2018 Subaru WRX STI VS BMW X5

Subaru WRX STI VS BMW X5
Subaru WRX STI 2018 VS BMW X5 2018
2018 Subaru WRX STI VS 2018 BMW X5

2018 Subaru WRX STI:
With its 268-hp, 2.0-liter direct injection turbocharged BOXER engine, Symmetrical All Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring, the rally-bred WRX is a performance and value benchmark in the high-performance AWD sport-compact segment. The WRX comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission and offers an optional performance automatic transmission, the Sport Lineartronic® CVT with manual mode. The WRX features new front and rear suspension tuning for improved steering stability and ride comfort, while retaining the car's high cornering performance capability. Subaru significantly enhanced shifter feel for the 6-speed manual transmission, with a new synchro design and reduced friction, along with smoother clutch take-up. The WRX electric power steering (EPS) was revised to provide an even smoother, more natural feel, while integrating the steering motor and electronic control unit reduces weight. A new optional Performance Package for the WRX Premium features Recaro 8-way power seats, red-painted brake calipers and upgraded JURID brake pads, and deletes the moonroof to reduce weight. The standard 18-inch wheels feature a bold new double-spoke design. WRX STI for 2018: A comprehensive handling enhancement for the 2018 STI includes the revised suspension tuning as featured on the WRX, plus a revised DCCD AWD system, significantly upgraded brakes and this model's first-ever 19-inch wheels. The DCCD system, which previously used a combination of mechanical and electronic center limited slip differential control, now uses electronic control for quicker and smoother response. The 19-inch alloy wheels feature a striking Y-shaped spoke design and carry 245/35R19 tires that help raise cornering performance while giving the STI an even more aggressive stance.

2018 BMW X5:
The 2018 BMW X5 is a popular luxury crossover SUV available with seating for up to seven. It’s a strong overall package, albeit one that lacks some of the BMW verve of yore. We’ve rated it a 7.2 out of 10 based on its excellent real-world usability, strong engines, and varied lineup. (Read more about how we rate cars.) The X5 changes little for 2018, other than a sport-tuned version of its automatic transmission is now standard on almost all versions, and the German automaker has shuffled option packages to act more like trim levels. That means that the popular Premium package—which you’re likely to find on just about every X5 stocked on a dealer lot—now acts as a gateway to most individual options. There’s less configurability, but little lacking in this lineup. The X5 remains available with 3.0-liter turbo-6 or 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 gas engines, a 3.0-liter turbodiesel, and a plug-in hybrid variant that costs a lot for its limited 14-mile electric-only range. Rear-wheel drive is standard with the base gas engine. All-wheel drive is optional on the base X5 and standard elsewhere. All models use 8-speed automatic transmissions. Despite its chunky looks, there’s not a lot of off-road ability here—not that most buyers are likely to go mud-plugging. An X5 M model tops the lineup with a 567-horsepower version of the X5’s available V-8. With its track-tuned suspension, sports seats, and beefed up steering, it’s a reasonable facsimile of a high-riding sports wagon. It’s as absurd as its six-figure price tag suggests, but it is a lot cheaper than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo. A roomy interior with great room for five adults awaits buyers. For those who want a little more space, a third row is optional, but it’s not great. For occasional use, the third row is acceptable for kids and may be worth considering for carpooling families. The X5 lineup has scored exceptionally well in all crash-tests so far, but we don’t have a complete picture from the IIHS and can’t assign a score...
http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/bmw_x5-series_2018