2018 BMW X5 M

Overview

Once you've driven a BMW X5 M, you just might have a hard time convincing yourself that any other SUV will suffice. Could the dry cleaning be dropped off, the kids picked up, and the five-inch puddle from the broken water main be forded in a regular X5 or a Mercedes-Benz GLE-class? Surely. But why, when this deft, brutally fast, and yes, unnecessarily loud alternative exists? The X5 M may have slightly less cargo space than its competitors, and its six-figure starting price is prohibitive, but all is forgiven in the face of its 567-hp twin-turbocharged V-8. That powerplant, plus the standard eight-speed automatic transmission, propelled this beast from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds in our testing. Yes, 3.8 seconds! The fun doesn't stop with straight-line speed, either. To drive the X5 M is to challenge the laws of physics.

What's New for 2018?

The X5 M's lineup carries over almost untouched for 2018. A limited-availability Black Sapphire Edition package, its upgrades compiled mostly out of existing trim elements, is the most notable change. That model features a dark metallic paint color, a blacked-out grille, black 21-inch wheels, and leather interior trim in black and red. At $106,645, the Black Sapphire model isn't unthinkably expensive compared with other X5 Ms, but you'll have to act fast if you want one—the run is limited to 150 examples. BMW also upgraded the X5 M's infotainment system to iDrive 6.0 and combined 2017's Executive package and Driver Assistance Plus package into 2018's Executive package. There won't be a 2019 model, as BMW is preparing a 2020 X5 M based on the all-new X5.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, Performance, and Towing

Likes: Exceptional performance, raucous engine noises, few large cars handle this well.
Dislikes: Too many available drive modes mean that it's hard to settle on a single good one.

Every X5 M features the same powertrain: a 567-hp twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Demand full-power acceleration from the X5 M, and your passengers may think they've slipped upon a glitch in the matrix. It seems improbable that something this large can move so quickly, and yet, as we can confirm after repeated tests, it can. Its 3.8 seconds to 60 mph is genuine sports-car territory, and putting the X5 M, its grumbling V-8, and its snappy eight-speed through their paces never gets old. Towing capacity is a stout 6000 pounds.

The X5 M comes standard with 21-inch wheels (the entry-level X5 has 19s), and we noted some impact harshness driving over rough roads during our recent test of an M. The steering is hefty yet responsive, but, as with most every contemporary BMW, it lacks the feedback from the road that made Bimmers of yore so vaunted. Our biggest beef with the X5 M is its smorgasbord of driving modes. Drivers are able to separately select between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ settings for engine power, transmission mapping, steering feel, and the adaptive dampers. We would have preferred a few expertly tuned modes over the confused mishmash BMW that provides.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The X5 M isn't efficient by any measure, nor do we expect it to be. Its twin-turbo V-8 was designed to pump out horsepower, not sip fuel, but it outdid its EPA rating by 1 mpg in our real-world test, returning a round 20 mpg over 200 miles at a steady 75 mph.

Interior, Infotainment, and Cargo

Likes: Long list of standard features, intuitive infotainment system, plenty of in-cabin storage space.
Dislikes: Rivals have more rear-seat space, Android Auto not offered, less cargo space than other similarly sized SUVs.

The X5 M's interior has aged well, and despite providing slightly less space to spread out than some competitors, it's comfortable and well-appointed even without the few available upgrade packages. Four-zone automatic climate control, heated 18-way power-adjustable front seats, and a panoramic sunroof are all standard in the X5 M, serving to justify its six-figure asking price. Still, we couldn't help but wish for the massaging thrones available to drivers of the Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged. There's nothing like hammering through 100 mph in 11 seconds while receiving a convincing facsimile of a hot-stone massage to remind you that you have arrived.

With quick screen responses and a well-organized menu structure, we like BMW's infotainment system. We'd like it even more if Apple CarPlay came standard, or if Android Auto were available at all. The X5 M is now running the most recent iteration of BMW's infotainment software, iDrive 6.0. While we haven't tested this system in an X5 M, our experience with it in other BMWs has been positive. Two USB ports up front and two 12-volt outlets in the rear should keep all of the X5 M's passengers happy.

The 40/20/40-split-folding rear seats provide useful flexibility in the X5 M's cargo hold, but even with the seats raised we fit seven carry-on bags in the cargo area. The Range Rover Sport we tested had slightly more cubby storage space in the front row than did the X5 M, but most owners will find ample storage for daily items.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The X5 M hasn't been tested by either crash-ratings agency, and it's missing some desirable pieces of driver-assistance technology. But for drivers in search of a hot rod with plenty of space for child seats, this is one of the best options. Key safety features include:

• Standard adaptive cruise control
• Standard front and rear parking sensors
• Available automated emergency braking

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

With three years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, the X5 M is a standout offering even in its luxury class.

• Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles