2021 BMW X5 M Reviews, Pricing & Specs

BMW’s first SUV has evolved quite a bit over the years. From its beginnings as a big, luxurious family hauler to its current role as an...

BMW’s first SUV has evolved quite a bit over the years. From its beginnings as a big, luxurious family hauler to its current role as an executive sedan stand-in for many buyers, it’s a serious vehicle with serious capabilities. The quickest X5 wears the legendary BMW M title behind its name and backs that up with legitimate performance—and the price tag to match. Like its smaller X3 M sibling, the X5 M gets a handful of new features for 2021, including Android Auto and SiriusXM Radio with 360L.

Under the hood, things are exciting, to say the least. Every X5 M is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 that makes 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. An available Competition Package jacks that already insane output to an even crazier 617 hp. That raging powerplant sends power to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and the ability to send power and torque to the rear wheels in track mode.

Inside, the X5 M gets a 12.3-inch digital and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with M drive mode selectors. Other upscale standard features include a head-up display, a heated steering wheel and armrests, leather upholstery, and more. Even nicer leather and massaging seats can be added.

Joining that 12.3-inch gauge cluster is a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen that now runs both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Harman Kardon sound system is standard but can be upgraded with a premium Bowers and Wilkins audio system. Most will be happy with the standard audio system, which offers 464 watts and 16 speakers.

Though the 2021 X5 and X5 M missed out on a “Top Safety Pick” award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), it’s not short on safety gear. The X5 M gets a host of advanced safety features included adaptive brake lights, a driver fatigue and focus alert system, front collision warnings, active blind-spot detection, lane-departure alerts, speed limit info, and automatic city collision mitigation and braking. The big BMW also gets a parking assistant system that includes surround-view cameras, a 3D view system, and active parking distance control.

The X5 M is on sale now with a starting price of $106,095, which includes a $995 destination charge. A few major options packages are available, which drive that price even further toward the stratosphere. The desirable Competition Package adds $9,000 to the price tag, while the Driving Assistance Professional Package adds $1,700 and the Executive Package bumps the price by $3,600.