2020 BMW X5 M

Overview

The 2020 BMW X5 M is what happens when bean counters want more SUV sales and enthusiasts will glorify anything with huge horsepower. While we wouldn't call the culmination a perfect storm, the X5 M's mighty twin-turbo V-8 produces lightning-quick acceleration and thunderous sounds. Combine that with fat tires and special suspension tuning from BMW's storied M division and you have one of the wildest crossovers on the planet. Short of its lofty price tag, the X5 M has few foibles. It's capable of incredible speed and neck-straining cornering. Its interior is spacious and gracious, with room for up to five and space for all their stuff. An array of upscale and high-tech options also verifies that the 2020 X5 M is as sophisticated and luxurious as it is powerful.

What's New for 2020?

The all-new 2020 BMW X5 M represents the third generation of the Bavarian automaker's sportiest X5 SUV. It's more powerful than the outgoing X5 M, with 33 horsepower more in standard trim and 50 extra horsepower in the Competition model. The rest of the changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary. Still, its resculpted sheetmetal, enhanced interior, and modernized technology help make the latest X5 M better than ever.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We already know our money would go towards the slightly sportier Competition model. In addition to extra horsepower, it comes standard with a more boisterous exhaust system, an exclusive Track mode, and larger-diameter rear wheels and tires. Likewise, the X5 M Competition comes standard with nicer leather upholstery and adds padding on the sides of the center console to prevent bruising your knee during hard cornering.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

A monster hides underneath the hood of every 2020 X5 M. It has two turbochargers that force feed air into a 4.4-liter V-8 engine that generates 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The further enhanced X5 M Competition pumps out another 17 ponies. Both Bimmers utilize an eight-speed automatic transmission and a variable all-wheel-drive system. The latter allows the driver to choose between maximum traction at all four wheels or added agility in the rear-biased track mode. A set of 21-inch wheels and adaptive dampers are standard equipment. However, those who want a staggered set of rollers with 22-inchers out back have that option, too. The bigger rear wheels are standard on the Competition version. Our recent drive of a Competition model impressed with sports car-like grip in the corners and eye-watering acceleration.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

It takes lots of fuel to make the kind of horsepower produced by the X5 M, and it shows in the EPA fuel-economy ratings. Both the standard X5M and Competition deliver an estimated 13 mph city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combined. We'll see how well the X5 M does against its EPA highway estimate as soon as we can test one on our 200-mile real-world highway fuel-economy loop.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The interior of the X5 M is exquisitely appointed and outfitted with myriad desirable features. A 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster rests behind its leather-wrapped steering wheel that also hosts a pair of paddle shifters and red "M" drive-mode buttons. Ambient interior lighting, a large head-up display, a heated steering wheel and front armrests, and racy materials are all standard. Those who desire fancier leather upholstery, massaging front seats with heated and cooled cushions, heated rear seats, and more can add them for extra coin. There's no shortage of passenger space in the front and rear seats, and its cargo area is big enough to hold 11 carry-on suitcases behind the back row.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

Every 2020 X5 M has a loaded infotainment system and countless connectivity features. The company's iDrive software is displayed via a 12.3-inch touchscreen that can also be controlled by hand gestures, voice commands, and a rotary controller on the center console. While Apple CarPlay integration and a Harman/Kardon audio system are standard, a Bowers & Wilkins stereo and rear-seat entertainment system are individual options. Android Auto is absent altogether.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2020 X5 M hasn't been evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), but they've both evaluated the standard X5. That version earned four out of five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS. Along with standard driver-assistance technology such as forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, the X5 M offers more optional assists. Key safety features include:

• Standard blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

BMW provides a competitive warranty that aligns with the limited and powertrain coverages offered by rivals such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz. While its complimentary scheduled maintenance isn't as great as Jaguar's, it's better than every other competitor.

• Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles