Review of the BMW X5M 2020: competition

Back in 2009, the X5 was the first SUV to get a boost treatment from BMW's high-performance M division. It was a crazy idea at the time, but in 2020 it's easy to see why Munich went down the (then) less-trodden path.

Now in its third generation, the X5 M is better than ever, thanks in part to BMW Australia's aggressive ditching of its "regular" variant in favor of a hot competition version.

But how good is the X5 M Competition? We had the unenviable task of testing it to find out.

BMW X 2020 models: X5 M competition
Safety Rating	-
engine's type	4.4 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	12.5l / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$174,500

Is there anything interesting about its design? 9/10

In our humble opinion, the X5 is one of the most beautiful SUVs on the market today, so it's no surprise that the X5 M Competition is a knockout in itself.

From the front, it looks impressive with its version of BMW's signature grille, which has a double insert and is finished in high-gloss black, as is much of the exterior trim.

However, you get sucked in by the front bumper with its large air dam and side air intakes, all of which have honeycomb inserts.

Even the Laserlight headlights add a touch of menace with built-in dual hockey stick LED daytime running lights that just look angry.

From the side, the X5 M Competition looks a bit more understated, with 21-inch (front) and 22-inch (rear) alloy wheels an obvious gift, while more aggressive side mirrors and air intakes are a lesson in subtlety.

The X5 M Competition comes with 21-inch (front) and 22-inch (rear) alloy wheels.

At the rear, the visually aggressive look is most noticeable thanks to a sculpted bumper that includes a massive diffuser that houses black chrome 100mm tailpipes of a bimodal exhaust system. Very tasty, we say.

Inside, BMW M has gone to great lengths to make the X5 M Competition feel a little more special than the X5.

Attention is immediately drawn to the multifunctional front sports seats, which provide super support and super comfort at the same time.

The middle and lower instrument panel, door inserts, armrests, armrests and door shelves are wrapped in soft Merino leather.

Like the middle and lower dash, door inserts, armrests, armrests and door bins, they are wrapped in soft Merino leather (in our test car in Silverstone gray and black), which even has honeycomb inserts in some sections.

Black Walknappa leather trims the upper instrument panel, door sills, steering wheel and gear selector, the latter two being unique to the X5 M Competition, along with a red start-stop button and M-specific seat belts, treadplates and floor mats.

The black Alcantara headlining adds even more luxury, while the high-gloss carbon fiber trim on our test car gives it a sporty look.

In terms of technology, there is a 12.3-inch touchscreen that runs on the already familiar BMW 7.0 operating system, although this version gets M-specific content. It still has gestures and always-on voice control, though, but both they do not live up to the greatness of the rotary disk.

The 12.3-inch touchscreen runs on the BMW 7.0 operating system.

However, the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display have the biggest M changes, and the new M-mode gives them a focused theme (and turns off the advanced driver assistance system) for spirited driving.

How practical is the interior space? 9/10

At 4938mm long, 2015mm wide and 1747mm high, the X5 M Competition is a really big SUV, which means its practicality is good.

Trunk capacity is a hefty 650 liters, but that can be increased to a truly massive 1870 liters by folding down the 40/60 folding rear seat, an action that can be accomplished with the manual trunk latches.

The trunk has six attachment points for securing cargo, as well as two hooks for bags and two side nets for storage. There's also a 12V socket, but the best part is the electric shelf that tucks away under the floor when not in use. Awesome!

There are plenty of genuine interior storage options, including both the glove box and the large range center box, and the drawers in the front doors can hold an astounding four regular bottles. The trash cans in the tailgate can fit three.

The two cupholders at the front of the center console are actually heated and cooled, which is pretty hot/cold (bad pun).

The second-row fold-down armrest has a pair of main cupholders, as well as a shallow tray that integrates a small compartment on the driver's side as two of the most random storage spaces at hand, and map pockets are attached to the front seatbacks.

Considering the size on offer, it's no surprise that the second row is comfortable to sit on. Behind my 184cm driving position, there's over four inches of legroom on offer, while there's also plenty of headroom at two inches, despite the stock setup. panoramic sunroof.

Sitting comfortably in the second row, there is plenty of space behind the driver.

