Even though performance SUVs are a bit nonsensical on the face of it, it’s a trend that’s been around for a long time now and it’s not going anywhere any time soon. That said, fast SUVs have evolved quite a bit over time and are often just as capable as their sedan counterparts, which is the case with the X5 M Competition. With over 600 horsepower, huge tires and perfectly tuned suspension, the X5 M Competition will hardly leave any driver longing for the smaller M3 or the M5. At the same time, the X5 M is miles more practical than both of those models, plus it’s more luxurious and more technologically advanced. Moreover, the recent facelift put the X5 M Competition a generation ahead of the older model even though the two are fundamentally the same cars. That said, performance SUVs do come with some inherent flaws but before we explain what those are, check out the ones currently for sale here at Exotic Car Trader.
While the ever tightening emissions controls have caused quite a few problems for sports cars and supercars, it’s even worse for performance SUVs. That’s because modern performance SUVs make virtually the same power as most supercars but they often weigh three times as much causing them to pollute substantially more. As a consequence, the X5 M now gets a mild hybrid system as standard solely for the purpose of complying with the latest Euro emission standards. That means its maximum power output remains the same while the internal combustion engine pushes out less of it to compensate for the extra power of the electric motor. The result is a slightly more fuel efficient powertrain providing the same performance. That also increased the base price noticeably and puts the X5 M side by side with the GLE 63 AMG. That said, the price is further justified by the fact that the Competition trim is now also standard, and that it gets the latest iDrive system with over two feet of screen length among other, numerous improvements.
The X5 M Competition gets the same interior treatment as other BMW models included in the 2024 update. One of the biggest differences comes from the, previously separate gauge cluster and main infotainment screen. Now, the gauge cluster and the infotainment are a part of a single screen setup which spans across half the dashboard for a total length of over 27” inches. That also means there are fewer buttons since the climate controls are now operated through the infotainment as is the case with most modern luxury vehicles. While that’s not exactly a positive by most accounts, it does clean up the center console giving a more luxurious look. Luxury is further improved by a different trim and leather configuration allowing for more carbon fiber across the dashboard while the new, smaller steering wheel coupled with carbon fiber shift pedals adds to the sporty aesthetic. BMW has also enhanced the interior lighting with more LED strips and more color combinations. The optional equipment list is also shorter with the remaining options including heated and cooled seats, heated and cooled cup holders, adaptive cruise control, front massaging seats and a premium sound system. That, and different trim options and colors.
While the pre facelift X5 M was by no means a benign looking thing, the new X5 M Competition takes it to the next level with a ton of new aggressive lines, cuts and intakes. But first, we have to address the front grille which has, yet again, grown larger. But in this case, it’s not a particularly bad thing. The new grille is much more proportional than that on any other current BMW model, plus it’s more well rounded than the one on the pre facelift model. That means this might just be the first BMW model to actually benefit from the bigger nostrils. But an even bigger improvement is the fact that none of the front vents feature mesh grilles giving it the signature DTM look. That also revealed the radiator and the intercoolers which is pretty unique compared to other modern cars and SUVs, and pretty cool as well. Furthermore, the headlights became thinner and featured new lighting elements. That tail lights include new LED graphics as well but retain the old shape. The same goes for the rest of the rear end which seems to be an exact copy of the pre facelift X5 M. That said, BMW has added new exterior colors to the mix and new wheel designs, both of which give the X5 M a bit more character.
As we already mentioned, the new 48 volt mild hybrid system doesn’t increase the maximum power output which remains the same at 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor contributes 12 horsepower and 148 lb-ft of torque to those figures. But that’s still quite good considering that 25% of torque is now instant as is the case with EVs. At the same time, BMW has revised the transmission giving the X5 M Competition shorter first, second and third gears. And while both those improvements should improve acceleration, BMW still advertises the same 3.7 second 0-60 time. But if we have learned anything from the past it’s that BMW is always a bit too conservative with its numbers so we suspect it should do it in sub 3.5 seconds. But even at 3.7 seconds it’s still quicker than the GLE 63 S, its main competitor, plus it’s more powerful and lighter at 5,455 lbs. And with the Competition limiter, it’s also faster with a top speed of 177 mph. But the changes don’t stop there as BMW has further improved the suspension setup, steering and it’s now one of few production vehicles to feature a staggered wheels setup with 22” rims in the rear and 21” up front. That said, while these improvements make the X5 M Competition one of the fastest SUVs around a race track, they also make it quite a bit less comfortable putting the GLE 63 S ahead of it in those terms.
Before the 2024 update, the X5 M had a starting price of $107,000. Add to that the Competition package, and you would be looking at $116,000 before options. And as of 2024, the starting price had jumped to $123,395. But looking back, that doesn’t seem to be a bad deal. Considering the Competition package is now standard, that means you get the mild hybrid system, a much more modern interior and exterior plus better handling, all for $8,000 more. And even at that price, it’s $3,000 cheaper than the RS Q8 and $6,000 cheaper than the GLE 63 S.
With all the innovations we have listed off, the X5 M Competition is borderline an all new model. Even its relatively small price increase is more than justified considering how much more modern it became both inside and out. The only downside is that BMW decided to cut off the cheaper, non Competition model, leaving customers with fewer options. Whether you are in the market for a new X5 M or any luxury and performance SUV, consider buying through Exotic Car Trader. With escrow protection, plus delivery and first inspection taken care of, Exotic Car Trader not only makes the process as safe as it gets, but frees up more of your time than any other buying method out there. Selling a car with Exotic Car Trader saves you even more time so feel free to check out how it all works.
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