2020 BMW X5 M SUV

Since the first M1 produced in 1978, the M badge has stood for a combination of motorsport functionality with everyday usability till date. The 2020 BMW X5 M and X5 M Competition are an expression of that individuality, packed with exemplary performance, agility and luxury. The formidable S63 engine shared with 8-series powers the big SUV, while the platform is shared with the BMW 5-Series. We are glad that this X5 exists but we doubt if the existence of such a performance SUV is needed or not.

Remember the first performance concept of X5 using the Mclaren engine? Truly, the vision has resulted in the 2020 X5 M, priced at $105,100 for the satndard variant and $114,100 for the Competition model. The Bavarian power-ardent has gone rogue and taken the race to be the best, which include the likes of Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63, Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR. They have long been in the trail and know conditions much better.

BMW introduced the new, 3rd generation of M brand’s exclusive, track-capable X5 M Sports Activity Vehicle along with the Competition trim. The greater levels of performance are awaiting those willing to pay for the privilege. The long list of features on the X5 M make their way for the six-figure price label.

The available packages with the all-new 2020 BMW X5 M and X5 M Competition includes Driving Assistance Professional Package – Extended Traffic Jam Assistant for limited access highways, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Active Lane, Keeping Assistant with Side Collision Avoidance, Steering & Traffic Jam Assistant, Automatic Lane Change, Evasion Assistant & Front Cross-Traffic Alert.

Other than this, there is the Executive Package – Remote Engine Start, soft-close automatic doors, rear manual side-window shades, heated and cooled cupholders, front ventilated seats, front and rear heated seats, front massaging seats and Icon Adaptive LED headlights with laserlight.

Trims	BMW X5 M	BMW X5 M Competition
MSRP (AWD)	$105,100	$114,100
Key Features	Power tailgate	Adds/Upgrades to BMW X5 M
	Live Cockpit Professional with iDrive 7 and Apple CarPlay Compatibility	Front 21-inch and rear 22-inch M Star-spoke bi-color wheels.
	Trailer hitch pre-wiring	M Sport exhaust system
	Panoramic sunroof	M seat belts
	Anthracite Alcantara headliner	Extended Shadowline exterior trim
	Ambient interior lighting	Full Merino Leather Interior

What do we recommend?

The BMW X5 M churns our 600 hp which is as delightful as it is terrifying. The plush interiors, futuristic driver-centric technology, and athletically sharp exteriors for $105,100 shall be the best value for money if you wish to buy a super SUV.

Is it doomsday yet? 2020 marks the end of the decade on a very high note. With all the power and performance raining, BMW has launched the all-new X5 M and X6 M along with their Competition counterparts. Performance SUVs are the new motorsport fever among petrol-heads. Accordingly, the popular high-revving S63 engine graces the new X5 M and X5 M Competition.

After rigorous testing in places like Mirimas, Arjeplog and Nurburgring, engineers at BMW fine-tuned the traditional twin-turbo V-8 engine to exhale fire which is 33 hp more and spreads 1,090 rpm wider than the outgoing 2nd generation models. Thus, pushing peak power to 600 hp in X5 M and X6 M, which goes higher to 617 hp for the Competition counterparts.

The transmission duties are undertaken by the M Steptronic eight-speed automatic transmission controlling the 553 lb-ft of torque in both X5 M and X5 M Competition all-wheel-drive. Similar to M5 sedan, the xDrive is a rear-biased system but routes power to all four-wheels as and when needed. Wondering, why the same engine in X5 M50i delivers less power than the M badged counterparts?

The BMW S63 TwinPower turbocharged eight-cylinder engine features indirect, highly-efficient liquid-to-air inter-cooling, a cross-bank exhaust manifold to improve gas-flow out of the cylinders and into the turbochargers, direct injection operating at 5,076 psi and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing. The block is of a closed-deck design with sleeveless cylinder walls and a forged crankshaft.