Better yet, the transmission tunnel is fairly short, meaning there's plenty of legroom, which comes in handy considering the rear seat can accommodate three adults with relative ease.

Child seats are also comfortable, thanks to top tethers and ISOFIX anchor points on the side seats, as well as a large rear door opening.

In terms of connectivity, there's a wireless smartphone charger, a USB-A port, and a 12V outlet in front of the aforementioned front cupholders, while the USB-C port sits in the center compartment.

Rear passengers only have access to a 12V outlet that is located under their center air vents. Yes, children will not be happy with the lack of USB ports for recharging their devices.

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

Starting at $209,900 plus travel expenses, the new X5 M Competition is $21,171 more than its non-competitor predecessor and costs $58,000 more than the $50i, although buyers are compensated for the extra cost.

Standard equipment that hasn't been mentioned yet includes dusk sensors, rain sensors, heated auto-folding side mirrors, soft-close doors, roof rails, a power split tailgate and LED taillights.

In-cabin Live Traffic Satellite Navigation, Apple Wireless CarPlay support, DAB+ digital radio, 16-speaker Harman/Kardon surround sound system, keyless entry and start, power and heated front seats, power steering column, four-zone climate control control, auto-dimming rear view mirror with ambient light function.

LED taillights are included as standard.

Our test car is painted in stunning Marina Bay Blue metallic, which is one of several free options.

Speaking of which, the options list is surprisingly short, but the highlight is the $7500 Indulgence package, which includes some features that should be standard at this price point, like front seat cooling, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats.

The X5 M Competition's main competitors are the wagon versions of the yet-to-be-released second-generation Mercedes-AMG GLE63 S and Porsche Cayenne Turbo ($241,600), which have been out for a couple of years now.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 9/10

The X5 M Competition is powered by a monstrous 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine that develops a whopping 460kW at 6000rpm and 750Nm of torque from 1800-5800rpm, with the former reaching 37kW. , and the second has not changed.

The X5 M Competition is powered by a monstrous 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine.

Again, gear shifting is handled by a nearly perfect eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission (with paddle shifters).

This combination helps the X5 M Competition sprint from zero to 100 km/h in a supercar-intimidating 3.8 seconds. And no, it's not a typo.

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How much fuel does it consume? 6/10

The fuel consumption of the X5 M Competition in combined cycle testing (ADR 81/02) is 12.5 liters per kilometer and the claimed carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are 286 grams per kilometer. Both are a little underwhelming given the level of performance on offer.

However, in reality, the X5 M Competition does like to drink - a very large drink. Our average consumption was 18.2 l/100 km over 330 km of driving, which was mainly on country roads, while the rest of the time was even between highway, city and traffic.

Yes, there was a lot of spirited driving, so a more balanced real-world figure would be lower, but not by much. Indeed, this is the vehicle you buy if you don't care how much it costs to fill up.

Speaking of which, the X5 M Competition's 86-litre fuel tank consumes at least 95 octane gasoline.

What is it like to drive? 9/10

Surprise, surprise: the X5 M Competition is an absolute blast on the straight – and in the corners.

The level of performance on the spill is unmatched, with a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 serving one shot after another.

Out of turn, the X5 M Competition crouches and then develops its 750Nm just above idle (1800rpm), holding it up to 5800rpm. It's a mind-bogglingly wide torque band that ensures it pulls relentlessly in any gear.

And once the torque curve is back in action, peak power hits 6000rpm and reminds you that you're dealing with 460kW under your feet. Make no mistake, this is truly an epic engine.

However, much credit goes to the fact that the eight-speed torque converter automatic is nearly flawless. We especially like its responsiveness - it literally lowers a gear ratio or two before you think you've hit the accelerator hard enough.

However, he often finds it difficult to know when the fun is over, holding down lower gears for longer than necessary before eventually shifting up to a higher gear.

The X5 M Competition is an absolute blast on the straight – and in the corners.

And while it's sleek, it's still quick to work. Just like the throttle, the transmission has three settings that incrementally up the ante. For the latter, the softest setting is too soft, while the medium setting is just right, and the hardest setting is best left for the track.

