2024 BMW X5 M
Starting at $123,295
Select a year
- Highs Ferocious twin-turbo V-8, a posh and techy cabin, aggressive exterior styling.
- Lows Too-firm ride quality, palpitation-inducing price tag, not suited for off-road use.
- Verdict The X5 M is the closest thing we'll get to an M5 station wagon, and its performance is worthy of that comparison.
Overview
BMW has turned up the heat on its 2024 X5 M Competition SUV, which offers a massively powerful 617-hp twin-turbo V-8 engine and a host of go-fast goodies that are sure to delight drivers. The X5 M's balanced handling reminds us of BMW's sports sedans, but its big SUV body adds plenty of practicality. It's also quite luxurious inside, as it should be considering its six-figure starting price. Like most other BMWs, the X5 M Competition also boasts a long list of technology features, including the brand's iDrive 8 infotainment system, which is displayed on a slick curved dashboard screen and serves up both entertainment features as well as digital gauges and other vehicle functions. One stab of the throttle though, and all those baubles will take a back seat to the car's ferocious acceleration and physics-defying cornering abilities.
Where This Vehicle Ranks
What's New for 2024?
BMW has given the X5 M a makeover for 2024 that includes sharper exterior styling, updated lighting elements, several new exterior paint choices, and new wheel designs. Inside, the X5 M's 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen has been swapped out in favor of a much larger one that spans roughly half the width of the dashboard. The rest of the interior is a bit fancier this year too, with more robust ambient lighting, updated wood and carbon fiber trim options, and new upholstery color schemes. Only the highest-performing Competition trim remains this year, and BMW has made tweaks to the suspension and the steering system. It also added a 48-volt hybrid component to the X5 M Competition's twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8, but it makes the same 617-horsepower rating as before.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Starting this year, the X5 M Competition is the sole variant on offer. All the car's best performance-enhancing features are standard, including an adaptive suspension system, a sport exhaust system, and a staggered 21-inch/22-inch wheel setup with summer tires. An optional Executive package adds luxury features such as heated and cooled cupholders, front and rear heated seats, massaging seats for the driver and front passenger, soft-close doors, and more.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A monster hides underneath the hood of every X5 M. The 4.4-liter V-8 lurking there has two turbochargers force-feeding it air so it can generate 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. Every X5 M Competition utilizes an eight-speed automatic transmission and a variable all-wheel-drive system. The latter allows the driver to choose between maximum traction at all four wheels or added agility in the rear-biased Track mode. A set of 21-inch wheels and adaptive dampers are standard equipment. Our drive of a pre-facelift model impressed with sports-car-like grip in the corners and eye-watering acceleration. When we get a chance to test the updated version, we'll update this story with details.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
It takes lots of fuel to make the kind of horsepower produced by the X5 M, and it shows in the EPA fuel-economy ratings. The X5 M delivers an estimated 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. We have yet to evaluate its real-world highway mpg on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. For more information about the X5 M's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The interior of the X5 M is exquisitely appointed and outfitted with myriad desirable features. A large, curved dashboard display starts behind its leather-wrapped steering wheel and continues across most of the dashboard. A pair of paddle shifters and red M drive-mode buttons adorn the steering wheel. Ambient interior lighting, a large head-up display, a heated steering wheel and front armrests, and racy materials are all standard. Those who desire fancier leather upholstery, massaging front seats with heated and cooled cushions, heated rear seats, and more can add them for extra coin. There's no shortage of passenger space in the front and rear seats, and its cargo area is big enough to hold 11 carry-on suitcases behind the back row.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every X5 M has a loaded infotainment system and countless connectivity features. The company's iDrive 8 software is displayed via a giant curved dashboard display that can also be controlled by hand gestures, voice commands, and a rotary controller on the center console. While Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Harman/Kardon audio system are standard, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system is a standalone option.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Along with standard driver-assistance technology, such as forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, the X5 M offers more optional assists. For more information about the BMW's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
BMW provides a competitive warranty that aligns with the limited and powertrain coverages offered by rivals such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz. While its complimentary scheduled maintenance isn't as great as Jaguar's, it's better than every other competitor.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles
