[flyfs6]

I need to decide what one to choose, a new shape Range Rover Sport (L494) or a new shape BMW X5 (F15). Either will most likely be a dirty diesel.

I have owned current incarnations of both and I still can't make my mind up which one to choose.

What are your thoughts on these two?

[phil200tdi]

New RRS is meant to be epic.

Don't think they are putting the tdv8 lump in there though.. The 3.0 jag diesel lump is good too, spending that much I'd just get a 5.0 petrol!!

[peterg1965]

RRS definitely...... I was looking only just last night!

[LexS]

RRS for sure. I'm fortunate enough to drive them every day and can't recommend them highly enough. They feel like an anti tardis without the panoramic sunroof though and lack some of the cubby holes you'll have in the L405, otherwise they feel very similar.

The X5 is lovely but I think the RRS has the looks to match the asking price.

[themetz]

RRS will certainly be a prize winner - but wish Land Rover would throw some serious investment at their Nav System and associated software interface. BMW seem to be streets ahead of everyone else....

[davyk31]

The X5 always had it for performance and handling, depends how the new models of both compare. Lookswise the RRS looks more different and fresher than the current one, the new X5 may not look different enough from the E70 to stand out as being something new.

[Faithfull]

Originally Posted by phil200tdi

New RRS is meant to be epic.

Don't think they are putting the tdv8 lump in there though.. The 3.0 jag diesel lump is good too, spending that much I'd just get a 5.0 petrol!!

That is correct, the 3 engines going into the sport will be the 3.0 TDV6 (258bhp), 3.0 SDV6 (292) and the 5.0 Supercharged v8 (510bhp)

I'm going up to Land Rover Gaydon this sunday for 2 days to drive it, so will let you know how it compares to the current Sport.

[flyfs6]

I have physically seen the new RRS, but it was the Autobiography version, which I'm trying to avoid. Here's what I saw:




(the RRS on the ramp is a stock HSE)

















Encouraging to hear everyone positively recommending the new RRS. Have placed a deposit for a RRS HSE Dynamic in May for Nov/Jan delivery.

RRS HSE Dynamic (21" polished wheels stock + adaptive suspension + torque vectoring + terrain response 2 + low range gearbox + gloss black grills, vents etc + polished pedals + illuminated sills)

Causeway Grey








Tan leather






RRS HSE (21" painted wheels optional + terrain response 2 & low range gearbox option)







Cirrus leather






Both HSE & HSE Dynamic are 3.0 SDV6 (twin turbo 292bhp). Having seen the new M sport X5 photos it does look a bit tasty and they'll cost pretty similar money, with the RRS probably cost a few thousand £ more.

[xs2man]

Wow. That's a nice looking RRS. When the new RR came out, I went in for a look, and had 30 second look around the RRS and thought, well just NO. It seems a lot smaller on the inside, and not much smaller on the outside than the RR.

But the NEW Sport looks awesome. Probably the same "lack" of space on the inside though.

[shrink]

Isn't that the point though? Off road stance and abilities, with a cosy snug, car like feel on the inside. If you want acres of space, a RRS is not the answer

[Castle]

I don't think there is a real comparison between an X5 and the new RRS. X5 is basically a tall car, while the RRS is the king of refined off-roading. Sorry BMW, you can't win them all.

[peterg1965]

Nice one! Did you get a discount on list?

[JackR]

I'm in love.

[flyfs6]

My issue is I have this habit of buying cars. When buying I like to feel like I'm getting a deal. I'm hardly feeling this on the RR, in response to peters question, theres zilch discount, though I have been assured I will be looked after, remains to be seen exactly how. My experience with the X5 was that the ownership cost was peanuts helped largely by the fact I negotiated almost 20% off when buying it new. I am confident I'm likely to still receive some incentive on the BMW (more like a few percent only), I'm trying anyway. My experience with the RRS tells me if I have it short/mid term I can flip it easily, if I keep it as long as I did the X5 I probably stand to loose a lot of money.

Comparing current generations of these vehicles I would say the X5 is much more dynamic to drive and its roomier enough inside to make a difference. The X5 has offers more luggage space.

