Mazda CX-90 vs BMW X5

What's the difference?

There are many reasons I quite like this CX-90. It sells the plush luxury promise when it comes to its interior and design, it feels big and purposeful, and has a refreshingly minimalist approach to its cabin tech. As a seven-seat SUV it’s particularly impressive, with plenty of amenity and a third row that can genuinely fit an adult in comfort.

However, there are areas where it could use more polish, from the drivetrain to the ride, and it ultimately strikes an odd point for price and ownership which feels lost between the premium segment and the mainstream rivals.

If you’re a long-term Mazda owner, I still think you’ll love it, and this Touring grade is definitely the best value in the range. It offers the lion’s share of equipment at a price more comparable to Mazda’s traditional mainstream rivals.

This is a luxurious prestige five-seater brimming with BMW’s latest design and technology that’s not only practical for weekly family duties but can also embrace spirited driving with the push of a button. A great all-rounder for families that like a sporty edge. 

The CX-90 is an impressive car to behold. Moving things onwards and upwards from its CX-9 predecessor, the CX-90 is bigger and even more refined in a lot of ways.

Mazda’s signature design language has evolved into something a bit beefier, trading out the delicate sharp angles and chromes of its front-wheel-drive predecessors for something a bit more upright, with a wide stance and tough proportions.

The long bonnet and expansive body panels stress the long-engined, fluid nature of this car’s design language. It certainly gives it a more premium vibe than the boxy American-influenced style of the Hyundai Palisade, and leans more European than the science-fiction styling of something like the Kia Sorento.

If anything, there’s some clear BMW influence in the shape of the tail and light fittings. Light lashings of chrome keep it in-line with Mazda’s previous design language, and on this base model at least, plastic claddings over the arches toughen it up a bit.

Inside is plush. In fact, it’s treading on Lexus territory when it comes to the design and feel of the seats, dash, doors and there are even padded leather touches down the sides of the centre console for your knees to rest against. Even the standard leather seats are nice (with softer Nappa leather available on higher grades), and I actually find the somewhat monochrome interior treatment on our test car to be the most modest option. It’s off-set by silver trims and a touch of chrome in the steering wheel and doors.

The dash is in a more traditional style (again, it feels influenced by BMW here) with a padded insert across the front, inset vents and a climate control panel leading down to a nice wide console with tasteful patterned trims, and an electronic shifter. The screen in this base car is of modest dimensions compared to most cars today, but those who aren’t sold on giant touchscreens will love it.

Even the digital dash elements are tastefully executed, although they’re not particularly customisable, which is a shame. 

The latest front-end design features subtle revisions to BMW’s signature 'kidney' grille theme, highlighted by slimmer matrix LED headlights with chevron-shaped DRLs that incorporate the turn indicators.

There’s also an ‘iconic glow’ function, which illuminates the twin-grilles at night in-sync with the external courtesy lights when approaching and departing the vehicle. Lower front air-intake and tail-light treatments have also been revised.

The dash features a new curved instrument panel. Based on BMW’s latest generation 'iDrive' operating system, it consists of a 12.3-inch driver’s info display and 14.9-inch control display presented across the same seamless glass surface.

The control display’s touchscreen functionality has allowed dash buttons and switches to be minimised.

This new design dash has a blend of synthetic leather trim and dark brown/high-gloss woodgrain surfaces, along with new LED ambient lighting and gear-selector design.

The rear seat is sumptuous and spacious, even for someone my height (186cm). There’s ample knee and headroom and it can seat three kids in comfort, but for adult passengers wanting that 'business class' feel it would be ideal for two.

My only criticism of the new instrument display is that with more than 30 applications displayed on the expansive control screen, it can be distracting at times trying to visually locate and operate these functions while driving.

And, depending on sun angle, there were also complaints from different front seat passengers on different days about blinding glare caused by the dash’s high-gloss woodgrain inserts. Fortunately, the driver is unaffected by these reflections.

The CX-90 is enormous, but despite its long bonnet, it feels on the inside like it makes good use of its dimensions.

Up front, it’s easy to find a seating position thanks to an array of adjustability, from the seats to the telescopic adjust for the wheel, and the cabin is wide and tall enough to accommodate pretty much anyone with ease.

Unlike some Mazdas which have a strange zoom-factor on their rear vision mirrors, the CX-90 doesn't have this problem, and visibility generally out the windows is impressive. I can see the long, tall bonnet and cosy dash design creating visibility issues for shorter drivers, however.

Padded materials are everywhere they should be (and more), and when it comes to storage there’s a large bottle holder in each front door, two more cupholders in the centre console (with a flip-out cover), a split-opening centre console box (which hides USB-C connections, great for cable management) and a wireless charging bay up front below the climate unit.

It’s rare these days to see a full array of physical buttons and toggles for a dual-zone climate set-up, but the Mazda has the whole lot. It’s a breeze to adjust on the fly and integrates into the design in a subtle way.

It’s also worth calling out the multimedia screen isn’t a touch unit. Instead, you need to control it through a handful of buttons and a rotary dial on the centre console. It’s nice to have a physicality to it, and it works well for the relatively simple base operating system, but it’s a clumsy way to interact with phone mirroring.

In my experience Apple CarPlay has simply too many icons and menu features to work around with a dial-operated system, to the point where it’s distracting to use on-the-go (thus, defeating the purpose of having physical controls).

The second row is a real highlight. Set to its default position, I have leagues of legroom behind my own driving position (at 182cm tall). Again, heaps of width and headroom here, and even the huge rear doors open nice and wide, which should make loading luggage and fitting child seats easy.

The seat trim is just as good as it is in the front, with decent side bolstering, and top-notch amenities, with shades built into the windows, decent-sized bottle holders in each door, a further two in the drop-down armrest, soft pockets on the backs of each front seat, and a separate climate zone with independent temperature and fan speed controls.

There are two adjustable air vents with a lock-off, as well as two USB-C ports for power. Top marks.

The third row is usually where things get tricky for SUVs like this, but the CX-90 isn’t out of tricks yet.

Access isn’t the easiest. The second row can fold forward, but the left over aperture for clambering in, even though the doors are quite large, isn’t great, which will make it a no-go for anyone with mobility issues.

However, once you’re back there, I was surprised to find a full-sized adult like me can fit in relative comfort. With the second row set as far back as it can go, my knees are hard up against the back, but when rolled forward for more third-row space, there's still plenty of room in the middle. I was left with ample room for my knees and feet in the back seats. The seat trim also offers decent padding and comfortable trims, which is rare for most three-row SUVs, and while you wouldn’t want to be too much taller than me, the roof was just tall enough to have a little airspace above.

The armrests are hard plastic, unfortunately, but offer two large bottle holders on each side, as well as a USB-C port, and vents with decent air flow, which is again, quite rare for a three-row SUV.

I’d go so far as to say this is one of the best SUV third rows I’ve been in when it comes to space, comfort and amenity.

Now for the luggage space. I was pleased to find, even with the third row up, I could fit the largest (124 litre) CarsGuide luggage case with room to spare on either side. Officially, space here is 257L, but it’s rare to fit a case this size in a three-row SUV.

With the third row folded down, space comes in at 608 litres, which is on-par for this segment, and with the second and third row down, it tops out at 2025L.

With such space on offer it’s probably worth keeping in mind the payload, which is 580kg, and for those who want to add a trailer to the mix, the maximum towing capacity is 2500kg braked or 750kg unbraked for the 50e petrol straight-six versions like the one we’re testing here.

With its 2165kg kerb weight and maximum allowable weight of 2885kg, our test vehicle can legally carry up to 720kg.

That should be ample for five adults (even better for kids) and their luggage, of which up to 100kg can be carried on the roof rails using a rack or roof box (both in BMW's accessory range).

Powered upper and lower tailgates provide good access to the luggage area, which is carpeted and equipped with a roll-out privacy screen, load securing hooks, a 12-volt accessory outlet and a first-aid kit stored behind a removable side panel.

The space-saver spare and tools are stored below the hinged load floor, so all luggage must be removed to access them.

Internal luggage space with the rear seat upright is 650 litres (0.65 cubic metres) which expands to 1870 litres (1.87 cubic metres) with the rear seat folded flat.

A useful load-carrying feature when the rear seat’s backrest is upright is a hinged centre section that folds forward and flat to carry long and narrow items.

These can stretch all the way from the tailgate to the dash if need be, which could be handy for carting anything from skis to home hardware purchases (firmly secured, of course).

It’s also rated to tow up to an impressive 3500kg of braked trailer, which matches the class benchmark for one-tonne utes.

However, given that tow-ball download (TBD) is usually around 10 per cent of trailer weight, the X5’s maximum TBD rating of only 140kg could be a challenge if 3500kg towing is required.

Front of cabin storage includes a big bottle-holder and bin in each front door, a glove box and on the right-hand side of the dash a pull-out driver’s bin, both of which are felt-lined.

The centre console, in addition to its wireless phone-charging pad, USB-A port and 12-volt outlet, has two small-bottle/cupholders up front and a large box at the rear, housing a USB-C port and topped by a padded dual 'brochure fold' lid that double as an elbow-rest for driver and front passenger.

Rear seat storage includes a large-bottle holder and bin in each door and pockets on each front seat backrest. The rear of the centre console has two storage nooks for small items in addition to its air-vents, two USB-C ports and a 12-volt outlet. There’s also a handy tablet-mount and USB-C port on each front seat backrest, which is great for long trips.

Folding down the rear seat’s centre armrest reveals two pop-out small-bottle/cupholders. And under its hinged lid is a hidden felt-lined compartment that’s ideal for storing slim screened devices away from prying eyes.

Our test vehicle, to use its full name, is the X5 xDrive 40i M Sport. That breaks down to xDrive (intelligent all-wheel drive) and 40i (3.0L turbo in-line petrol six) with eight-speed automatic transmission.

M Sport denotes a package that's included as standard equipment which contains desirable goodies like enormous multi-piston M Sport brakes/adaptive suspension/aerodynamics, M leather-rimmed steering wheel, high-gloss black roof-rails and more.

All up, the list price is $138,900. However, our example has an optional ‘Enhancement Package’ which for another $6000 adds your choice of selected 22-inch alloy wheels (fitted with 275/35 R22 Continental tyres on ours), a tyre pressure monitoring system, metallic paint ('Skyscraper Grey' on ours), Harman Kardon 16-speaker surround-sound audio and 'Crafted Clarity' glass application (glass-handled shifter).

And this is on top of many standard features including three-zone climate control, automatic two-piece tailgate, digital radio, a head-up driver display, adaptive LED headlights with high beam assist, a panoramic full-length sunroof, wireless Apple/Android integration, 'Verino' quilted synthetic leather upholstery, numerous USB ports/12v outlets and more. However, there’s only a space-saver spare.

Numerous options include self-levelling air suspension, 'Merino' leather upholstery, active seat ventilation and massage functions, thermo-adjustable cupholders, LED-illuminated ‘sky lounge’ panoramic glass sunroof and Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound to name a few.

The CX-90 gets a bit exciting under the bonnet with its big 3.3-litre in-line six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. It produces a whopping 254kW/500Nm, well above par compared to its mainstream rivals.

This engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This is no run-of-the-mill transmission though. Instead of the usual smooth hydraulic coupling this style of transmission is known for, the Mazda uses a hybridised single clutch set-up instead.

This is in the name of efficiency. A single-clutch plate has less loss, and is therefore more fuel efficient, with a small electric motor helping to push things along as part of the mix.

The catch is, like the sometimes-derided dual-clutch automatics, it’s not as smooth to operate. More on this in the driving section.

Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range? 8/10

As a result of this unusual transmission set-up, fuel efficiency isn’t bad for such a big and powerful engine, and for such a large vehicle.

The official combined fuel consumption for the CX-90 G50e is 8.2L/100km, which is already impressive, and in my week with the car over a few hundred (mostly urban) kilometres it landed close, at just 8.9L/100km.

It’s seriously impressive and runs rings around the six-cylinder Hyundai Palisade (10.7L/100km combined) while producing significantly more power than the more efficient Toyota Kluger Hybrid (5.6L/100km). On the flipside, you’ll need to fill its massive 75L fuel tank with mid-shelf 95RON fuel.

The X5 xDrive40i is powered by BMW’s legendary 3.0-litre DOHC 24-valve in-line six with state-of-the-art technology.

This includes twin-scroll turbocharging, variable valve/camshaft timing and 48-volt mild hybrid technology (delivering up to 9.0kW and 200Nm) using an electric motor integrated with the transmission.

The combined effect is optimised power and throttle response (0-100km/h in 5.4 secs) with minimal fuel consumption and Euro 6d emissions.

It produces 280kW between 5200-6250rpm and 520Nm of torque (this can reach 540Nm with hybrid input) across a remarkably wide and flat peak torque band between 1850-5000rpm, which showcases its flexibility. There’s also auto start-stop and selectable drive modes.

This is paired with BMW’s smooth and sharp-shifting eight-speed torque converter automatic, which combines the best characteristics of a dual-clutch and traditional torque converter transmission.

There’s overdrive on the seventh and eighth gears to optimise fuel economy and the choice of rapid manual-shifting using the steering wheel paddles.

Power reaches its wide tyres through the xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, which actively varies the engine’s torque distribution between the front and rear wheels to optimise traction at all times.

BMW’s ‘Efficient Dynamics’ also includes brake energy regeneration with recuperation display and many other standard features to enhance driving safety and efficiency.

