2021 BMW X5 M Review

BMW X5 M 4dr SUV Exterior. Competition Package Shown.

+153

The 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.

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2021 BMW X5 M Review

byRyan ZumMallen^{Contributor
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.}

Pros

Massive power from the twin-turbo V8
Impressive handling and braking for such a big vehicle
Includes tech and other features from the standard X5

Cons

Stiff and sometimes unyielding ride
Small mirrors and thick roof pillars create large blind spots
Not a lot of interior storage

What's new

Now available with Android Auto smartphone integration
Minor changes to feature availability and option packages
Part of the fourth X5 generation introduced for 2019

Overview

Is it even shocking anymore when an SUV can accelerate to 60 mph in fewer than 4 seconds? Maybe a little. There are only a few SUVs capable of sports car numbers, and the 2021 BMW X5 M happens to be one of them. A high-performance variant of the midsize X5 SUV, the X5 M comes with a 600-horsepower V8 and rips from zero to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. The X5 M also gets suspension, brake and other drivetrain enhancements over the regular X5 to elevate the driving experience to new heights.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 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 $3.86 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$316/mo

$222/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Other mega-performance luxury SUVs include the Jaguar F-Pace SVR, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S and Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Read our Expert Rating below to get our in-depth analysis of the X5 M's performance, comfort, utility and more.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

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. It may take some time to set the driver's seat up just right, but 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 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 the X5 M's 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.

Which X5 M does Edmunds recommend?

While it's tempting to jump ahead to the most extreme version, the standard X5 M is frighteningly capable in its own right. Unless you plan to regularly lap your SUV on a racetrack, the difference in performance between it and the BMW X5 M Competition is minimal. Considering adding the Driving Assistance Professional package for its enhanced adaptive cruise control or the Executive package with ventilated and massaging seats if you're feeling fancy.

2021 BMW X5 M models

The BMW X5 M is a high-performance luxury SUV available in two trims: X5 M and X5 M Competition. Both are powered by a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard. Standout features include:

X5 M
Comes well equipped with:

Turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine (600 horsepower, 553 lb-ft of torque)
Adaptive LED headlights
21-inch wheels
Adaptive sport suspension
Panoramic sunroof
Power liftgate
Four-zone automatic climate control
Heated front seats, armrests and steering wheel

Standard tech features include:

Head-up display
Digital instrument display
12.3-inch touchscreen
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility
16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
Wireless charging pad
Surround-view camera (gives you a top-down view of the X5 M and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)

The X5 M also has:

Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Blind-spot monitoring (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)

X5 M Competition
The most raucous version of the X5 M, the BMW X5 M Competition adds the following:

Upgraded turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine (617 hp, 553 lb-ft)
Sport exhaust system
Gloss-black exterior trim enhancements

BMW offers a few options for the X5 M. Highlights include:

Executive package

Upgraded headlights
Soft-close doors (catch as they're being closed and gently pull shut)
Rear window sunshades
Front seats with ventilation and massage

Driving Assistance Professional package

Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 BMW X5 M.

5 (67%)

4 (0%)

3 (0%)

2 (0%)

1 (33%)

3.7

3 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

tons of fun

Keith, 10/02/2020

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

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

bmw x5 2021, terible front seats

Scott, 07/25/2024

2021 BMW X5 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)

There are two stitch lines along the back of the lower shoulder area, which makes sitting on the seat very uncomfortable. the stitch lines are higher than the chair's surface, which makes it against your back while you lay your back on it. It's a terrible design. I went to the dealership and asked to fix it, they said that is the way it was designed, and even if I change to a new chair …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 BMW X5 M, so we've included reviews for other years of the X5 M since its last redesign.

See all 3 reviews of the BMW X5 M

Write a vehicle review

2021 X5 M Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$105,100
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	15 MPG
Cost to Drive	$316/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	33.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the X5 M models:

Blind-Spot Monitoring: Warns drivers when there are vehicles or objects in their vehicle's blind spots.
Automatic Emergency Braking: Automatically applies the brakes to avoid or lessen an imminent front collision.
Lane Departure Warning: Alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to wander out of its lane.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2021 BMW X5 M Review

2021 BMW X5 M Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 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 $3.86 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which X5 M does Edmunds recommend?

2021 BMW X5 M models

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2021 BMW X5 M.

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tons of fun

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2021 X5 M Highlights

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2021 BMW X5 M Review

2021 BMW X5 M Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 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 $3.86 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which X5 M does Edmunds recommend?

2021 BMW X5 M models

Most helpful consumer reviews

tons of fun

Great Car

bmw x5 2021, terible front seats

2021 X5 M Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2021 BMW X5 M info

Vehicle reviews of used models

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Shop used vehicles in your area

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Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2021 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 $3.86 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}