The 2021 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.
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.
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
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Good
7.9
out of 10
We drove the 2021 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.
Driving experience: 0-60, engine & 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: seats, ease of use, and getting in & out
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.
In-cabin tech: infotainment & phone integration
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: cargo space & space for small items
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.
MPG: gas mileage & 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: cost, features & warranty
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.
2021 BMW X5 M trim level differences
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:
Which X5 M trim 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.
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
bmw x5 2021, terible front seats
1 out of 5 stars
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 … that will be the same. I would never buy this car again.
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.
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