Towing Capacity 

All black BMW X5 parked at the building car park at St. Petersburg, Russia.

Planning to travel cross country towing a trailer or to just haul items around occasionally, you’ll get more out of the X5 which has a towing capacity of  4,828 lbs, a few hundred pounds more than the Cayenne’s 4,582 lbs towing capacity. 

If you’re concerned about protecting the environment then choosing the BMW X5 is a no-brainer. In 2022, it was emitting 7.6 tons yearly @ 15K mi/year, while the Porsche Cayenne’s emission figures were 9.3 tons per year. 

Cruising Range

The X5 has a longer cruising range taking you up to 459.9 miles while the Cayenne takes you 402.9 miles. It’s a similar situation along the highway where the X5 outperforms the Cayenne at 569.4 miles to

521.4 miles respectively.

Exterior Dimensions

Third generation Porsche Cayenne Turbo in a plain white colorway in display at the International Automobile Auction in Frankfurt.

When it comes to size, the X5 is the bigger boy here except for the rear and front width which are quite similar. For length, height, and width the Bimmer gives us just under an inch more, except for the wheelbase which is 117.1 inches to the Cayenne’s 114 inches.

Cargo Space

Want more than just grocery bags or a carry-on in your cargo space? The X5 gives us 15 more cubic feet of space at Seat 1 72.3 ft³ 60.3 ft³:  Seat 2 33.9 ft³

to 27.2 ft³ and Seat 3 is 33.9 ft³ to 27.2 ft³. 

Steering & Wheels

While both cars have Rack-Pinion steering type, you get better handling from the X5 which has a turning diameter of 41.3 ft to the Cayenne’s 39.8 ft. 

Both vehicles have stunning Aluminum Wheels but the X5 has half an inch more at the front and vice versa for the Cayenne at the rear.

One outstanding fact about the Cayenne is the myriad of ways you’re able to personalize your vehicle. The options appear endless, which is the reason so many Porsche, despite being the same trim, can look different from each other. Who doesn’t want their car to have their personal touch? Still, the performance and handling of the BMW X5 are unmatched!

Related: 11 Different Types of Wheels for Cars

BMW X5 Pros and Cons

Cool BMW X5 in a black colorway parked at the parking with headlights on.

Pros

  • Outstanding road manners for a crossover SUV.
  • Numerous options for potent motors
  • Interior and construction are of the highest grade.
  • Infinite scope for individualization

Cons

  • Many extras ought to be included as standard for that price.
  • There’s no hiding grime on glossy black interior panels.
  • Awful rear-view mirror visibility
  • A/C fans are ineffective at slower speeds and distracting at high ones.

2023 Porsche Cayenne Pros and Cons

Elegant and sexy Porsche Cayenne Coupe in metallic orange colorway parked in a grass fields.

Pros

  • Amazingly agile for a crossover SUV.
  • Numerous options for potent motors
  • Superb design and construction throughout
  • Possibility to tailor to individual tastes

Cons

  • Many extras ought to be included as standard for that price.
  • Black glossy surfaces inside a vehicle can easily become grimy.
  • Bad rear-view mirror
  • A/C fans are ineffective at low speeds and distracting at high ones.

FAQs about the Cayenne vs X5

Can You Tell Me Why The X5 is Superior to the Cayenne?

White BMW X5 driving on road.

BMW offers the X5 with a 2998 cc engine and a single fuel type: The Porsche Cayenne is offered with a 2995 cc gasoline, diesel, or hybrid (electric + gasoline) engine. Comparing the X5 to the Cayenne, the former gets 11.2 km/l and the latter 10.8 km/l in fuel economy.

Is the Cayenne bigger than the X5?

Measurements of a BMW X5. The length of the Porsche Cayenne is 193.6 inches, and its wheelbase is 113.9 inches. The total length of the X5 is 194.3 inches, with a wheelbase of 117.1 inches.

Will Porsche Update the Cayenne in 2023?

Spy photographs of the upcoming Porsche Cayenne 2023 reveal a refreshed design and some minor changes to the interior, although the company has not yet announced any official details. There are no longer any air intake vents on the bottom section of the front bumper, as well as the grill with its horizontal strikes is more striking than previously.

The new Porsche Cayenne SUV was spotted being tested once again. Anticipate a premiere of the updated Porsche Cayenne wagon as well as coupe series sometime in 2022, with a possible Australian release in 2023.

Is A Porsche Better To Drive Than A BMW?

In the late afternoon sun, a brand-new Porsche Cayenne S sports car travels at a fast rate of speed on a motorway.

Even comparing Porsche and BMW isn’t entirely fair. Porsche makes some of the world’s quickest cars consistently, but BMW’s offerings aren’t exactly sluggish either.

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