BMW offers a wide range of SUVs in North America, and these models make up the majority of the German luxury sport brand's U.S. sales. This trend started almost 25 years ago when the automaker introduced its first SUV—the 2000 X5. Since then, BMW has continued adding features and significant performance upgrades, including the introduction of the powerful X5 M in 2010. Now BMW's best-selling model, the X5 gets a major refresh for the 2024 model year, led by the top-level BMW X5 M Competition.
The fourth-generation BMW X5 came to market in 2020. For the 2024 model year, this Sports Activity Vehicle (as BMW calls it) receives several updates. Highlights of the 2024 model-year refresh include a restyled front design that features stylish LED headlights that flank an updated grille and fascia. BMW says the larger air intakes on the X5 M improve engine cooling and give the SUV a wide, more aggressive stance. The most noticeable change inside is the addition of a high-resolution curved display that dominates the cabin and provides a high-tech vibe. A new mild-hybrid V8 engine powers the X5 M, and it features BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD) system, improving performance and efficiency.
BMW offers the 2024 X5 in four trim levels, including the X5 40i, X5 xDrive 50e plug-in hybrid, X5 M60i, and the high-performance X5 M Competition. Prices range from around $65,000 for the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) X5 40i to about $125,000 for the top-level X5 M Competition.
Photo: Perry Stern
The BMW X5 competes in the Upper Midsize Premium SUV market segment. According to data collected from verified new-vehicle buyers for the JD Power 2023 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, 68 percent of new BMW X5 buyers are male (vs. 65 percent for the segment), and the median age of a new X5 buyer is 55 years (vs. 58).
As part of the APEAL Study, owners rated the X5 in 10 primary categories. Listed below in descending order, you'll find their preferences, from their most favorite thing about the vehicle to their least favorite:
In the 2023 APEAL Study, the X5 ranks fifth out of 13 Upper Midsize Premium SUV models.
In the sections that follow, our independent expert analyzes a 2024 BMW X5 M Competition equipped with the following options:
The test vehicle's price was $141,445, including the $995 destination charge.
Photo: Perry Stern
The 2024 BMW X5 M Competition is, first and foremost, one of the best-performing SUVs on the market. However, being a high-performance vehicle does not mean it doesn't deliver a premium experience. Indeed, there are high-quality materials throughout the X5 M's cabin, including soft Merino leather, which is the best BMW offers. My test vehicle also featured polished carbon fiber prominently displayed on the dashboard and center console.
One of the most significant updates to the interior of the 2024 X5 M is the new curved display screen mounted on the dashboard. Incorporating both the 12.3-inch driver display and 14.9-inch infotainment display under a single glass pane, the curved display gives the X5's cabin a clean, high-tech vibe. Adding to this look is the M-specific lightbar integrated into the dashboard in front of the passenger.
The X5 offers a good amount of storage in the cabin, with available space at the front of the center console and a good-sized bin under the center armrest. While the cupholders are small, BMW makes up for this with door pockets capable of handling large water bottles. There's also a wireless phone charger ahead of the cupholders and multiple USB ports.
The X5 M Competition I drove featured M multi-functional seats trimmed in soft Merino leather with a two-tone style with an illuminated "X5 M" integrated into the headrest. Firm bolstering supports shoulders, sides, and thighs so front-seat passengers stay put during enthusiastic driving. Front seats have multiple power adjustments and feature heating, ventilation, and massaging functions. At first, the seats felt stiff and tight, but after several hours behind the wheel, I found them comfortable with excellent support.
Passengers in the back seat will find plenty of space with good legroom and headroom. Seats get the same two-tone style as up front, and the outboard seats are heated. As is typical for a vehicle of this size, the middle seat has less legroom, and the seat bottom is rather stiff, making this position less than ideal.
The X5 has a good amount of cargo space, easily handling multiple pieces of luggage or other gear. A retractable cargo cover keeps valuables hidden, and you can fold the rear seats flat via levers in the cargo area for added convenience. The X5 also features a power liftgate, making loading cargo easier and providing a nice picnic seat.
Photo: Perry Stern
The 2024 BMW X5 M uses the latest iteration of BMW's iDrive, built on the company's eight-generation operating system. Much improved over the previous version, this latest iDrive features:
The infotainment section of the large, curved screen is a 14.9-inch widescreen, which provides enough real estate for easy viewing and navigation. The Home screen uses live tiles that you can swipe left or right for quick access, and you can configure it to show a personalized selection of features in whatever order you desire. The driver can also choose to show all available features, displayed on a full page of icons.
Shortcuts to audio, communication, navigation, and Android Auto (or Apple CarPlay) remain static on the left side of the screen for instant access to these oft-used features. Alternatively, you can interact with the system via the classic iDrive dial in the center console or by voice using BMW's Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Climate functions integrate into the display, with the temperature settings always at the bottom of the screen for the driver and passenger. Unfortunately, you must access any other climate control from a sub-menu, although it was easy for me to access and less cumbersome than expected.
I was able to connect my Samsung Galaxy S23+ via Bluetooth quickly. Within a few seconds, I had the option to launch Android Auto. Once loaded the first time, Android Auto appeared on the menu whenever the phone was within range. Android Auto displays on the whole screen with a static Home button at the top left for easy access to the BMW native menu.
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant uses natural language and worked well, understanding everything I asked. Activated by saying, "Hey, BMW," the system has become quite advanced with many new tasks that it can perform. I adjusted the temperature, set the navigation, called my wife, turned on the seat massagers, and changed the audio source—all by simply asking. The system will even open individual windows or the sunroof via voice commands.
Photo: Perry Stern
The most powerful model in the X5 lineup, the X5 M Competition sports a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. BMW integrated an electric motor into the 8-speed automatic transmission, providing better acceleration from a stop and added efficiency when cruising. Power for the electric motor comes from the 48-volt battery in the engine compartment, which charges via regenerative braking. The motor also operates as a starter/generator for smooth automatic engine stop/start functionality. The performance-oriented, M-tuned AWD system properly manages all that power.
BMW M cars are among the highest-performance automobiles on the market, and just because the X5 M is an SUV doesn't mean it's any less potent. With a quick-shifting transmission, a powerful V8 engine, and the grip of AWD, the X5 M Competition takes off like a shot from a standstill. A delightful roar of V8 exhaust emanates from the big quad exhaust pipes, adding to the overall experience.
According to BMW, the X5 M Competition will sprint to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. While I had no method of measuring this, my experience leaves me in no doubt of this claim.
One of my favorite aspects of the BMW X5 M Competition is how it works so well as a comfortable, luxurious, and capable SUV while delivering performance on par with a sports car. More than just a quick sprinter, the X5 has excellent steering and fantastic grip, making it quite enjoyable when pushing it on winding roads around Monterey, California. With a tuned suspension and grippy Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, the X5 M delivers a confident, stable ride, further adding to the enjoyment.
BMW allows the driver to customize the SUV's driving characteristics, setting the vehicle up for smooth cruising or carving up a twisty mountain road. The steering, suspension, engine response, transmission, brakes, chassis, exhaust sound, and AWD are adjustable for comfort or performance. The driver can set each attribute individually or store two preset configurations accessed via the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel.
While the X5 M Competition is clearly at home on a twisty back road, this BMW SUV is just as competent cruising on the freeway. Spending several hours at highway speeds, the X5 was perfectly content to cruise at 70 mph with a smooth and quiet ride. As a vehicle built for the German autobahn, I suspect it would be just as stable at 120 mph (no, I did not test this assumption).
Photo: Perry Stern
The BMW X5 M Competition is available with the latest advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), but many of the more common features are optional. Advanced safety features include:
The BMW X5 M Competition I drove was almost $150,000, so it was quite surprising to discover it did not have adaptive cruise control. This feature comes standard on many vehicles that cost considerably less than the BMW. It really should be standard, at least on the top-level M Competition. I have had the opportunity to test the company's adaptive cruise with lane-keeping assistance in other BMWs, and the system does work quite well.
My test vehicle did come standard with lane-departure warning with the option of steering intervention. The system works well, but it sometimes seems overly aggressive, correcting when it didn't seem necessary. I eventually turned off the steering intervention as it was becoming annoying.
Photo: Perry Stern
With almost 34 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, the BMW X5 M offers a good level of utility with room for multiple suitcases or other cargo. The rear seats fold flat in a 40/20/40 split for added versatility, and the seats fold from the rear via levers in the cargo space. With the rear seats folded, cargo space expands to 72.3 cubic feet.
It may have impressive performance, but the X5 M's big V8 does not deliver very good fuel economy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the X5 M at 15 mpg in combined city/highway driving, translating to a range of 328 miles. This figure aligns with my experience in the X5 M, which showed 14 mpg on the trip computer during my time in the vehicle.
The 2024 BMW X5 M has many active and passive safety features. However, at the time of writing, neither the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released crash-test results for the 2024 BMW X5.
BMW offers the 2024 X5 in four trim levels. The X5 sDrive40i list price is $65,200. It is the only RWD variant; adding AWD raises the price to $67,500. The X5 xDrive50e plug-in hybrid costs $72,500, while the X5 M60i runs $89,300. The top-level X5 M Competition has a starting price of $122,300. Prices do not include the destination charge, which is $995.
In the JD Power 2023 Initial Quality Study (IQS), the Cadillac XT6 ranks highest in the Upper Midsize Premium SUV segment. The BMW X6 and the BMW X5 are the next highest-ranked models.
In the 2023 APEAL Study, the BMW iX ranks highest in the Upper Midsize Premium SUV segment. The next highest-ranked models are the BMW X6 and the Land Rover Range Rover Sport.
Other competitors to the 2024 X5 include the Genesis GV80, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Porsche Cayenne.
Photo: Perry Stern
Whether it's a low-slung convertible or a 5-passenger SUV, any BMW with an "M" in its name promises driving fun. But M cars deliver more than just high performance; they are luxurious, comfortable, and easy to drive daily. The 2024 BMW X5 M Competition is a perfect example.
The X5 M Competition stands out with a bold exterior style that hints at the vehicle's high-performance capability without being obnoxious. But this powerful SUV will get attention when it starts up, thanks to the growling exhaust.
There's no question that the X5 M Competition is very quick, but it is much more than just a fast SUV. With a luxurious, high-tech cabin that offers plenty of space for people and cargo, the X5 M doesn't compromise comfort and utility in the interest of performance. So, for those buyers who want a sports car but need a luxury SUV, the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition is an excellent choice.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving almost every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for JDPower.com. Recently relocated to southeast Michigan, Perry is still crazy about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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