Sports SUVs are becoming very popular these days. Armed with all kinds of luxury features and performance unheard of with vehicles of their size, these cars fill a unique niche in the automotive world. Two cars can be argued as the defining models of this class, the Range Rover Sport and the BMW X6. For 2017, which car is the better pick? This comparison tries to get the lowdown.
Exterior
The Range Rover Sport is designed like your usual SUV, even though it looks far more dynamic than most of its peers. In fact, the biggest change in this car’s exterior goes beyond skin deep. The extensive use of aluminum in its body and frame allows the Sport to weigh up to 400 kg less than the usual Range Rover model. As for the BMW X6, its dimensions and exterior features are like the X5, except for the coupe-type roofline. This “Sport Activity Coupe” is unlike any other, and arguably a class of its own in the looks department.
You might also be interested in: 2018 Range Rover pulls crowd at Dubai Motor Show
Interior
The interior of the Range Rover Sport is exactly what you would expect in a top-end sports SUV. It is loaded with high-quality trim, the latest driving aids, and entertainment options. Both front and rear seats are comfortable and have loads of space, and there is even a third row of seats available should you need it. As for the BMW X6, the comfort and build quality is something that you would expect from a BMW. However, the coupe design of the X6 significantly compromises rear seat headroom and boot space. Both feature great-quality interiors, but the Range Rover Sport wins because it is more practical.
Performance
Both are marketed as high-performance machines, so this part should be very interesting. The Range Rover Sport is equipped with 2 different types of engines, a 3.0-liter V6 engine with a maximum output of 340 horsepower and a 5.0-liter V8 with a maximum output of 510 horsepower. There are 2 engine options available in the BMW X6: a 3.0 liter inline-6 with a maximum output of 306 horsepower, and a 4.4-liter V8 with a maximum output of 450 horsepower. Combined with these robust engines is best-in-class handling and cornering that should be driven to be appreciated. The on-road dynamics of the X6 puts it in a class of its own, but the Range Rover Sport makes up for it with more power and better off-road capability.
You might also be interested in: Range Rover Velar 2018 introduced at Dubai Motor Show
Verdict
Both rides are excellent in their own unique ways, but we must go with the Range Rover Sport. While the X6 just might be the best sport SUV in the world, the Range Rover Sport is not very far behind, plus it has better practicality, versatility, and poise.
Editor's Pick:
Land Rover Discovery 2017 Review
Also See:
