2022 BMW X5 M

　　

2022 BMW X5 M Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　, rating written byMichael CantuVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　The popularity of SUVs has pushed automakers to produce a wide variety of models. There's an SUV for just about everyone, including those who want one that accelerates and handles like a sports car. The 2022 BMW X5 M is a compelling choice for people wanting a high-performance SUV. It's one of the quickest and most powerful family haulers in the market. The X5 M is the range-topping model in the X5 lineup and one of four M-engineered SUVs BMW offers.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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) (Most Popular) - $106,100 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　The X5 M's incredible 3.5-second 0-60 mph time is possible thanks in part to its 600-horsepower turbocharged V8 and all-wheel-drive system. Its large brakes help the heavy SUV come to a stop quickly, and the adaptive suspension keeps it planted in corners. On the downside, the X5 M has a stiff suspension and heavy steering. If you aren't a fan of that, consider rivals which include the Audi RS Q8, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. For an in-depth review of the BMW X5 M, check out the zzdcar' Expert Rating below.

　　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. It may take some time to set the driver's seat up just right, but 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below