Land Rover Discovery 4 vs BMW X5

Photos: Otis Clay, thanks to Bewl Water Outdoor Centre January 2012

The Land Rover Discovery 4 is one of the best large SUVs around. It swept to a seventh consecutive class victory at our New Car Awards last year, but Land Rover isn’t resting on its laurels. It has continued to refine the model’s winning blend of luxury, refinement and unstoppable off-road ability.

The latest version features a range of mechanical updates specifically designed to eliminate the Discovery’s most glaring  weakness – its thirst for diesel. The new eight-speed auto gearbox promises to make it cleaner, faster and more efficient than ever before. It should be tough to beat, particularly in luxurious top-spec HSE trim tested here.

Few SUVs can match the Land Rover’s mix of comfort, seven-seat practicality and on-road refinement, but the BMW X5 is sure to give it a run for its money.

The BMW’s car-like dynamics, sporty interior and striking looks all help to set it apart from the SUV pack. And it’s already one of the cleanest big 4x4s on the market. Will that be enough to beat the high-flying Land Rover or will the Discovery 4 sail to a comfortable victory?

Read more:http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/grouptests/276721/land_rover_discovery_4_vs_bmw_x5.html#ixzz1kHosA8SP