The BMW X5 M Competition Review

The BMW X5 M Competition is one of those vehicles that defies description. Is it a sporty grocery getter? An SUV? A track day specialist? Certain people think so. Are the folks at Napleton News in the same camp? Read on to find out.

What’s under the hood of the BMW X5 M Competition?

Power for the BMW X5 M Competition comes from a very muscular 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged mild hybrid V8 engine. It manages to deliver 617-horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The 48-volt electric motor is mounted between the engine and transmission supplying an additional 12-hp and 147 lb-ft of torque. Gearing is handled by a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter giving it a top speed of 155 mph. Opt for the BMW M Driver’s Package and you’ll get to 177 mph.

Structurally, the X5 M Competition has firmed up to handle the extra power that comes from the turbo V8. Some may find the ride rougher than they may be used to, but eventually it becomes a non-issue. It is complete with active anti-roll bars, a cross-bank exhaust manifold and revised turbochargers. A nice added-touch is the performance exhaust button on the center console. Through internal flaps, and a press of the switch, the exhaust system takes on a more devilish note that will rattle some dental fillings. Kidding.

How does the X5 M Competition look?

Like a high-performance SUV, which it is. If you liked it when introduced in 2019, you’ll love it in 2024. Not much has changed except for additional design cues throughout. Loaded with blacked out trim and aggressive styling outside, it is one tough-looking hombre.

New, thinner headlights point the way, as do revised LEDs at the rear. A strongly pronounced front end features larger-than-large air intakes to cool the engine and braking system. There’s also a new black lip spoiler to help keep the front end planted, as well as blacked out side vents to help release trapped air.

A look inside is next.

The 2024 BMW X5 M Competition is one of the new breed of BMWs with a curved display screen. The new display is constructed using two 12.3-inch display screens laid out in a side-by-side array. BMW craftspeople finish it in leather trim accented by a carbon fiber dashboard structure.

The sport seats in the first row offer everything you can imagine in a luxury performance vehicle. Start with an infinitely adjustable pair of seats that include heating, cooling and massage functions. It’s just the thing to get cooled down and worked over, all while eclipsing the speed limit.

The center console is where you’ll find the M Setup Menu. Here, you can set specific parameters for the engine, chassis, steering, braking system and M X-drive all-wheel drive configurator. The driver is then able to save two different levels of settings (Performance and Off-Road, for instance) that are instantly recalled by the press of a red button on the steering wheel.

Behind the wheel of the X5 M Competition.

It’s a cold-blooded snake. That’s the feeling we get behind the wheel of the X5 M. Having a firm suspension, great steering manners, unbelievable brakes and 617 horses under the hood presents this BMW in all its reptilian splendor. It has incredible acceleration, agile handling, amazing braking and more, in a well-sorted performance utility vehicle.

Oh, and it has cooling and heating cupholders in the front row.

But think of it. As far as naming conventions go, hasn’t it gone far enough? I mean seriously. Where would you actually see a BMW X5 M Competition compete? The Costco Parking Lot 500? There’s nothing wrong with a performance SUV. But, to label one with a “Competition” badge seems a bit of a stretch, even to us!

BMW X5M Competition Specifications

2024 BMW M Competition SUV
Engine Type	4.4-liter Twin Turbo V8 gas/electric engine
Horsepower	617 hp @6,000 rpm
Torque	553 lb-ft 1,800-5,860 rpm
Transmission	8-speed M Steptronic
Fuel Economy (Combined/City/Hwy)	15 avg / 13 city/ 18 hwy
Suspension F/R	Double Wishbone/Multilink
Turning Circle	42
Also Available	Base Models
Specs
Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty	4 years/50,000 miles
NHTSA Safety Rating	4 stars
Max Seating Capacity	5
Wheelbase	117.0 inches
Overall Length	194.8 inches
Width	79.3 inches
Height	69.4 inches
Cargo Room (Rear/Front)	33.9/72.3 cubic feet
Headroom, Front	38.9 inches
Headroom, 2nd	33.6 inches
Legroom, 1st	42.1 inches
Legroom, 2nd	29.5 inches
Shoulder room, 1st row	57.2 inches
Shoulder room, 2nd row	46.9 inches