DRIVEN: 2024 BMW X5 M IS ALL AN SUV CAN POSSIBLY BE
It's hard to imagine a vehicle with a wider range of abilities than the BMW X5 M. This is an SUV that's powered by a 4.4-liter V8 engine with two turbochargers, and it outclasses many sports cars with a 617-horsepower output and a 3.7-second 0-60 time. Despite this immense performance, it's still an X5, meaning it has tons of cargo room, massaging front seats, and all the in-cabin technology you'd want.
Though a ridiculously fast family SUV seems like a silly concept, the X5 M doesn't exist in a vacuum. BMW faces some fierce competition from the Audi SQ7, although the coupe-styled RS Q8 is closer in power, and the Mercedes-AMG GLE 63, as well as the excellent Porsche Cayenne, now most potent in E-Hybrid guise. More exotic options like the Aston Martin DBX and Lamborghini Urus exist, too, at a much higher price. Good thing the X5 M now wears BMW's Competition badge as standard, marking it as one of the more hardcore performer.
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2024 BMW X5 M
BMWBase MSRP$122,300Engine4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 GasHorsepower617 hpTorque553 lb-ftTop Speed155 mph0-60 MPH3.7 secondsTransmission8-speed autoDrivetrainAWD -
2024 Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 SUV
MercedesBase MSRP$127,700Engine4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 GasHorsepower603 hpTorque627 lb-ftTop Speed174 mph0-60 MPH3.7 secondsTransmission9-speed autoDrivetrainAWD -
2024 Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid
PorscheBase MSRP$99,100Engine3.0L Turbo V6 Plug-in HybridHorsepower512 hpTorque553 lb-ftTop Speed163 mph0-60 MPH4.4 secondsTransmission8-speed autoDrivetrainAWD
After spending a week driving the 2024 X5 M, we can’t envision wanting more from an SUV. But is it worth the $122,300 starting price? We have an interesting theory to answer that question.
Exterior: Family Mean Machine
Many recent BMW designs are marred in controversy, but the X5 has steered clear of that. There are no split headlights or giant light-up grilles here, just a conventionally handsome sport utility vehicle. The standard X5 is already an athletic looking vehicle, but the trainers at the M gym have turned the X5 M into a body builder. Staggered 21/22-inch wheels look assertive from the side, but they are positively menacing when viewed from the front or back. The front wheels are wrapped in sizable 275 section tires while the rears get supercar-sized 315s.
BMW recently facelifted the X5 lineup for the 2024 model year with updated lights and some slight changes to the front and rear, including a blacked out grille. The changes here aren't major, which many BMW enthusiasts will count as a win.
The color palette for the M is fantastic, with standout options like Isle of Man Green and Marina Bay Blue. If none of the standard choices appeal to you, BMW Individual paint costs $5,000, opening up nearly any color you can dream of. Our tester came finished in Sepia Metallic, a dark purple with yellow-gold flakes that pop in the sun. It is simply gorgeous.
Interior: Let's Go Back
If you've been inside a recently updated BMW product, the changes inside the 2024 X5 M will look familiar. The gauges and infotainment now live under a single piece of curved glass, powered by BMW Operating System 8. There is still a rotating iDrive controller on the center console with shortcut buttons around it, or you can use the touchscreen and your voice.
Sadly, BMW deleted key buttons below the air vents for the climate controls, meaning these functions now live on the touchscreen. A 'Climate Menu' button at the bottom of the screen provides quick access to temperature controls, fan speed adjustment, and more, but it's an additional step that doesn't really need to be there. Of course, you can just say, "Hey BMW, turn up the fans," but we find it tedious to speak to our car while driving.
The lack of buttons doesn't come close to ruining the interior experience, though, because the cabin is still excellent. Carbon fiber trim comes standard for a sporty look, while optional Fineline Black and the new BMW Individual Silver Ash Root Open Pore wood provide a more elegant feel. An ambient light bar provides a touch of visual excitement at night.
Extended Merino leather comes standard in either black or a Sakhir Orange/Black combination. Adding Full Merino leather for $3,500 opens the interior options to Silverstone, Adelaide Grey, Taruma Brown, Individual Ivory White/Atlas Grey (pictured), or Midrand Beige Alcantara Cloth combination. We loved the Ivory White interior, but it may get dirty if you plan to put kids in the back.
Practicality: Still An X5
Opting for the M version of the X5 doesn't take away from the SUV's practicality. Rear legroom is a generous 37.4 inches, which is slightly lower than the mid-size performance SUVs from Audi and Mercedes. On the plus side, heated rear seats are available, as are rear sun shades, as part of the Executive Package which also adds panoramic Sky Lounge LED roof, soft-close doors, and front massage seats. Both front seat backs get USB-C ports for device charging along with a slot for accessories such as a phone holder or coat hanger.
Though the back-seat room is a little less than the competition, the trunk space is far more competitive. 33.9 cubic feet behind the second row bests the Audi and Mercedes, but the Mercedes does slightly outmatch the X5 M's 72.3 cubes when the seats are folded. We wish BMW included a way to fold the back seats from the trunk area, not just from the rear doors. However, we do love BMW's split-opening trunk, which provides a great place to sit for a soccer game or tailgate party.
Performance: Rocket Bus
It may weigh nearly 5,500 pounds, but the X5 M defies physics thanks to the 4.4-liter V8 beast under the hood. Two turbos help it pump out 617 hp at 6,000 rpm and 553 lb-ft of torque starting at just 1,800 rpm. An eight-speed automatic is responsible for sending that grunt to all four wheels via a rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
With launch control enabled, the X5 M can rocket to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds - a conservative BMW estimate. Keep the throttle pinned, and the X5 M will continue on to an electronically limited 155 mph top speed, which can be increased to 177 mph with the $2,500 M Driver's Package; it also includes a one-day high-performance driving class, so you can learn to harness the X5 M's performance.
There is a toll for this immense speed, and you pay it at the gas pump. The X5 M is a heavy drinker, and if you're going to be spending your time in the city limits, you'll only get 13 miles to the gallon. Despite having a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that can shut the V8 down in traffic, the X5 M's fuel economy is abysmal.
| BMW X5 M At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| 4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 | |
| Outputs | 617 hp | 553 lb-ft |
| 0-60 | 3.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 mph |
| Gas Mileage | 13/18/15 mpg |
Driving Impressions: Competitive Nature
BMW M cars often deliver harsh ride comfort in the name of performance, but the X5 M Competition still provides reasonable comfort. The big wheels do transmit road imperfections, but if you leave the suspension in its comfort mode, the X5 M doesn't beat up its occupants.
Speaking of modes, the X5 M has tons of them that can be configured to your individual preference. The powetrain can be set to Efficient, Sport, or Sport plus; the chassis gets Comfort, Sport, or Sport plus, while the steering and brakes each get Comfort or Sport. There's also 4WD and 4WD Sport modes for the xDrive system, and the eight-speed transmission has three ferocity settings for automatic or manual shifting.
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Once you get the ideal combination, it can be saved to the M1 or M2 buttons on the steering wheel for quick access. We prefer having everything set on the most aggressive setting except for the chassis, which we leave in Comfort. Putting the xDrive system into 4WD Sport turns off the stability control, enabling some epic tail slides that are easy to control by gradually feeding power to engage the front wheels. We doubt any X5 M owners will take it to the track, but this vehicle is plenty capable if you ever got the itch.
Pricing & Verdict: Is It Necessary?
The 2024 BMW X5 M has everything a driving enthusiast could ever want in an SUV. It's impossibly quick, remains comfortable, packs tons of technology, and has plenty of space for family and friends. Aside from the lack of efficiency, it's hard to fault. But is it good enough to justify a $122,300 starting price? With all the options on our tester, the total cost came to $141,445.
For that money, you could easily purchase a six-cylinder X5, then take the leftover $50,000 or so and buy a pretty great sports car to park in the garage for weekend fun. Frugal shoppers who want the best bang for their buck may take that route, but we understand that not everyone has the space or desire to own multiple cars. If you need one vehicle to rule them all, it's hard to argue against the X5 M.