Models	BMW X5 M	Porsche Cayenne Turbo AWD	Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR AWD	Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63*
MSRP	$105,100	$126,500	$114,500	$103,050
Engine	4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8	4.0L Premium Unleaded V8	5.0L Premium Unleaded V8	5.5L Biturbo V8
Drivetrain	AWD	AWD	AWD	AWD
Transmission	8-speed automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic	7-speed shiftable automatic
Power (hp @ rpm)	600@6,000	541@5,750	575@6,000	550@5,250
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm)	553@1,800	568@1,960	516@3,500	516@1,750

*The data of the 2019 model year is used for reference.

To augment the ferocious performance, X5 M offers enticing sound emanating from the quad exhaust with electronically controlled flaps. The roar further amplifies in the X5 M Competition model with the M Sports Exhaust system. However, with one click of the M Sound Control button in the center console, the exhaust note can be adjusted to the tune of your emotion.

How fast is the BMW X5 M?

Stomping the accelerator is when you realize the true potency of the mill under the hood of the X5 M. The tap will reveal all the power that allows the hefty SUV to charge to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds which further drops to 3.7 seconds in the M Competition model. Keep the throttle pinned and X5 M will top out at 155 mph. If that is not enough, option out the M Driver’s package to raise the bar to 177 mph.

With all that bulk, X5 M and Competition are still light on the feet. Apart from the powertrain refinement, BMW honed the suspension and chassis to be rigid along with stiffer engine mounts to help improve engine response and the transfer of power through the transmission to all-wheels. Further, a structural rigidity binds the big SUV to be track-ready.

Models	BMW X5 M	Porsche Cayenne Turbo AWD	Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR AWD	Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63*
0-60 MPH (sec)	3.8	3.9	6.3	4.2
Quarter Mile (sec)	12.2	11.8	N/A	N/A
Top Speed (MPH)	155	183	176	155
Engine	4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8	4.0L Premium Unleaded V8	5.0L Premium Unleaded V8	5.5L Biturbo V8
Emission (Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Unlike the M5 sedan, the X5 M instead of “Drift” mode offers a 4WD Sport which maintains the rear-bias, particularly to grant a rear-driving dynamic. The electronically controlled rear-differential also aids the cause. To up the ante, M shift paddles allow for quick manual shift supplemented with three selectable levels of programming controlling shift speed and sharpness.

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What about the ride and handling?

BMW has delivered best-of-both-worlds in the form of X5 M. The 2020 X5 M and Competition trims use the M xDrive system, engineered to handle a full transfer of 553 lb-ft of torque and to work with chassis for maximizing traction and handling capabilities in all weather conditions, be it tarmac or track.

Justifying every bit of M badging, the several all-wheel-drive modes tailor the driving experience to your liking. The default 4WD setting offers excellent handling with maximum traction while the 4WD Sport setting brings an increased torque routing to the rear-wheels for a substantial increase in agility during spirited driving.

BMW claims agility to be the cornerstone of the new X5 M and X6 M. Such a claim is backed by the engineering marvel which tunes suspension components, stiff engine, extra chassis bracing and increased front camber. For adeptly taking over varied road conditions, X5 M and X5 M Competition trims feature standard Adaptive M suspension with Active Roll Stabilization that delivers predictable and linear response for superior handling and comfort. Toggle the settings to COMFORT, SPORT AND SPORT PLUS to adjust the steering and springs for the best driving experience.

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How do the brakes perform on the BMW X5 M?

The X5 M, like the new 8-Series, features brake-by-wire, which allows the driver to adjust pedal feel via different drive modes. The M version of the integrated braking system allows for two pedal feel settings: Comfort and Sport.

The X5 M comes with large disc brakes clamped by six-piston caliper up front and single-piston caliper at the rear, hiding behind the 21-inch wheels wearing performance summer tires. With the Competition package, the rear gets 22-inch wheels.

Model	BMW X5 M	Porsche Cayenne Turbo AWD	Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR AWD	Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63*
Brake Rotors Front (in)	15.5	14.2	14.3	13
Brake Rotors Rear (in)	15	14.2	13.8	13.8
Curb Weight (lbs)	5425	5056	5093	5203
70-0 MPH (ft)	N/A	159	N/A	N/A

Also, the M compound brakes feature drilled and vented discs for prolonged braking performance with quick heat dissipation and delay fading.

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You can have your cake and lose weight, how surprising would it be if this was to happen. Similarly, a fire-breathing engine, churning raw power while being efficient at the same time is too far fetched. Behind the iconic Kidney grille, the severely powerful engine trades-off performance for fuel economy. So in case you are a power-ardent, the EPA ratings should not make much difference.

Model	BMW X5 M	Porsche Cayenne Turbo AWD	Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR AWD	Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63*
MPG (City)	16	15	15	17
MPG (Highway)	22	19	20	22
MPG (Combined)	18	17	16	19
Fuel Capacity (Gallons)	21.9	23.7	27.6	24.6
Range (City/Hwy/Combined) (mi)	350/482/394	356/450/402	414/552/441	418/541/467

The 2020 BMW X5 M and Competition are still to have their EPA ratings disclosed but we may assure you that it won’t be surprisingly efficient. The low-powered Merc GLE 63 is right now the most efficient in terms of fuel consumption.

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The X5 is one of the most popular and stylish SUV from the German automaker. The new M flavor brings all the interior appointments of the base X5 and adds some M-specific touches to match rejuvenated performance experience. The regular M-badged and Competition versions of the X5 can be differentiated by the unique interior cues. The difference is mostly centered around the use of materials and mostly the leather.

The Competition model gets a full Merino leather interior. On top of that, the M badge features a splash of red over the Merino leather upholstery. Further, the intelligent use of carbon-fiber breaks up that leather in spots. The steering wheel adorns the tri-color M stitching.

Model	BMW X5 M	Porsche Cayenne Turbo AWD	Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR AWD	Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63*
Seating Capacity	5	5	5	5
Front Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	40.7/60.0/39.8	39.6/58.9/N/A	39.5/60.7/42.2	38.9/58.5 /40.3
Rear Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)	39.4/58.1/37.4	N/A	39.1/59.5/37.0	38.5/58.4/38.4

Looking at the competition we come to know that the BMW X5 M is more than comfortable for passengers in both the rows. However, legroom remains compromised which results from the fact that the wheelbase has been logically split to make space for cargo.

How intuitive is the Infotainment system?

BMW M has directed all the efforts in making the driving experience as unique as possible by making X5 M a real-time performance assessor. The driver-centric cabin features BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional with the iDrive operating system standard on all models. A pair of 12.3-inch displays, one in the center console for infotainment needs and another behind the steering wheel, work together as an information cluster. The tablet-like touchscreen display offers stunning visualizations and multiple controllers. A head-up display also provides widget spaces for metrics like tire temperature etc.

The competition model additionally features a “TRACK” setting which refined the information display and restricts the driver assistance system to kick -in. Other elements of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional are the navigation system, two USB-C ports, plus Bluetooth connectivity.

Key Infotainment Features

• Head-Up display
• Harman Kardon Surround sound audio
• SiriusXM Satellite radio
• Live Cockpit Professional with iDrive 7 and Apple CarPlay Compatibility

How practical is the BMW X5 M?

The cargo area goes un-affected by the M badging, with M badged X5 and the base model featuring a similar silhouette for the cargo. The cargo capacity of X5 M suffices the hauling needs over a weekend journey or a long family vacation. The X5 M cargo space can be enhanced to a maximum of 72.3 cu-ft, thanks to the 40:20:40 split rear seats.

Keeping in mind the long wheelbase and overall length of the X5, this SUV does well to judiciously split its cabin. The cargo volume doesn't interfere with passenger comfort and vise versa. So, both occupants and their belongings can comfortably travel in the X5 M.

Model	BMW X5 M	Porsche Cayenne Turbo AWD	Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR AWD	Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63*
Cargo Capacity (ft3)	33.9	26.3	27.5	38.2
Cargo Capacity (Rear Seat folded) (ft3)	72.3	60.3	N/A	80.3

For effortless cargo access and loading and unloading of luggage, BMW offers Hands-free Comfort Access of the power tailgate. BMW has clearly found a horizon where the performance meets usability and practicality.