Hoops & I tested a 2009 xdrive30d M Sport & 2009 RRS 3.0 TDV6 (2010 facelift twin turbo) back to back, and I think he'll agree we concurred the X5 felt like more fun and that it was roomier. I would add many complain that the X5 with M Sport suspension is firm, and I can say it is, but at the same time its bearable enough even with run flat tyres so long as the roads the ok.

The RRS with its air suspension offers a much more cushioned ride and its hard to grow tired of lowering/raising the height adjustable suspension. Also the RRS probably uses finer quality of leather, which was an option I also had on my X5. The extended leather including dashboard top covered in leather was also lovely, this was also later made available an option for the X5 but my X5 did not have it.

Back to the new X5 & new RRS.

The F15 X5 M sport now receives as standard adaptive suspension offering different comfort levels etc (still front springs & rear self levelling). Its still not height adjustable and its still not got low range gearbox, even as an option.

The RRS HSE now does not receive the as standard low range gearbox or the new terrain response 2. Low range gearbox can be added for £410, I think it's silly not to have it on a vehicle like RRS & I think this option also adds terrain response 2. The price difference is about £5k between HSE & HSE Dynamic, but if you add the 21" polished wheels & low ratio box, the price difference is down to £3k. HSE Dynamic gets all of this plus adaptive suspension, e diff (torque vectoring), illuminated sill plates, metal finish pedals etc. Its worth buying HSE Dynamic if you want all of those things combined. Not sure I need all that hence I've spec'd a HSE for comparison. Both HSE & HSE Dynamic get height adjustable air suspension.

LR have made an effort with the new RRS. This shows in the photos, static display in flesh and in the preview comments received.

If I was to compare prices for new X5 M Sport 30d (255bhp) and the HSE 3.0 SDV6 bi turbo (292bhp). The X5 with a lots of options is still cheaper by around £3k than a barely spec'd RRS HSE. For the X5 I added 4zone aircon (opt both), head up display (opt X5 only), adaptive headlights (opt both), professional stereo (opt both), reversing camera (std RRS), 20" wheels (std RRS), internet (opt X5), sun protection glass (opt both), electric folding mirrors (std RRS), seat heating front (std on RRS F & R). No official prices with 40d M Sport (316bhp) - as not due until December production, but I suspect with the same options there will be no price difference between it & HSE Dynamic.

Another fact that should help my decision is that in Dubai where I travel fairly regularly, I will have the use of a new RRS 3.0 S/C (not available in the UK) & thats far higher spec out there with panoramic roof, upgraded stereo, soft close doors standard. So really I should be getting a X5 to add a bit of variety, but silly me thinks what if I need to go off road in the UK or ship the UK vehicle abroad eventually where the going could get tough.

I'm totally confused, I really like them both. My heart and head are both saying get the RRS & then saying get the X5, then taking me around the merry go round.

[doughboy]

Originally Posted by flyfs6

but silly me thinks what if I need to go off road in the UK

Where would this extreme offroad 4x4 activity be then?

Perhaps accidentaly mounting the curb in Kensington High Street or dicing with the bollards outside the local waitrose perhaps?

Best spec that low ratio 'box

[flyfs6]

doughboy - nice to hear from you. Hope all's well

I saw the quick edit

I'm seriously intending to try to light green lane routes and conquering the snowy North when we drive up once a year.

[creepy coupe]

Cayenne GTS.

[doughboy]

All good thanks fly,

Maybe check out the latest Super-LRS Retro model;

I think it comes with the low ratio box as standard, not sure about much else though, no messing about at Waitrose in this baby. You can spec 8 chrome rims...

[flyfs6]

cc - I considered GTS last year but put it bed being put off by rumours of facelift since then (hasnt happened yet!). I probably should have bought one then, new prices have increased. Downside it's not hardcore enough for kerb climbing, same with the X5.

[flyfs6]

doughboy - I'll be looking those up :-D

I'll also be recommending the fleet manager definitely considers this upgrade for the Defender.

[phil200tdi]

http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/F...ort-2013-06-13

[peterg1965]

If i had the cash (which I haven't) I would be buying a RRS or new shape FFRR for the short term, they are stunning looking vehicles. The tax paid military discount on these are 7% and 10% respectively and I am sure it would be possible to run one of these for a few months at virtually nil cost. The LR website has a few new shape approved used Rangies on it now, not one under £73K - most being considerably more.

Buying Land Rover was a brilliant and inspired move by Tata.