The X5 was BMW’s first SUV, and it remains one of the most compelling and feature-rich vehicles in the automaker’s catalog. The X5 M takes all of that and adds raging performance and aggressive styling to the mix. The muscular SUV competes most directly with the Audi RS Q8. The astute among you will remember that the RS Q8 forms the basis of the bonkers Lamborghini Urus, so the BMW X5 M has its competition, and its work, cut out for it.

The 2023 BMW X5 M is offered in a single, well-equipped trim. It’s powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 engine rated at up to 617 horsepower with the available Competition Package equipped. The engine and powertrain are extreme in every sense of the word, and to keep everything cool, BMW installed four water pumps, six radiators, and a dedicated transmission-cooling system. Power reaches all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission that features a three-stage shifting system and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Three drive modes are available: Comfort, Sport, and Sport +. The modes allow the driver to dial in feel and controls for steering, suspension, exhaust, and throttle. The big SUV has plenty of go-power, and to bring everything back to a stop, BMW fitted six-piston M front brakes with ventilated, drilled discs.

The SUV’s exterior design mirrors that of the standard X5, which is a subdued family SUV with clean lines and styling. The M adds more aggressive front bodywork and larger wheels. Around the back, BMW installed a quad exhaust and widened the SUV’s stance for a more muscular look.

As somewhat of a flagship SUV, the X5 M brings a plush interior to match its ferocious performance. Merino leather upholstery comes standard and is joined by an Alcantara headliner and carbon fiber trim. The SUV’s dash is coated in leather, and even the cargo area gets nice velour carpeting. A two-panel panoramic sunroof comes standard, and every X5 M comes with a power tailgate.

The list of standard advanced safety gear is long. BMW includes forward-collision warnings, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, speed-limit recognition, lane-departure alerts, rear cross-traffic alerts, programmable LED daytime running lights, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers, and a parking-assistance system. A surround-view camera system also comes standard.

With a $109,795 starting price, the X5 M is firmly rooted at the top end of the SUV space. That price includes a $995 destination charge and a $100 credit for the removal of the hands-free tailgate option. Like many automakers these days, BMW sometimes has to remove features to keep vehicles moving down the assembly line, as the ongoing chip shortage has made it difficult to meet demand.