BMW X5 M Competition 2021 Review – How Does The M Division's ...

Objectivity is crucial in this job. And in many objective ways the BMW X5 M Competition is, putting it simply, a bad car. Compared to rivals, none of which are honestly sensible, it might just be the worst of them all.

And yet the X5 M is a fascinating creature, so singularly focussed on performance driving that its function as a family car is completely compromised. But because of this it has an ability to do things unthinkable of a car so big and heavy, and does it so unapologetically that you almost admire the bravado of BMW’s engineers for signing off such a thing.  

BMW X5M Competition - rear quarter13

Engine, transmission and 0-60 time

The X5 M Competition’s powertrain is one we’ve seen before, featuring the S63 twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with a hot-V layout. It utilises BMW’s Valvetronic and Double Vanos systems for its timing and intake, while the dual water-to-air charge coolers and a baffled sump help keep the engine cool and lubricated.

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It’s connected to an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, sending power to all four wheels via BMW’s xDrive system and an Adaptive M locking rear differential. The X5 does without the M5’s rear-wheel drive mode, but it does have a similar progressive steering rack.

Peak power is rated at 616bhp at 6000rpm, with 553lb ft of torque coursing its way through the drivetrain from just 1800rpm. Acceleration times are impressive, reaching 62mph in 3.8sec. That’s 0.4sec behind a similarly powered M5 Competition, but hardly surprising given the extra mass involved. Top speed is limited to 155mph, unless you tick the Ultimate Pack option, which will raise this to 190mph.

BMW X5M Competition - selector13

Technical highlights

When you reach this level of performance SUV there could almost be a mechanical rulebook to follow, but part of the reason this X5 M Competition feels different to its, er, competition is explained by the key differences it has to them under the skin.

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