2024 BMW X5 vs 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, though the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch "741M" wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with the high-performance X5 M Competition variant. The xDrive50e M Sport specification test vehicle came with Brooklyn Grey paint, optional wheels, and all available equipment packages, priced at $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh, aligning it with other BMW models, and introduced the BMW Curved Display, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan underwent a complete redesign, marking its third generation with a shift towards sleek modernity inspired by VW's electric vehicles. The front featured narrower headlights and an illuminated VW badge and light bar in the top SEL R-Line trim. The grille appeared larger, with smaller actual openings and prominent air intakes. The side profile showcased a sportier tapering hatch, enhanced by a black contrasting roof and dark-tinted windows. The rear featured a single bar taillight and an oversized plastic trim piece. The interior modernization included a tablet-like infotainment display and a digital instrument panel, with a minimalist dashboard design. The gear selector moved to the steering column, creating more storage space. Materials quality was average, with soft-touch materials in contact areas and durable plastics in the rear seats.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with the xDrive50e PHEV receiving a significant upgrade in electric range and power output. It featured a more powerful electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and a 19.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The battery's maximum AC charging rate doubled to 7.4 kW. The xDrive50e offered 38 miles of electric-only driving and 22 mpg in combined driving. It produced 483 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV was favored for its balance of performance and efficiency, with a recommendation for a Level 2 home charging station. The adaptive damping air suspension masked the vehicle's weight, and the 21-inch wheels did not compromise ride quality. The X5 excelled in handling, with excellent acceleration, grip, and steering response, achieving an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg during evaluation.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan was powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 201 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive, while 4Motion all-wheel drive was available on all models and standard on the top SEL R-Line trim. The Tiguan's acceleration was expected to be similar to its predecessor, reaching 60 mph in approximately 8.5 seconds. The drivetrain delivered power smoothly and linearly, with confident highway acceleration. Braking was smooth and easy to modulate, and the suspension favored comfort while maintaining composure on winding roads. The cabin was quiet, with well-silenced tire and wind noise. A more powerful Turbo version was anticipated for 2026, offering 268 hp and 258 lb-ft, along with a teased hybrid powertrain.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious interior with room for five people in two rows of seats. The cargo area provided 33.1 cubic feet of space, expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design offered a convenient seating area but required stretching to access deep cargo. The test vehicle featured BMW's Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, which was indistinguishable from genuine leather. Standard sport seats and the Climate Comfort Package added 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, four-zone automatic climate control, and heated rear seats. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the view, while side window sunshades protected passengers from the sun. The X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan returned without a third row of seats, increasing second-row legroom by 1.5 inches. Headroom remained sufficient for average-sized adults. The elimination of capacitive-touch buttons improved usability, with traditional controls on the steering wheel. Outward visibility was comparable to other small SUVs, with narrow front roof pillars and a sufficiently large rear window. The center console offered more storage, with cupholders, a smartphone slot, and a deep armrest bin. Cargo capacity was not finalized, but the new area appeared smaller than the previous generation's 37.6 cubic feet. The angled liftgate limited loading of bulkier items, but deep pockets provided secure storage for smaller items. Remote seatback releases and a power liftgate were standard on most trims.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured a BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, connected services, and over-the-air updates. The system included a cloud-based navigation system and an Intelligent Personal Assistant. Pairing an iPhone 15 was seamless, and the interface was intuitive. The optional Harman Kardon sound system delivered excellent audio quality. However, the Intelligent Personal Assistant struggled with voice recognition, providing inaccurate directions and failing to respond to certain requests. The available head-up display effectively conveyed data, and an augmented video function enhanced navigation.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan came standard with a digital instrument panel and a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 15-inch display available on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, paired with a wireless phone charger in the center armrest bin. Capacitive-touch sliders were present but minimally used, with a new volume knob on the center console. The Atmospheres feature combined ambient lighting and audio settings to enhance mood. The standard audio system performed well, with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system available on the top trim. VW's Car-Net system included remote monitoring, control, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, requiring deliberate activation. It performed well in dense or light traffic but could behave unexpectedly in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance worked effectively, though the system occasionally engaged hard braking without cause. The driver aids operated subtly, encouraging usage. The X5 received high ratings from the IIHS, but lower headlight ratings prevented an award. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan's crash test results were not yet available. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and more. The Emergency Assist system slowed the vehicle if the driver was incapacitated. Higher trims added a head-up display, surround-view camera, traffic sign reader, and semi-automated parking. The safety features functioned as expected, with no false alarms or oversensitivity.