As more auto buyers shift from cars to SUVs, the family status symbol has evolved from luxury sedans to premium SUVs. This presented a challenge to enthusiasts because cars have historically offered more driving enjoyment due to their lower centers of gravity, which made for superior handling. However, technologies, such as adaptive suspension dampers, have changed this landscape; some of the fastest SUVs now handle nearly as well as the quickest cars.
A prime example is the remarkable BMW X5 M Competition, the highest-performance version of the company’s midsize, two-row SUV. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that produces 617 horsepower and 553 foot-pounds of torque, BMW claims it can reach 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds. Although I couldn’t test the recent 2025 version on a track, given the performance available in the similar X5 M Competition model I tested previously, that seems about right.
This BMW is nothing short of impressive. Its 2024 counterpart achieved a 0-60 mph time of only 3.6 seconds while the 2025 version should be even faster. The acceleration is only part of the experience. This SUV provides impressive braking performance thanks to its high-performance brakes. This BMW has it all: Speed, Luxury, and Comfort.
Like the BMWs that came before it, the X5 M Competition doesn’t disappoint, as the model features a similar performance to the BMW M5, M3, and others from the manufacturer. There are certainly arguments about the best SUVs on the market, including the Porsche Cayenne, Land Rover and others. There’s also the question of how much better these vehicles perform compared to similar sedans. The X5 M Competition delivers potent engine and suspension performance, and, of course, BMW’s famed all-wheel-drive ability.
Because the X5 M Competition is a high-performance SUV, the interior is designed to match it with plenty of storage space. The interior has been redesigned to include the latest technology, including a large infotainment screen. For the X5 M Competition, these features include BMW’s latest iDrive system.
The X5 M Competition’s engine is incredibly smooth although it does have some lag, but it is not too much. The 2025 model’s handling isn’t too different, and it is quite responsive. Steering is also quite good and the feedback is great, this allows for a very fun drive on both the open road and around town.
The BMW X5 M Competition is a high-performance SUV that delivers a thrilling driving experience, and it is also priced to reflect the luxury it offers to the most discerning buyers.
