This month, several recently redesigned luxury SUVs join the list of Editors’ Picks. Both the BMW X5 And Porsche Cayenne are fresh for 2024, and both are extremely tempting luxury performance SUVs for the well-heeled buyer. The wide variety of powertrains available for both ensures that there’s a version for everyone, and any enthusiast would love the extra-high-performance versions of both. Of course, enthusiasts will enjoy the last car on this month’s list the most with the Lotus Emira. It is simply spectacular to drive and we can heartily recommend it to the seasoned driver.
In case you missed it last Editors’ Picks posts, here’s a quick refresher on what’s going on here. We review all new cars We drive with a score of 1-10. Cars that are exemplary in their respective segments get an Editors’ Pick designation. These are the cars we would recommend to our friends, family, and anyone else who is curious and asks the question. You can find the full list of Editors’ Picks via this link herewhich we update as cars are added or removed from the list. The vehicles you’ll find below are all the cars we reviewed in June that earned an Editors’ Pick.
2024 BMW X5
Quick summary: The X5 is most sought-after in PHEV and M60i V8 forms, but the entire range is supremely competent, combining outstanding performance, excess luxury and advanced technology for its segment.
Point: 7.5
What it competes with: Mercedes-Benz GLE, Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover Sport, Maserati Levante, Genesis GV80, Audi Q8
Advantages: Excellent to drive with knockout powertrains; excellent usability and creative features; styling is sporty and attractive, but not over the top
Cons: Infotainment system can be fiddly; M Competition model is a bit over the top; gets pricey quickly with options
From the editors:
Editor-in-Chief, Electric John Beltz Snyder — “I really like the combination of a dual tailgate and liftgate. The upper tailgate section opens quickly, so you can throw something in or get something out of the trunk. If you fold down the lower tailgate section, it’s a nice place to sit and change shoes. Another advantage is that you can open the tailgate without any loose items falling out. And with the way the X5M Competition encourages you to work hard, you shall “At some point we will move loose cargo.”
Road Test Editor Zac Palmer — “Out of all the various X5 variants, I’d take the X5 M60i. It’s a way to get that throaty V8 without the track-tuned suspension of the M Competition, making it an ideal and still fun daily driver. The PHEV is improved and very nice too, but honestly there’s no ‘bad’ version of the X5 out there. My biggest gripe with the car is the infotainment system, which can be a bit frustrating to use if you’re fiddling with the climate controls a lot.”
In-depth analysis: 9 Thoughts on the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition
2024 Porsche Cayenne
Quick summary: The Porsche Cayenne impresses on all fronts and is undoubtedly the best all-round SUV for drivers. You pay a pretty penny for its capabilities, but it is the best option money can buy.
Point: 8
What it competes with: Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, Range Rover Sport, Maserati Levante, Genesis GV80, Audi Q8
Advantages: Nothing drives better for the price; the technology is class leading and works well; unlimited customization options and a plethora of performance versions
Cons: More expensive than competitors; limited cargo space; you pay a lot of money for every last option
From the editors:
Road Test Editor Zac Palmer — “If you’re looking for performance in an SUV, there’s no better all-round solution than a Porsche Cayenne in your chosen trim level. Of course, there’s plenty of luxury and genuinely competitive tech on board the Cayenne now with its latest refresh, making it even more complete. I’d make a strong case for the S if you’re on a budget to get your hands on a V8, but it’s impossible to argue against the E-Hybrid variants too, with their respectable electric range and still great performance.”
Editor-in-Chief, West Coast James Riswick — “It’s best to stick to the 2024 Porsche Cayenne as Cayenne version 3.5. It’s not a huge difference from the car it replaces, but that probably would have been the case if it had been a clean-sheet redo. However, it’s more than the usual mid-cycle refresh.”
In-depth analysis: 2024 Porsche Cayenne Review: The All-Rounder
2024 Lotus Emira
Quick summary: It’s hard to do better if you want a pure driver’s car. The Lotus Emira is a bombshell of a vehicle in every way for enthusiasts and will be a legend for years to come.
Point: 9
What it competes with: Porsche 718 Cayman, Chevrolet Corvette, BMW M4
Advantages: Great driver engagement and road holding; lively and great sounding engine; modern technology
Cons: Noisy and unrefined on the highway; cramped seating position in the cabin; very little usability
From the editors:
Road Test Editor Zac Palmer — “If driving fun is what you’re after above all else, the Emir is the sports car for you. It’s not the fastest in a straight line, but the chassis is one you won’t forget in a hurry. And what sets it apart from previous Lotus models is a level of refinement and luxury that makes you want to drive it more often for the mundane tasks of life. Its mini-supercar looks, beautiful sound and tactile feel for every driving element mean you’ll fall in love with this mid-engined sports car at every turn.”
In-depth analysis: Lotus Emira V6 First Edition Test Drive: The Most Fun for $100,000
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