In terms of the engines, the diesels are the sensible option. There is a pair available, and the more powerful of the two comes in three different power guises. Moreover, unlike the Porsche, you also get to choose between two and four-wheel-drive, a choice that will affect how much you pay at the fuel pumps.
The entry-level BMW X5 25d is backed by a 2.5-litre four-pot engine that develops 228bhp, and can do 0-62 in 7.7 seconds. For more pulling power and a smoother experience, the 3.0-litre diesel engine is a better bet. You can choose from three different power outputs, with the quickest of them all being the 375bhp 50d variant that does 0-62 in just 5.3 seconds.
So, not as fast as the Macan. However, the entry-level BMW X5 25d model is cheaper to run, and can return as much as 53.3mpg when fitted with two-wheel-drive. Add four-wheel drive, and that figure drops to 50.4mpg.
Even the 3.0-litre diesel is more economical than the Porsche, returning 47.9mpg at best, and 42.8mpg at worst for the 50d model.
Inside, the BMW X5 Estate wants for very little. Its cabin is classy, feels well built, and comes with a visually compelling dashboard that’s neat, tidy and dominated by a ten-inch high-def infotainment screen.
As ever, BMW’s intuitive iDrive control system is present and correct, and the steering wheel and driver’s seat offer lots of adjustability.
Unlike the Macan, the BMW X5 Estate comes with seven seats if you want it to. As such, it’s more than just a sporty estate – it’s practically a luxurious but robust people carrier. Visibility is excellent, the door bins and pockets are nice and large, and there are cubbies everywhere.
The leather seats are comfortable too, and all your passengers should have plenty of room. The boot, meanwhile, measures 650-litres with all five seats up. Fold the rear seats and you can extend boot space to 1,870-litres. Adding an extra third row of seats will of course reduce luggage capacity.
Price:
Porsche – £45,900 – £69,500
BMW – £48,140 – £69,220