BMW X5 M Competition: Track-Worthy Power In A Family-Friendly SUV

It’s rare that an SUV, even one that is performance-tuned, will win the fandom of sports car enthusiasts, but that’s exactly what the BMW X5 M Competition has done.

From its growly startup and the thrill it adds to the daily drive, to embarrassing its competitors on the track, this redesigned 5-passenger SUV is the glowing gem in the crown of the BMW lineup. Super-powered by a new twin turbo V8 and boosted by a mild hybrid, this SUV produces 617 hp and 553 pound-feet of torque. But it’s the re-tooled suspension, enhanced sport brakes, run flat tires and larger wheels—21-inch front wheels and 22-inch rear wheels—that round out the M Competition designation, the pinnacle of BMW’s performance vehicles and the top of the line of X5 models.

A Retooled BMW X5 For 2024

BMW has been busy updating and refining the 5 Series, adding more features, tech and comforts. The X5 M Competition, the top of the line, has a starting price of $124,800. For comparison, the X5 sDrive 40i starts at $64,700 and the X5 M60i starts at $90,000.

For 2024, BMW made subtle but distinct changes to the exterior, including the new engine, new headlights, tail lights and a new front grille with horizontal louveres and a more protracted shape. Overall the look of the X5 M Competition has been sharpened to match its power and interior redesign.

Inside, much feels familiar; the center console, steering wheel and seating mostly carry over from the prior model. What’s completely new, however, is the dashboard and multimedia screen design, which has been streamlined for a modern look and function.

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A New Multimedia System Completes The Picture

The wide, single-pane multimedia screen has made its way into the X5 from other models including the 7 Series. The system better accommodates all the BMW functions, from “hey BMW” voice activated assistance to configurable drive modes, climate, navigation and more.

This is also where M Competition drivers can customize their drive experience using the drive mode selector, which can also be quick-accessed via the setup button on the center console; assign your settings to one of the two red tabs on the steering wheel to instantly recall your mode.

And Then, The Delights That Add To The Experience

Our test model was outfitted for true sport driving: Red leather sport seats, a panoramic sunroof, premium Bowers & Wilkins sound, massaging seats and a head up display. But it is the ambient lighting that really sets the tone in this car. It’s not easy to see during the day, but at night the system transforms the cabin from a sporty car to a cozy club.

We had our lighting set to purple, though there is a rainbow of colors to choose from. Purple lights swirled from the speaker covers and lighted the footwells; purple light filled the cabin via a single light bar across the dashboard and lights on the door panels. But probably the most notable and fun was the ambient light panel in the sunroof. Appearing as perhaps etched glass in the sunlight, at night small pixels of light glow with the choice of ambient lighting.

Driving the BMW X5 M Competition

The first thing you need to know is this car is loud. And that’s before you’ve put it in sport or track mode; then, it’s louder. It’s baseline is M mode and you’ll hear and feel the V8 even on startup. The mild hybrid does not impact the car’s sound or drive experience the way many hybrids do.

During my test drive I had the chance to test it out on a variety of roads, from city streets to highways to backroads through Connecticut. Through every on-ramp, curve and hill, the X5 M Competition delivered a beautifully balanced feel and easy access to power. Just a simple tap of the accelerator and soon we were soaring, often feeling the need to slow down; this SUV gets up to speed quickly.

Making the drive even easier is the head up display and voice assistance. Asking for directions and having them projected on the windshield in front of you is a wonderful thing. And being able to treat your front seat passenger by asking the system to turn on the massage seat is a treat on its own. Your passenger feels very special. Just don’t forget to ask for your own massage, too.

All The Other BMW X5 Niceties: Cargo Space And Rear Seat Features

Rear seat passengers are not overlooked in the BMW X5 M Competition. As a 5-passenger SUV, its sized to accommodate passengers comfortably.

And, the rear cargo area has plenty of space for luggage, golf clubs or strollers. One feature that drivers of the M Competition will especially love is the clamshell lift gate; the top opens up while the bottom portion folds down. This is great for preventing things from rolling out of the cargo area when the lift gate is opened, something taht drivers will really appreciate after a particularly fun drive.

As the top of the line X5, the M Competition feels luxurious and pampering. The addition of the Competition trim with its performance and handling only adds to this; it looks, feels and sounds like a true performance car. Even trips home from mundane places that don’t demand performance or the luxury will be enhanced by M power.