BMW X5 M, An SUV With A Lot Of Power

It may come as a surprise, but BMW was one of the pioneers of large, high-performance SUVs. In 2000 they launched the X5 Le Mans, a prototype based on the first generation of this SUV that had the same V12 engine with which the company won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1999.

It was just a prototype, but the second generation was not. This was served by a V8 biturbo engine and 555 HP of power, not inconsiderable figures for a supercar and much less for a family SUV.

However, the thing did not stop there and the third generation improved the ingredients of their plate, giving rise to the second X5 M, with more power and rage.

Its positioning places it as a direct rival to others such as the Mercedes-AMG GLE   and the more powerful versions of the Range Rover Sport, among many others.

Exterior

The most relevant changes at the aesthetic level are on the exterior of the car. M Motorsport engineers have restyled the entire front end, with a new more aggressive bumper and a different patterned grille, as well as more aerodynamically shaped mirrors.

The profile stands out with new side sills, widened wheel arches and forged wheels up to 21 inches (fitted as standard 20-inch alloy wheels).

Finally, the rear has a new spoiler on the tailgate and a strong diffuser with four tailpipes. As dictated by the latest BMW M fashions, the reflectors are positioned vertically.

Cabin

Inside this X5 you have to look a bit to find the changes. The highlight is the new exclusive M steering wheel with integrated shift paddles.

More unnoticed is the aluminum driver’s footrest and the fact that the dashboard provides additional information ; finally there are distinctive logos of this version scattered throughout the cabin.

Engine waiting for update

Only one mechanic is available for the X5 M. It is a V8 TwinPower Turbo block that announces 575 hp of power and 750 Nm of maximum torque.

Its performance is more typical of a supercar than a two-ton (2,200-kilogram) family SUV. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.2 seconds and reaches a peak of 250 km / h.

It should be noted that the propellant that this X5 mounts is the same specification that used the previous generation BMW M5. Remember that the new generation of this saloon retains the same slightly updated engine to reach 600 HP of power.

Otherwise, it uses the xDrive M all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission; change that has been fine-tuned by M Motorsport for the occasion.

As it is a car of this caliber, consumption is secondary, so if anyone is curious, we leave you the minimum data below in the general data.

Price

A toy as fast as the sportiest SUV in the X5 range has a price, and it is not exactly low. From 140,500 euros you can get an X5 M to which you can add a few options since it comes fully equipped as standard.

It is so equipped from the factory that the only options available when it comes to driving assistance are night vision, lane departure warning and automatic parking assist.

Together, all these aids cost 3,794.60 or 3,922.38 euros depending on the night vision system chosen, standard or advanced.

In general, the rest of the catalog allows us to add even more elements to our car, but with the exception of the aforementioned systems, they are only about aesthetic or well-being elements, see different finishes or better sound equipment to name a few.

Data BMW X5 M

• 5 doors.
• 5 seats.
• Trunk: 650 liters.
• XDrive M all-wheel drive
• V8 TwinPower Turbo engine with 575 hp and 750 Nm of maximum torque
• Consumption and emissions: from 11.1 l / 100 km and 258 g / km of CO2
• 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission
• Price:  from 140,500 euros