2016 BMW X5 M Review
2016 BMW X5 M Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Astounding performance
- comprehensively equipped
- upscale interior with excellent fit and finish.
Cons
- The Enhanced USB and Bluetooth package is now standard equipment. Other than that, there are no changes for the 2016 BMW X5 M.
What’s new
Edmunds says
The 2016 BMW X5 M delivers near-supercar acceleration and everyday practicality in an aggressively styled package designed for those who want a little bit of everything from their luxury SUV.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2016 BMW X5 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$342/mo for X5 M Base
X5 M Base
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
By and large, the modern SUV puts an emphasis on the "utility" portion of its name, while any pretense of "sport" is quietly ignored and left to wither. Although BMW does a good job of giving its X5 a more dynamic road feel than the disconnected ride of other luxury SUVs, buyers moving from a sporty car to the family-friendly crossover may find the driving experience lacking. Luckily for them, there is a leather-clad SUV with seating for five and corner-carving credentials: the 2016 BMW X5 M.
The most potent version of the "normal" X5 is the xDrive50i, which boasts a 4.4-liter turbocharged engine with 445 horsepower. Claimed 0-60 mph time is 4.7 seconds, a good time for a big people hauler. The X5 M ups the ante with 567 hp, a power boost that reduces the sprint from zero to 60 mph to a flat 4 seconds. Although that means the X5 M is a hair quicker than the illustrious M4 sports car, in real-world driving, the X5 M and the xDrive50i don't feel worlds apart on the acceleration front.
Luckily, upgrading to the M version adds more than just horsepower. Also included are 21-inch wheels, massive brakes, an adaptive sport suspension with body roll control and unique body styling. The X5 M also adds 18-way sport seats and a shift knob shared with other M cars. There are a few downsides, as the X5 M has a very sensitive gas pedal that makes it difficult to pull away from a stoplight without rocketing forward. The ride is also a bit harsher than the normal X5. And the third-row seats available on other X5s cannot be ordered on the X5 M, although to be fair, no other vehicles in the hot-rod midsize SUV class offer three rows of seating anyway.
Rivals in this segment are few but impressive, which is a given considering the hefty price of entry. The 2016 Porsche Cayenne Turbo also offers superb handling dynamics but is more expensive, especially when the long options list comes into play. The 2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 is a heavily refreshed version of last year's ML63, and features a flawless interior and lustworthy exhaust note. The 2016 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR is another solid choice, although cargo space behind the rear seats is limited. Even against these tough competitors, though, the X5 M shines through. It really is that good.
Performance & mpg
The all-wheel-drive 2016 BMW X5 M is powered by a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 rated at 567 hp and 553 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic with launch control.
In Edmunds performance testing, an X5 M sprinted from zero to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds, a tenth of a second quicker than the mighty Porsche Cayenne Turbo. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 16 mpg combined (14 city/19 highway).
Safety
The 2016 BMW X5 M comes standard with stability and traction control, high-performance antilock brakes with automatic drying, hill-descent control, front side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.
Also standard are the BMW Assist eCall and BMW Remote Services emergency communications systems, which provide automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle recovery, remote lock/unlock, a smartphone app with remote vehicle functions and on-demand emergency response via an SOS button.
The optional Driver Assistance Plus package bundles active blind-spot monitoring, a side- and top-view camera system, lane-departure warning and speed limit info. The X5 M further offers an infrared night-vision system with pedestrian detection.
In Edmunds testing, an X5 M required just 104 feet to come to a stop from 60 mph, which is an impressively short distance for an SUV.
Driving
The turbocharged V8 requires no coaxing to overcome the X5 M's hefty 2.5-ton mass. The slightest pressure on the extremely sensitive throttle triggers explosive acceleration. This can be fun when you're showing off for your friends, but aggravating most other times. Still, few cars at any price can match the X5 M in a straight line.
BMW's X5 M is also nearly unmatched when going around turns. The steering is quick, and the X5 M grips so tenaciously that few drivers will ever reach its limits on public roads. You would have to take it to the track to fully enjoy the benefits of the massive summer-performance tires, giant brakes, adaptive suspension and rear-biased all-wheel drive with torque-vectoring technology. The X5 M delivers the sort of vehicular physics that aren't normally associated with SUVs of this size, which is an admirable engineering accomplishment. We just aren't certain that the ability to smoke sports cars at Laguna Seca is offset by the downgrade in everyday drivability from the normal X5. Even with the three-mode adaptive dampers in their most comfortable setting, the ride is extremely busy.
On the bright side, the cabin is hushed from wind and road noise at cruising speeds, but the tires are quite vocal when traveling over rough pavement.
Interior
The X5 M's interior layout carries over the elegance and quality of the standard cabin, but there's a thick layer of sport on top. The heavily bolstered and sublimely supportive front seats are among the first clues that you're driving something special, an impression confirmed by the M instrument cluster with its performance-themed readouts. Extended leather trim with dashboard inserts comes standard, as does a synthetic-suede headliner. You'd be hard-pressed to find a single trim piece that looks or feels out of place.
On the infotainment front, the X5 M's 10.2-inch widescreen display boasts crisp graphics and quick responses. The iDrive interface is more user-friendly than ever these days, providing a reasonably intuitive menu structure and a handy new controller with touchpad functionality. Smartphone-app integration is part of the deal, and BMW's online services include an internal browser with access to Yelp reviews and recommendations. Still, we've found that iDrive often requires a few more clicks and twists than it should. The GLE63 AMG's COMAND interface, for example, is generally simpler when executing common tasks.
Rear-seat legroom isn't as generous as the X5 M's ample dimensions would suggest, but it's adequate for a pair of adults. By the numbers, the cargo bay leaves something to be desired, too, though it has more than enough space for most typical real-world hauling jobs. The X5 M redeems itself a bit with its two-piece "clamshell" hatch, comprising a liftgate on top and a flip-down tailgate.
2016 BMW X5 M models
The 2016 BMW X5 M is a high-performance midsize luxury crossover with seating for five. It's offered in a single trim level.
Standard equipment includes 21-inch wheels with summer performance tires, sport-tuned adaptive suspension dampers, a rear-axle air suspension, active roll stabilization, a torque-vectoring sport differential, special M brakes, adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, power-folding and auto-dimming heated side mirrors, automatic wipers, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate with a foot sensor, roof rails, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, keyless entry and ignition, adaptive cruise control, ambient interior lighting, quad-zone automatic climate control, hill-descent control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with wheel-mounted paddle shifters, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, extended leather upholstery, heated 18-way power front sport seats (with four-way power lumbar), driver and front-passenger memory settings, 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks and a synthetic-suede headliner.
Cabin technology highlights include Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, the iDrive infotainment system with a 10.2-inch central display screen and a touchpad-equipped controller, online services (including weather and news), smartphone-app integration, a navigation system, voice controls and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with a CD player, satellite and HD radio, a USB port and an auxiliary audio jack.
With all of that included as standard, the X5 M has a modest options list. The Driver Assistance Plus package adds a variety of advanced safety features, while the Executive package throws in adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beam control, power-closing doors, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and manual rear-window sunshades.
Stand-alone options include 20-inch wheels, aluminum-look exterior trim, an automated self-parking system, a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual 9.2-inch screens.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2016 BMW X5 M.
5 star(80%)
4 star(0%)
3 star(20%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
5 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
BMW X5M Fast and Comfy
J Smith, 10/22/2018
2015 BMW X5 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
Seriously a great ride w/ a lot of great gadgets! Acceleration is phenomenal, brakes are amazing and the I can't get enough of the look, inside and out. For a 2015 vehicle it has almost every single piece of tech you'd like and comes loaded up. Amazing on the road and haven't taken it off road and most likely never will. For the review above about taking a $100k vehicle off road, which … is mostly meant for a track is ridiculous. Yes, it is all wheel drive and capable of off road ability but who wants to take a X5M, hint the "M", off road? To each their own I guess, but that's why I have a Jeep Wrangler and there are many other better off road vehicles than an X5 especially an M series which is geared more toward a road/track. That would be like getting a Challenger Hellcat and taking it to a road course/track, where that vehicle is more suited for a straight away track, and complaining that it can't take the turns well and so on.
5 out of 5 stars
2016 BMW X5M vs X5 xdrive50i
Dave Hill, 11/17/2015
2015 BMW X5 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
I originally ordered an xDrive50i and, while waiting for that vehicle to be delivered from Spartanburg, decided to upgrade to the X5M. I debated it quite a bit during that month, trying to weigh the value of what I was getting for my extra $30K - for such a premium as this, would it be worth it? What do you get for that? The obvious answer is a performance edge - a half second off the … 0-60 time, higher (limited) top speed, better handling (.96g skidpad vs. .81) and stronger braking (152 ft 70-0 vs 172 ft 70-0). The xdrive50i performs like you would expect a nice luxury SUV to perform, while the X5M performs like a supercar. Is this meaningful though in day-day operation, especially over the M Package xdrive50i? Probably not, if I'm being honest - no way you can tap the full potential of the X5M on the streets. If you're being halfway sane, at least. Oh, and with it's quad exhaust, the X5M sounds much nicer too - a deep roaring baritone exhaust note when you lay it down.
Outside of performance, the X5M has a meaner look from the outside - sitting lower to the ground than the xdrive50i. I love the wheels and the spoiler which add to it's aggressive styling. And it is available in Doninngton Gray, which is (I think) one of the nicest finishes I've ever seen. There is M badging everywhere, which doesn't mean anything to me (or most people). But, if you're into status, whatever. I like how understated the X5M is - its aggressive exterior non-withstanding, it doesn't look like it should be as fast as it really is.
On the inside, the only real difference I can see (besides further M badging) is the amazing front seats - I was coming into the X5M from an older 7 series. The xdrive50i had seats much like my old 7 does. The X5M has nice side bolstering that keeps you confidently in place. Some reviews on the seats were mixed - I find them to be firm, but really, really comfortable. I read reviews on the ride quality as well, given the stiff suspension - I find it rides better than my 7 did (although I went with the 20" wheels vs. the 21" - I think the extra rubber helps).
There are a few downsides (besides price) - full efficiency is terrible. I'm less concerned about cost as I am the fact I find myself at the gas station every 4-5 days. I also think some of the controls and the iDrive could be more intuitive. Nice to have all the customization options, but challenging to get used to. Also, given it's heft and high ride height, it doesn't deliver that "rides on rails" experience I got with my 7 series. There is a hint of lean in corners and although it sticks really well, I don't (yet) have the confidence to hit the curves like I would like to. I like that you can customize the lift-gate opening height, but am wishing it could auto-sense and stop if it finds an obstruction from above. It's a nit, but I find that if I have it set to either of the two highest settings, it actually makes contact with the ceiling of the parking garage. If I have it at the third highest setting, it doesn't, but then offers somewhat limited access. So I have to manually adjust based on the setting for ideal operation, when I feel this could be automated.
Finally (and this is more of a BMW thing than an X5M specific thing), I found myself at the dealer being pushed on a bunch of additional protection plans (wheels and tires, windshield, front end protection, wear and tear insurance, extended warranty, extended maintenance, lo-jack). I ended up paying $18K extra. I would have liked more time to explore these options than I was given. I asked it I could add them within the first 30-90 days and was told no - you must do it at time of purchase. I said yes, before really getting into the details on what was afforded there. That's a lot of money to spend on the spot. I'm glad I did it though, given this is the first really (really) nice vehicle I've owned and want to keep it perfect for as long as I can.
Overall, very very happy with the X5M...
5 out of 5 stars
Swiss Army Knife
RSR, 05/22/2020
2015 BMW X5 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
Have owned M cars and AMG, now days I just wanted a versatile yet performance oriented SAV, no more estates or big powerful sedans. Heard that the X5M had some pixie dust tossed on it and took the plunge on a used unit at the end of its lease. Never looked back since then except when I need to move over after embarrassing the long list of high performance cars. The cool thing is the … tuner guys finally dialed in the S63 motor and you can reliably add 175 hp with a tune. You seriously need to drop the hammer on one of these when it’s putting down almost 800 ft. Lbs. of torque, the transmission is very stout and bangs out perfect shifts all the while keeping the tires from spinning, it feels like going to warp speed but with supremely good road manners. From a dig I can take most cars to 100 easy, it’s truly enlightening to watch a G-tr play catch up with a 2 1/2 ton badass BMW.
3 out of 5 stars
X5M versus Cayenne Turbo
Peter Flack, 09/11/2015
2015 BMW X5 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
I have now been driving the X5M for close on three years and have grown used to its foibles. The performance and reliability are excellent but the software and related technical aspects are a pain and I defy anyone to remember how to use all the different nick nacks. If I have a gripe, it is the suspension which, although it is better than the previous model - it could not have been … worse - is still substantially worse than the Porsche Cayenne Turbo with which it competes. They have tried to substitute big rubber for suspension sophistication and it does not work. There is also no ride height adjustment which the Porsche has and this seriously limits the car's off road ability. It is a good car on tar make no mistake, just not a great one and off-road it is a joke. In a nutshell, in my humble opinion, it is not worth the price and I will not buy another one.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2016 BMW X5 M, so we've included reviews for other years of the X5 M since its last redesign.
2016 X5 M Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $98,800 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $342/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 35.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the X5 M include:
- Back-up camera
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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