Needless to say, we love this combination, but one word of warning: the bimodal sports exhaust system doesn't provide enough aural enjoyment. It's impossible to confuse with anything other than the booming V8 soundtrack, but the characteristic crackles and pops are absent.

Now raise your hand if you're suggesting that every M model has a grueling ride… Yes, so do we… But the X5 M Competition is, surprisingly, the exception to the rule.

It comes with an Adaptive M Suspension Professional suspension that consists of a double-wishbone front axle and a five-arm rear axle with adaptive dampers, which means there's room to play with the throughput, though BMW M usually puts sportiness over comfort, even for their softest settings.

Not this time, however, as the X5 M Competition rides much better than expected regardless of the settings. Simply put, it fits the bill while other M models don't.

Does that mean it handles all road imperfections with aplomb? Of course not, but you can live. The potholes aren't pleasant (but when are they?), and its harsher tune makes the speed bumps more difficult for the passenger, but they don't break the deal.

Despite the obvious attention to interior comfort, the X5 M Competition is still an absolute beast around corners.

When you have a curb weight of 2310kg, physics really works against you, but the BMW M clearly said, "Fuck the science."

The results are stunning. The X5 M Competition has no right to be so nimble. In winding places it seems that driving a car is much less.

Yes, you still have to deal with body roll in corners, but much of it is offset by amazing active anti-roll bars that do their best to keep you balanced. Handling is also improved by increased torsional rigidity of the chassis.

Of course, the X5 M Competition's electric power steering is also commendable. It's very straight forward, so much so that it's almost jerky, but we really like how sporty it looks. Feedback through the steering wheel is also excellent, making cornering even easier.

As always, the steering has two settings: "Comfort" is well-weighted, and "Sport" adds too much weight for most drivers.

This setup takes it a step further with all-wheel steering, which adds to the agility. He sees the rear wheels turning in the opposite direction of their front counterparts at low speed to improve maneuverability and in the same direction at high speed to optimize stability.

And, of course, the rear-shifted M xDrive all-wheel drive system provides amazing traction, together with the Active M Differential, making the rear axle more efficient when cornering hard.

As we've found out on some very icy back roads, the electronics allow the driver to walk away with enough fun (or horror) before stepping in and driving on. The M xDrive also has a looser sporty setting, but needless to say we didn't explore it due to the prevailing conditions.

With performance in mind, the X5 M Competition comes with an M Compound Brake system, which consists of massive 395mm front and 380mm brake discs with six-piston and single-piston calipers respectively.

Braking performance is strong - and it should be - but of greater interest are the two pedal feel options of this setup: "Comfort" and "Sport". The first one is relatively soft from the start, while the second one gives enough initial resistance, which we like.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 9/10

In 5, ANCAP gave the X2018 diesel versions the highest five-star safety rating. As such, the petrol X5 M Competition is currently unrated.

Advanced driver assistance systems include autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping and steering assist, blind spot monitoring, front and rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop and go function, speed limit recognition, high beam assist . , driver warning, tire pressure and temperature monitoring, start assist, hill descent control, park assist, surround view cameras, front and rear parking sensors, and more. Yes, there is a lot missing...

Other standard safety equipment includes seven airbags (dual front, side and side, plus driver's knee protection), conventional electronic stability and traction control systems, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and emergency brake assist (BA). ), among other things.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10

Like all BMW models, the X5 M Competition has a three-year unlimited mileage warranty, well short of the five-year standard set by Mercedes-Benz and Genesis in the premium segment.

However, the X5 M Competition also comes with three years of roadside assistance.

Service intervals are every 12 months/15,000-80,000 km, whichever comes first. Several limited-price service plans are available, with the regular five-year/4134km version priced at $XNUMX, which, while pricey, is not surprising at this price point.

Verdict

After spending a day with the BMW X5 M Competition, we can't help but wonder if this is the perfect car for families.

On the one hand, it meets the requirements of practicality and is equipped with standard equipment, including key advanced driver assistance systems. On the other hand, its straight-line and cornering performance is just otherworldly. Oh, and it looks sporty and feels luxurious.

However, we could very well live with high fuel costs if it were our daily driver, but there's only one problem: does anyone have $250,000 to spare?

Is the new BMW X5 M Competition the best family car? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Note. CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, providing transportation and food.