Key interior Features

• Heated Front Seat Armrests and Steering wheel
• Anthracite Alcantara headliner
• Leather dashboard
• Carbon fiber trim
• Extended Merino Leather Interior
• Ambient interior lighting

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Peering through the hidden might under the hood, the M division works its magic around your everyday X5 to look as aggressive on the outside as on the inside. M parts fitted on the SUV make it look demonish and sharp and is mostly intended to optimize aerodynamics, air supply, and cooling.

M specific BMW kidney grilles with black double-bars, M gills on the front fenders, aerodynamic side mirrors, flared wheel arches in body color and rear diffuser with integrated quad exhaust are some of the features unique to M models. The Competition models can be further differentiated by the use of Black finishing all around. Additionally, the BMW X5 M rides atop 21-inches wheels, while the X5 M Competition uses 21-inch wheels at front and 22-inch ones at the rear.

Model	BMW X5 M	Porsche Cayenne Turbo AWD	Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR AWD	Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63*
Curb Weight (lbs)	5425	5056	5093	5203
Length (in)	195	194	192.2	191
Width (in)	87.3	78.1	N/A	84.3
Height (in)	68.9	65.9	71	69.4
Ground Clearance (in)	8.3	7.4	N/A	N/A
Wheelbase (in)	117	114	115.1	114.8

Key Exterior Features

• Adaptive Full LED lights
• Trailer hitch pre-wiring
• Front 21-inch and rear 22-inch M Star-spoke bi-color wheels
• M Sport exhaust system

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The M badge adorns visual as well as structural rigidity over the regular X5 models, making them much safer. The X5 M and X5 M Competition variants are not yet crash-tested by the federal safety rating agencies. However, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the 2020 X5 overall safety rating of four out of five stars. The X5 earns full marks in side crash test and one less in the frontal crash and rollover evaluations.

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety rated the 2020 X5 with the “Good” for its crashworthiness, which is the best ranking. Also, 2019 BMW X5 has been the Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS.

BMW X5 M features a long list of standard as well as optional driver-assistance and safety features. The standard Active Driver Assistant on the BMW X5 M includes Blind Spot Detection, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Frontal Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Cross-Traffic Alert Rear, and Speed Limit Information while more advanced systems like adaptive cruise control are part of an optional package.

Key Safety Features

• Active Blind Spot Detection
• Active Protection
• Active Driving Assistant
• Parking Assistant Plus with Back-Up Assistant, Active Park Distance Control, Surround View Camera

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BMW X5 M Vs Porsche Cayenne Turbo

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo was the first car to enter the super performance SUV world. On the spec sheet, the mighty impressive numbers say just half the story. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is a formidable machine with precision handling at the core. It all sounds great until you see the price. A whopping $126,500 will buy you this Porsche SUV.

BMW X5 M Vs Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR

What stands out for the Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR is the ultimate driving dynamic backed by the mighty mill. The Range Rover Sport SVR is athletic with impeccable on-and-off-road capability, which is almost the best in class. However, Range Rover Sports SVR showcases sub-par fuel economy. In comparison to the BMW X5 M, the interior and technology at hand in Range Rover Sport SVR might feel too complicated. For the price, BMW X5 M is the first and best fit.

BMW X5 M Vs Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63 SUV

The two Germans, when turning head-to-head, result in formidable machines to the delight of petrol-heads. However, Merc with its GLE 63 is priced lower than the BMW X5 M. The cheaper Merc is underpowered, though, which helps in improving the fuel economy than its BMW counterpart. If you are in the market for a plush beast with a dual personality, BMW X5 M is the choice, period! If luxury with iconic heritage and a bit less power can do for you, Mercedes AMG GLE is for you.

 

The new 2020 X5 M and X5 M Competition’s market launch is scheduled for April 2020, when the car will hit the road alongside the X6 M. The M enhancements change the character of the X5 from luxurious people hauler to a track-ready performance SUV. The best-of-both-world approach spices the things up, maintaining the utilitarian aspect of the big SUV. However, the six-figure price tag for the performance SUV will fetch limited attention. If you are a performance SUV fan who wants to enjoy its purported all-round excellence, $105,100 X5 M and $114,100 M Competition is the best solution.

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