As car buyers have increasingly favored sport utility vehicles, the symbols of family status have shifted from luxury sedans to premium SUVs. This presented a dilemma for enthusiasts because cars have traditionally offered a more engaging driving experience than SUVs. Their lower centers of gravity contributed to superior handling. However, thanks to technological advancements like adaptive suspension dampers, some of the fastest SUVs now rival the handling capabilities of the quickest cars.
A prime example is the remarkable BMW X5 M Competition, the top-of-the-line version of the company’s midsize two-row SUV. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that delivers 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, BMW claims this model can reach 60 miles per hour in under four seconds. While I didn’t have the opportunity to test my recent 2025 version at a track, this time seems accurate.
At the time of the BMW X5 M Competition’s launch, it didn’t face much competition. It arrived at a time when the original Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63 S arrived with a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds in 2021. The BMW would later be given a 2024 model with a 0-60 of 3.7 seconds, with BMW releasing the X5 M Competition in 2020 with a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds. The current version of the X5 M Competition will cost around $122,300.
Like the BMW models that preceded it, the BMW X5 M Competition doesn’t share the same responsiveness as the BMW M5, drawing from many of the same parts of the original M division’s engineering that brought us the X5 and X6, along with competition from the Mercedes-Benz. There is certainly room to debate how the new models compare, but the X5 M Competition’s combination of speed, luxury, and technology provides an exceptional experience on the road.
The BMW X5 M Competition, though based on the standard X5, brings enhanced performance through a 523-horsepower engine and improved suspension. Equipped with an advanced all-wheel-drive system, it offers composed handling in diverse settings, making it a strong competitor. The BMW X5 M Competition has a dual-motor setup.
While the BMW X5 M Competition is a competitive model, its price presents a huge commitment. The standard price is over $122,300. For the X5 M Competition, this investment provides an elevated driving experience, a powerful engine, and a comfortable cabin. It also equips the vehicle with the latest technology features.
During a test drive, the BMW X5 M Competition handled capably on a highway curve. Enthusiasts will find the X5 M Competition’s handling engaging and fun for the most part.
The X5 M Competition incorporates impressive technology. Features like the iDrive infotainment system allows you to control the car’s navigation and entertainment.
The BMW X5 M Competition starts at $122,300; My test vehicle came with over $8,000 in options, including a tI64FE:G6 !24<286. This provided heated and cooled seating.
In a head-to-head driving comparison, the X5 M Competition was easy to handle on city roads, even with its all-wheel drive through sharp corners. I’ve always appreciated BMW’s sports models, and I don’t see any reason to dislike the X5 M Competition’s responsive steering and impressive engine.
