The 2020 X5 M is a fast, capable and well-appointed performance SUV that might be a little too high-strung for its own good. While the firm ride and sharp steering are great on a winding road, those qualities make the X5 M feel rough and heavy when you're driving around town. That said, it's a riot when pushed hard. The interior is handsome and comfortable, with a decent cargo area and a good amount of in-car tech. It's not as smooth or comfortable as the standard X5, so this M model is best suited for those willing to compromise comfort for performance.
Just because your life has taken on more responsibilities doesn't necessarily mean you can't still have fun. The 2020 BMW X5 M is a high-performance variant of the highly regarded X5. You can't get the optional third row of seats in the X5 M, but otherwise it offers similar convenience and flexibility. That's an impressive feat from a 600-horsepower-plus SUV that can corner like a sports car.
Of course there are compromises made in the name of performance, but the X5 M generally keeps the drawbacks limited to a rather stiff ride. Other sporty SUVs that include the Jaguar F-Pace SVR, Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR, Porsche Cayenne Turbo and the coupe-like BMW X6 M variant. The BMW X5 M holds a slight power advantage, but we'd be remiss to not mention the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63 S, which has class-leading potential.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.9
out of 10
We drove the 2020 BMW X5 M on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
8.5/10
How does the X5 M drive? The X5 M is hilariously quick, with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds. That's faster than most sports cars we test at Edmunds, much less a 2.5-ton luxury SUV. That's thanks to the M5 sedan's twin-turbo V8. That said, it's not hairy to drive. It settles down in the city or on the highway. Braking performance is similar, with sports car-like numbers in testing and smooth operation around town.
It handles well too, with a mostly stable suspension and decent steering, though some drivers may find both too stiff and heavy. While that weight provides good feedback on the road, it can make parking in tight spaces a bit of a chore. Our biggest complaint is the overabundance of drive modes. There are six settings for the transmission, along with multiple modes for the brakes, engine and suspension. It seems needlessly complicated.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the X5 M? The X5 M's front sport seats offer plenty of adjustment. While it may take some time to set the driver's seat up just right, you'll be glad you took the time. The padding is firm and supportive, with good side and thigh bolstering. Unfortunately, the ride quality isn't quite as stellar. The X5 M is a bit too stiff even in its most comfortable setting. It won't break your back, but you'll feel most bumps and road imperfections.
There is also slightly more road noise than we'd prefer from an SUV in this class. On rough pavement, there's a constant drone from the tires. The exhaust note is always present too, though we're not going to complain about a V8's sound in an M-tuned vehicle. On the other hand, the climate control system is quiet and works fairly seamlessly.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? The driver-focused interior is typical BMW, with most of the controls within easy reach of the driver. The vast array of buttons and knobs can look overwhelming, but most of it is fairly straightforward, though things such as the trip odometer seem needlessly hidden. A quick look through the owner's manual goes a long way and BMW's iDrive infotainment system does allow for some customization.
Getting in and out is fairly easy thanks to the wide doors and relatively low ride height. The seats are set somewhat inward and make the step inside larger than you expect. The excellent driving position is upright and comfortable, though large pillars and wide mirrors make it somewhat difficult to see your blind spots. Two adults will fit comfortably across the rear seat, but three will not.
Technology
8/10
How’s the tech? BMW's iDrive system is one of the best around. The learning curve might be steep for new users, but it quickly becomes second nature. Many major controls have hard buttons on the center console. You can also use BMW's voice controls to do things such as input navigation or make a call. Syncing a smartphone is easy, and Bluetooth reconnects quickly. The X5 M has wireless Apple CarPlay, which means you can sync up your phone's apps to the infotainment system without having to use a cord. At the time of our testing, the X5 M didn't offer Android Auto integration.
The X5 M does come with an extensive number of driver safety features, from surround-view cameras to adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. For the most part these systems work well, but the lane-centering system could use some refinement.
Storage
8/10
How’s the storage? The BMW X5 M's cargo is pretty big as far as midsize luxury SUVs go. The floor is low and wide and has multiple tie-downs. The power-folding split tailgate helps keep items from rolling out when the hatch is opened too. Interior storage isn't quite as practical, though it is about on par for the class. We like the deep door pockets that have large bottle holders, but we wish there was a bit more storage elsewhere in the center console.
All three second-row seats have car seat anchors, though it's likely too tight to fit three car seats across. Still, we like the flexibility all those anchors offer. The outboard anchors are easily marked and accessible, and the doors open wide enough to make installing a seat relatively easy.
Fuel Economy
6/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates the X5 M gets 15 mpg combined (13 city/18 highway). That's at the bottom of the class and behind many direct competitors such as the Maserati Levante Trofeo and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. We don't expect these performance SUVs to be thrifty, but be prepared to pay for frequent fill-ups.
Value
7.5/10
Is the X5 M a good value? BMW, like other German automakers, has a well-deserved reputation for build quality. The interior is appointed with high-quality materials, including leather covering the seats, armrest and dashboard. Even the plastics look better than what you'll find on more mainstream vehicles. The fit and finish is equally impressive, with tight panel gaps and no shakes or rattles to speak of.
BMW offers a four-year/50,000-mile limited and drivetrain warranties, which are average for the class. You also get three years/36,000 miles of free maintenance, besting all its rivals.
Wildcard
8.5/10
While the X5 M can't quite hide its size and weight, it's still got tons of charm, especially if you accept that it's not going to perform as well as an M5 sedan. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 makes 617 horsepower in Competition form, helping this bruising SUV scoot with a verve that will put a smile on your face.
2020 BMW X5 M trim level differences
The 2020 BMW X5 M is a five-passenger high-performance luxury SUV that is available in two trim levels: X5 M and X5 M Competition. Feature highlights include:
Which X5 M trim does Edmunds recommend?
There's no doubt that the base X5 M will more than satisfy the majority of drivers with a penchant for performance. Sure, there's the X5 M Competition, and it will undoubtedly entice those prone to one-upmanship. But we say save the money you'd pay for the Competition and instead put it toward the optional Driving Assistance package for its adaptive cruise control and the Executive package for additional convenience and luxury features.Compare 2020 BMW X5 M trim levels
2020 BMW X5 M Competition 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
The reviewers of the x5m saying harsh suspension must be driving a town car! This beast is awesome! Ride is firm, but not harsh. Corners flat, acceleration is great. Good luck keeping your drivers license...
Great Car
5 out of 5 stars
Kadidia, 10/08/2020
2020 BMW X5 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)
This is one of the best driving cars I have every owned in my life. I would recommend for everyone
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