2020 BMW X5 M Review

　　

2020 BMW X5 M Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　Just because your life has taken on more responsibilities doesn't necessarily mean you can't still have fun. The 2020 BMW X5 M is a high-performance variant of the highly regarded X5. You can't get the optional third row of seats in the X5 M, but otherwise it offers similar convenience and flexibility. That's an impressive feat from a 600-horsepower-plus SUV that can corner like a sports car.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2020 BMW X5 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$310/mo  for X5 M Base

　　X5 M Base

　　4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) - $105,100 MSRPCompetition 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $114,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Of course there are compromises made in the name of performance, but the X5 M generally keeps the drawbacks limited to a rather stiff ride. Other sporty SUVs that include the Jaguar F-Pace SVR, Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR, Porsche Cayenne Turbo and the coupe-like BMW X6 M variant. The BMW X5 M holds a slight power advantage, but we'd be remiss to not mention the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63 S, which has class-leading potential.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.5/10

　　How does the X5 M drive? The X5 M is hilariously quick, with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds. That's faster than most sports cars we test at zzdcar, much less a 2.5-ton luxury SUV. That's thanks to the M5 sedan's twin-turbo V8. That said, it's not hairy to drive. It settles down in the city or on the highway. Braking performance is similar, with sports car-like numbers in testing and smooth operation around town.

　　It handles well too, with a mostly stable suspension and decent steering, though some drivers may find both too stiff and heavy. While that weight provides good feedback on the road, it can make parking in tight spaces a bit of a chore. Our biggest complaint is the overabundance of drive modes. There are six settings for the transmission, along with multiple modes for the brakes, engine and suspension. It seems needlessly complicated.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the X5 M? The X5 M's front sport seats offer plenty of adjustment. While it may take some time to set the driver's seat up just right, you'll be glad you took the time. The padding is firm and supportive, with good side and thigh bolstering. Unfortunately, the ride quality isn't quite as stellar. The X5 M is a bit too stiff even in its most comfortable setting. It won't break your back, but you'll feel most bumps and road imperfections.

　　There is also slightly more road noise than we'd prefer from an SUV in this class. On rough pavement, there's a constant drone from the tires. The exhaust note is always present too, though we're not going to complain about a V8's sound in an M-tuned vehicle. On the other hand, the climate control system is quiet and works fairly seamlessly.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The driver-focused interior is typical BMW, with most of the controls within easy reach of the driver. The vast array of buttons and knobs can look overwhelming, but most of it is fairly straightforward, though things such as the trip odometer seem needlessly hidden. A quick look through the owner's manual goes a long way and BMW's iDrive infotainment system does allow for some customization.

　　Getting in and out is fairly easy thanks to the wide doors and relatively low ride height. The seats are set somewhat inward and make the step inside larger than you expect. The excellent driving position is upright and comfortable, though large pillars and wide mirrors make it somewhat difficult to see your blind spots. Two adults will fit comfortably across the rear seat, but three will not.

　　

Technology

8.0/10

　　How’s the tech? BMW's iDrive system is one of the best around. The learning curve might be steep for new users, but it quickly becomes second nature. Many major controls have hard buttons on the center console. You can also use BMW's voice controls to do things such as input navigation or make a call. Syncing a smartphone is easy, and Bluetooth reconnects quickly. The X5 M has wireless Apple CarPlay, which means you can sync up your phone's apps to the infotainment system without having to use a cord. At the time of our testing, the X5 M didn't offer Android Auto integration.

　　The X5 M does come with an extensive number of driver safety features, from surround-view cameras to adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. For the most part these systems work well, but the lane-centering system could use some refinement.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The BMW X5 M's cargo is pretty big as far as midsize luxury SUVs go. The floor is low and wide and has multiple tie-downs. The power-folding split tailgate helps keep items from rolling out when the hatch is opened too. Interior storage isn't quite as practical, though it is about on par for the class. We like the deep door pockets that have large bottle holders, but we wish there was a bit more storage elsewhere in the center console.

　　All three second-row seats have car seat anchors, though it's likely too tight to fit three car seats across. Still, we like the flexibility all those anchors offer. The outboard anchors are easily marked and accessible, and the doors open wide enough to make installing a seat relatively easy.

　　

Fuel Economy

6.0/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the X5 M gets 15 mpg combined (13 city/18 highway). That's at the bottom of the class and behind many direct competitors such as the Maserati Levante Trofeo and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. We don't expect these performance SUVs to be thrifty, but be prepared to pay for frequent fill-ups.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the X5 M a good value? BMW, like other German automakers, has a well-deserved reputation for build quality. The interior is appointed with high-quality materials, including leather covering the seats, armrest and dashboard. Even the plastics look better than what you'll find on more mainstream vehicles. The fit and finish is equally impressive, with tight panel gaps and no shakes or rattles to speak of.

　　BMW offers a four-year/50,000-mile limited and drivetrain warranties, which are average for the class. You also get three years/36,000 miles of free maintenance, besting all its rivals.

　　

Wildcard

8.5/10

　　While the X5 M can't quite hide its size and weight, it's still got tons of charm, especially if you accept that it's not going to perform as well as an M5 sedan. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 makes 617 horsepower in Competition form, helping this bruising SUV scoot with a verve that will put a smile on your face.

　　

Which X5 M does zzdcar recommend?

There's no doubt that the base X5 M will more than satisfy the majority of drivers with a penchant for performance. Sure, there's the X5 M Competition, and it will undoubtedly entice those prone to one-upmanship. But we say save the money you'd pay for the Competition and instead put it toward the optional Driving Assistance package for its adaptive cruise control and the Executive package for additional convenience and luxury features.

　　

2020 BMW X5 M models

The 2020 BMW X5 M is a five-passenger high-performance luxury SUV that is available in two trim levels: X5 M and X5 M Competition. Feature highlights include:

　　X5 M

　　It comes well appointed with:

　　A 600-horsepower turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine All-wheel drive Eight-speed automatic transmission Adaptive sport suspension Power liftgate Panoramic sunroof Automated parking system Head-up display Heated front seats, armrests and steering wheel Quad-zone automatic climate control Apple Car Play Wireless charging pad Surround-view camera system Advanced safety features that include: Frontal collision mitigation Lane departure warning Blind-spot monitor X5 M Competition

　　The X5 M Competition includes all of the above, along with upgrades such as:

　　Power output increased to 617 hp Larger brakes Sport exhaust system Several interior and exterior trim enhancementsNotable bundled options include:

　　The Driving Assistance Professional package Adaptive cruise control Enhanced lane keeping system plus other advanced safety features The Executive package Heated rear seats Heated and cooled cupholders Ventilated front seats with massage functions Soft-close doors Rear-seat sunshades Upgraded adaptive headlights Remote start

　　

2020 X5 M Highlights

Trim: BaseCompetitionBase

　　

Base MSRP	$105,100
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	15 MPG
Cost to Drive	$310/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	33.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles