2017 BMW X5 M Review
2017 BMW X5 M Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byEdmunds
Edmunds
The Edmunds content team brings you industry-leading vehicle reviews, news and research tips that make it easier for you to find your perfect car.
Pros
- Astounding acceleration
- comprehensively equipped
- Upscale interior with excellent fit and finish
Cons
- Touchy gas pedal
- Ride may be too firm for some tastes
- No third-row seat offered
- iDrive still requires too many clicks to accomplish everyday tasks
What’s new
The 2017 BMW X5 M returns with an updated iDrive system that includes touchscreen functionality. The Executive option package also now includes a Wi-Fi hot spot and wireless charging for compatible cellphones.
Vehicle overview
Although SUVs have their strengths, pulse-quickening performance and razor-sharp handling are generally not among them. One major exception to that rule is the 2017 BMW X5 M, an SUV that puts the "sport" back in sport-utility.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 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 $4.03 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota
$310/mo for X5 M Base
X5 M Base
vs
$188/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
In fact it's best to think of this midsize five-passenger luxury crossover as a sport sedan in SUV clothing. Sure, the standard X5's top-of-the-line xDrive50i model is no slouch, thanks to a 445-horsepower V8 that helps deliver claimed 0-60 mph acceleration in just 4.7 seconds. Yet the BMW X5 M ups the ante with a mind-boggling 567 hp that helps this sizable sport-ute make the same run in an astonishing 4 seconds flat. To put this number in perspective, it makes the X5 M just a hair faster than the vaunted BMW M4 sport coupe.
That neat trick aside, we should point out that the xDrive50i and the X5 M don't actually feel that different in everyday driving. Make of this what you will, but it's something to keep in mind before you decide to pay the $16,000 price premium the X5 M commands.
For that extra dough you do get a host of other upgrades that might help balance the equation, including distinctive bodywork, 21-inch alloy wheels, huge brakes and an adaptive sport suspension with active body-roll control. Inside the cabin, X5 M also adds 18-way-adjustable sport seats in front and an M-branded knob for the shift lever.
Even so, there are some other downsides to the X5 M's high-performance calibration besides the price, including a touchy gas pedal that actually makes it hard to pull away from a stop without feeling as if you're launching at the drag strip. The firmer sport-tuned adaptive suspension also produces a slightly less comfortable ride quality. And don't expect to carry more than five passengers; a third-row seat isn’t even offered on the X5 M.
Not surprisingly, there are only a few competitors to choose from in this niche of the SUV segment, which emphasizes a street-oriented high-performance calibration. The list starts with the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, which offers outstanding handling albeit at an even higher price, especially once you start adding options. The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 features a gutsy exhaust note and an impressively turned-out interior. And then there's the Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR, which offers solid street performance yet still retains off-road capability.
Even among this elite crowd, however, the 2017 BMW X5 M still stands out as one of the few SUVs that's a real alternative to pricey, full-size high-performance sedans.
The 2017 BMW X5 M comes standard with high-performance antilock brakes with automatic drying, stability and traction control, hill descent control, front-seat 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 locking and unlocking, 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 a heavy SUV.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The 2017 BMW X5 M combines everyday practicality with supercar acceleration in an aggressively styled package. Think of it as a sport sedan, only with a hatchback and all-wheel drive.
Driving
From behind the steering wheel, it's clear that the 2017 BMW X5 M is an SUV that thinks it's a sports car. In fact, its handling prowess is such that you'll need to take it to a nearby racetrack to fully understand just how hard the sticky performance tires, huge brakes, adaptive suspension and rear-biased all-wheel-drive system will allow you to push it this monster-size vehicle. Simply put, the X5 M's driving dynamics are impressive. That said, we feel obligated to point out that the ride is firm enough even on the adjustable suspension's most comfort-oriented setting that you might question whether the über-responsive handling is worth the comfort trade-off compared to the standard X5.
To no one's surprise, the X5 M's 567-hp turbocharged V8 produces the quick acceleration you'd expect. But here too, it might be a bit too much of a good thing because the throttle pedal is calibrated to deliver an aggressive power punch even if you're just trying to calmly pull away from a stoplight. Though this much power so readily available can be fun at first, many will find it grows tiresome over the long term.
Interior
If there was one word that could sum up the passenger cabin of the 2017 BMW X5M it would have to be "posh." From the leather-trimmed dash to the simulated-suede headliner, there can be little argument that this is a classy space. It's also generally a pretty quiet one, save for the intrusion of a fair amount of tire noise on rough pavement.
Up front, you can expect to be coddled by the comfortable and supportive sport seats that make it easy to find an ideal driving position, thanks to 18-way adjustments and a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel. The rear seats aren't as spacious as you might expect given the vehicle's imposing size, but they're fine for two adults.
The M-spec gauges add another touch of class. Similarly, the X5 M's infotainment system features an oversize 10.2-inch touchscreen display with sharp graphics and quick response times. The iDrive user interface is better than ever, but it still requires you to spin the knob and click the built-in touchpad more than we might like just to accomplish simple everyday tasks. The system also integrates smartphone apps and includes a web browser that offers access to Yelp reviews and more.
The X5 M's cargo area offers a decent amount of space — 23 cubic feet, to be exact — behind the 40/20/40-split rear seats. Fold all three of those sections down and you end up with 66 cubic feet of cargo room. To put these numbers in perspective, they're on par with those of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Range Rover Sport SVR but fall short of the space offered by the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63.
2017 BMW X5 M models
The 2017 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 cast-aluminum wheels with summer performance tires, sport-tuned adaptive suspension dampers, rear air suspension, active body-roll stabilization, torque-vectoring sport differential, special M-type brakes, adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, power-folding and auto-dimming heated outside mirrors, automatic wipers, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails for cargo, a hands-free power liftgate with a foot sensor, front and rear parking sensors, keyless entry and ignition, quad-zone automatic climate control, extensive leather upholstery, 18-way power-adjustable and heated front sport seats (with four-way power lumbar adjustment), front-seat memory settings, 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks, a synthetic-suede headliner, adaptive cruise control, hill descent control, ambient interior lighting, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel with wheel-mounted paddle shifters and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Cabin technology highlights include a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, the iDrive infotainment system with a 10.2-inch central touchscreen and a touchpad-equipped controller, a navigation system, online services (including weather and news), smartphone-app integration, 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 input jack.
With all of that included as standard, the X5 M has a short options list. The Driver Assistance Plus package adds a variety of advanced safety features. The Executive package throws in adaptive LED headlights with automatic high-beam control, power-closing doors, a head-up instrument display, a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, manual rear-window sunshades, wireless cellphone charging and a Wi-Fi hot spot.
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.
The all-wheel-drive 2017 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 fuel economy estimates are 16 mpg combined (14 city/19 highway).
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 BMW X5 M.
5 star(79%)
4 star(0%)
3 star(14%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(7%)
14 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
Crazy fun for a daily driver
Harry, 03/10/2017
2017 BMW X5 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
I just came out of an M5. This X5M is better. It handles shockingly well despite being an SUV. It telegraphs its limits better than the M5. The interior is superb. The iDrive and Bang and Olufsen stereo are wonderful. BMW has done a great job in moving the iDrive platform forward. The level of voice control over various functions has improved considerably over my '14 M5. Fit and … finish have been excellent and no complaints. When you combine the performance and technology of this vehicle with the quotidian practicality of how much it can haul you will really want to consider it if in the market for a 5-series/E-class/S6-7 Audi.
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.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2017 BMW X5 M, so we've included reviews for other years of the X5 M since its last redesign.
2017 X5 M Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $100,700 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $310/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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