For all its clever, efficient drivetrain, the CX-90 has a bit of a mixed drive experience. Initially, it comes off as impressive. It’s plush and quiet from behind the wheel, and the primarily rear-drive nature of its drivetrain gives it the big premium steering response missing from its mostly front-drive rivals.

The flaws with its tricky transmission quickly become evident, though. The clutch constantly needing to engage in stop-start scenarios makes for a slightly jerky and uneven experience, similar to the feel of a dual-clutch auto, particularly in traffic, while the at-speed gear shifts, which in a dual-clutch tend to be much smoother are telegraphed more physically by this Mazda system.

As evidenced by the actual fuel consumption, it’s clear this system does what it sets out to, and it even feels like it could be significantly better, but Mazda will need to invest some time in calibration. For what it’s worth, it feels better than its original implementation I drove at the launch of the CX-60, which was the first car to get this system.

A subsequent software update has solved some issues, but it still can’t compare to a regular auto when it comes to smoothness.

However, the engine is immensely satisfying. The big six has a low roar when pushed, and motivates the big CX-90 with ease when you step on it. It pairs nicely with the weighty steering to make for a car which feels purposeful and satisfying to steer when it gets going.

In this sense it nails the brief of elevating Mazda out of the regular crop of front-drive seven-seat SUVs, giving it a distinct and more premium edge.

As also noted with the CX-60 though, the CX-90 has the same issue with its ride quality. It’s a little too hard to give it the kind of refined response to road imperfections we’ve come to expect from brands like Lexus and BMW. The firm response to the road helps this big heavy SUV feel controlled in the corners, but it doesn’t deal with suburban bumps how it should.

Larger hits in particular are often communicated to the cabin. The CX-90 is better than its smaller CX-60 sibling, which went so far as to have its rear dampers recalled, but the brand is even considering similar updates to this large SUV, so keep an eye out.

While this version of the CX-90, the base Touring with its smaller alloys and larger tyres, is more comfortable than any other Mazda on this new platform I’ve driven, it still leaves room for improvement.

It’s a shame, because otherwise the CX-90 is a lovely and luxurious SUV to drive, with a quiet, plush interior and a satisfying engine. It’s so close to greatness that it’s frustrating.

It’s supremely comfortable, with front bucket seats that offer powered-adjustment of height, reach and backrest angle along with side bolsters that can tighten their grip of your upper torso.

There’s also two-way lumbar support, that adjusts not only how far it pushes your spine forward but also allows that pressure point to be raised or lowered.

Combined with its power-adjustable leather-rimmed steering wheel, it would be hard not to find a comfortable driving position.

Eyelines to all mirrors are good and over-shoulder blind-spots are minimal. Front and rear occupants can talk without raised voices thanks to low engine, wind and tyre noise at highway speeds.

As you’d expect, it has high build quality and a tangibly solid feel as though it was machined from a single block of steel, from the satisfying thuds of its closing doors to the absence of shudders or rattles on a variety of roads.

It also has two personalities, which can be switched in an instant. In 'Comfort' mode it will happily cruise around city and suburbs as a mild-mannered family car, fulfilling daily duties like work commutes, school drop-offs and pick-ups, supermarket shopping and the like.

However, flick the drive mode to 'Sport Plus' and you awaken, well, if not ‘the ultimate driving machine’ then something close.

Its optimised drivetrain and handling settings feel more like a sports sedan than a family car, which can turn any winding mountain road into an engaging experience.

It has impressive reserves of cornering grip and braking force, combined with sparkling engine response and fast sequential manual-shifting at your fingertips.

It feels impressively agile, with all-round response that belies its 2.0-tonne-plus kerb weight, backed by a symphony of sounds from its sublime in-line six.

Five-star ANCAP (awarded in 2018) includes front and side airbags for driver and front passenger, plus head airbags for front and rear seats.

The comprehensive 'Driver Assistant Professional' active safety menu includes AEB (city, interurban and vulnerable road user) and a multitude of others.

It also has 'Parking Assist Professional' and for young families there are ISOFIX child seat anchorages on the two outer rear seating positions and top-tethers for all three.

The usual five-year and unlimited kilometre warranty applies to the CX-90 range, with a matching five years of roadside assistance.

Servicing is required once every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first, and a schedule of costs on Mazda’s website extends to seven years. Over the first five years, prices fluctuate between $469 and $1304 annually, with an average yearly cost of $693.30. The price puts this big-engined Mazda up the premium end of mainstream automakers when it comes to service costs.

BMW covers the X5 with a five year/unlimited km warranty and offers several service plans to suit different budgets and requirements.

For example, the 'Service Inclusive Basic' package covers all scheduled services over five years/80,000km for a total of $3450, or an average of $690 per year.