As modern tire and suspension technology allows large machines to accelerate and corner like proper lightweights, there are more options than ever in the six-figure space. While practically all high-horsepower SUVs count on a combination of a twin-turbocharged V8, active air suspension, and all-wheel drive, their varying commitment to outright performance begins to separate them. At the most track-focused end of the scale, sit options like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT, while softer, more luxury-focused contenders like Audi’s SQ 8, bring up the other end.
If there’s any SUV that cements itself square in the middle, it’s the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition. While its 617-horsepower 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, adaptive air suspension, and rear-biased all-wheel drive system don’t alone set it apart, the calibration of these systems sure does. Starting at $123,295, including a $995 destination fee, the X5 M strikes a near-perfect balance, offering supercar-level performance without forgetting its positioning as a luxurious SUV. With its as-tested price of $141,445 coming in below the XM’s $159,995 base figure, it might just be M’s true crown jewel.
Refreshed for the 2024 model year, the BMW X5 M Competition is now the only trim level available if you want a proper M variant, same for the adjacent X6 M Competition. The most significant update to this latest generation is the addition of a 48-volt mild hybrid system directly integrated into this SUV’s eight-speed automatic transmission. While its 617-hp output remains unchanged from its predecessor, the electric motor supports the internal combustion engine, generating up to 12 hp and 147 pound-feet of torque. The goal is to eliminate turbo lag and improve overall responsiveness while making the Comp’s powertrain slightly more efficient.
The S68 sitting in this X5’s nose receives notable updates as well. These include a reinforced crankshaft drive, an updated turbocharger mounted closer to its exhaust manifold, an updated air intake system, and a new oil pump. All in, the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition generates 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to sprint to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds before topping out at an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph or 177 mph if you opt for the available M Driver’s Package. All available power reaches the road via the Comp’s all-wheel drive system, which an active rear differential assists.
It may seem counterintuitive, but what stands out most about the X5 M’s updated engine isn’t what you feel but what you don’t. The previous pre-facelift model pumped out an identical 617-hp power figure and accelerated with the ferocity you’d expect of something developing that much power. However, as with most high-power turbo cars, the powertrain’s response was often far from immediate. This is not the case with the facelifted 2024 BMW X5 M Competition. With its engine, chassis, steering, and all-wheel drive system dialed into their most aggressive modes, its throttle response comes as close to feeling naturally aspirated as anything carrying turbos could ever hope to offer.
Launching it from a standstill, its quoted 3.7-second time to 60 mph feels conservative. This 5,498-pound family hauler, which weighs about the same as a Rolls-Royce Ghost, picks up speed almost instantly as its rear end squats without losing traction. Although piped in through speakers, the sound of its burbly, deep, throaty V8 adds to the overall drama of the experience as its eight-speed auto rips through the gears with surprising speed. As you near a tight bend and click off a few downshifts, the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition remains nicely balanced while offering tremendous grip, aided by its active differential and massive 295/35 and 315/30 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S rubber. While 21-inch wheels come standard, our tester featured a staggered set with 22’s out back.
There’s more good news when it comes time to slow things down. A standard set of M Compound brakes with 15.6-in rotors, six-piston calipers up front and 15-in discs, and a single-piston floating caliper out back effortlessly counter the aforementioned acceleration. Even when pushed with back-to-back runs on our favorite mountain road, their performance remained consistent, inspiring confidence. As with other M products, the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition’s steering is quick and direct despite not offering much feedback. Significant direction changes require only minor steering inputs, which match up with its powerful quick-reacting brakes and improved throttle response. The result is an SUV that feels more responsive than the one it replaces, improving its enjoyability in the bends and wide-open straights.
Dial things back, however, and the X5 M Comp is willing to adapt in a way even its pricier sibling, the XM, can’t. While this facelifted model benefits from added chassis rigidity, its suspension remains surprisingly compliant in Comfort mode. Previous M-badged SUVs have struggled in this department, ranging from the X4 M Competition to the aforementioned XM. These family haulers have always managed to impress in the bends but quickly fell apart around town with their painfully stiff ride and unwanted bounciness. The X5 M Comp sets itself apart by genuinely softening itself in Comfort mode, even when equipped with its optional larger wheels. While tackling significant road imperfections, its suspension soaks them quickly, never crashing or sending unwanted vibrations through its cabin.
Inside, the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition benefits from notable updates such as a curved dual-screen display. Its instrument cluster measures 12.3 in, while its neighboring infotainment screen comes in at 14.9 in. BMW’s latest iDrive 8 powers them, boasting an app-style layout that, while enjoyable to look at, can be difficult to navigate. However, it now offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. A heads-up display and Harman Kardon surround sound system come standard, with a panoramic moonroof and a leather dashboard. Our tester wore a stunning Taruma Brown Merino leather interior with contrasting black leather accents, a shade that matches nicely with its Urban Green exterior.
As part of its recent facelift, the X5 M now benefits from updated headlights, tail lights, and M Shadowline trim as standard. Although its headlights are slightly slimmer than its predecessor, adding gloss black trim to its front fascia and sharper lines surrounding its air intakes and rear diffuser give this updated model a more aggressive aesthetic. The 2024 model sees the addition of new paint finishes such as Brooklyn Gery, Isle of Man Green, and Frozen Pure Grey, while 50 shades of BMW Individual finishes are also available.
Starting at $123,295, including a $995 destination fee, the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition is priced almost identically to Mercedes-AMG’s GLE 63 S and slightly above the Audi RS Q8. However, it is well below Porsche’s near $200,000 Cayenne Turbo GT.
While the six-figure performance SUV space may have more options than ever, few strike such a nice balance between luxury and performance as the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition. Thanks to an updated 617-hp powertrain, it accelerates ferociously while its active suspension, massive brakes, and quick steering help guide it effortlessly through tight bends. However, even as things slow down, its suspension softens considerably, a feat that has escaped many M-badged SUVs in recent years. And thanks to an updated cabin with the latest tech and a more chiseled exterior, this range-topping X5 certainly looks its best. While it may not have the Turbo GT’s track-ready performance or the utter plushness of Audi’s SQ 8, for anyone looking for the ideal middle point, it’s just right.