2016 BMW X5 M Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The BMW X5 M was first available for the 2010 model year after being introduced at the 2009 New York Auto Show, and was created as BMW’s answer to performance SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG and Porsche Cayenne. It surprised some with its ability to blend the X5's utility and cargo space with the incredible performance magic of BMW’s M cars--these had previously been more or less separate spheres. This paradoxical formula of making a vehicle that’s not a performance car but still has a ton of performance has been a successful one, however, and both the X5 M and related X6 M (built at the same South Carolina factory) move into their next iteration for 2016.
The basic shape of the 2016 BMW X5 M is the same as the model it replaces, but with more aggressive styling cues up front and M-specific 21-inch forged alloy wheels. What really sets it apart from the regular X5 (other than ample M badging) are the more aggressive front fascia, side scoops, rear diffuser, and quad exhaust tips. Two new colors, Long Beach Blue Metallic and Donington Grey Metallic, are also available. There is only one trim level, and it starts at $98,800. The X5 M doesn’t lose any of the regular X5's luxury for the sake its of performance, and being inside can actually feel like more of an occasion thanks to all of the M-specific interior features. But the performance is what makes this thing such a remarkable surprise. Like the Cayenne, it has all the look of a nice SUV, complete with a gigantic curb weight (5,299 pounds), but it will outrun lots of dedicated performance cars, both in a straight line and around a racetrack.
The X5 M's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8, which is related to the S63 powerplant used in the M5 and M6, makes 567 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, enough to overcome the BMW's tremendous weight and catapult it from 0-60 mph in four seconds flat. That kind of stump-pulling torque is also enough to give the X5 M a towing capacity of up to 5,952 pounds. Predictably, top speed is limited to 155 mph. Fuel economy is a 20% improvement over previous models, although it’s still less than stellar at 14 mpg city/19 highway. The 8-speed Steptronic transmission with automatic and manual modes is a newer design and is said to be a significant improvement over the previous 8-speed.
The all-wheel drive X5 M is a deceptively nimble vehicle that produces surprisingly little body roll in the corners, a testament to the engineering talent at BMW’s M division, who are as good with suspension as they are with engines. The economy, comfort, and sport driving modes will be familiar to most BMW buyers, but the X5 M also comes with launch control for quick getaways. The xDrive all-wheel drive system can send all of the engine’s torque to the rear wheels, and the vehicle’s Dynamic Stability Control will keep you from letting all that torque get away from you. Even when it’s turned off, it will step in for extreme situations involving lost traction--so it looks like excessive burnouts are out of the picture.
The inside of the X5 M gets an M-specific instrument cluster, footrest, display screen, leather steering wheel, and aluminum paddle shifters and shift knob. Also included are a navigation system with voice activation and a touch screen display. Leather seats are of course standard, and overall the interior is the blend of sportiness and expensive luxury that has characterized BMW M cars for some years now.
The X5 M is a vehicle with real usable room inside and good looks on the outside (considering what it is), but what really sets it apart despite being an SUV is its savage performance, which is undeniably impressive. People drawn to it will mostly be those who prefer the feel of an SUV but also like to go fast, since dedicated driving enthusiasts will stick to the more traditional M cars that stay lower to the ground.
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2016 BMW X5 M Pricing
Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · 20G hard drive · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 600 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 15.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 15.2 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door sill trim: scuff plate · Door trim: leather · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front · Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Assist handle: front · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 18
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.15
Engine
Alternator: 210 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 10.2 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Front fog lights: LED · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED · Taillights: adaptive
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: reverse gear tilt
Passenger Seat
Power adjustments: 18
Rear Seats
Type: 40-20-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: power panoramic · Moonroof / Sunroof: power sunshade · Roof rails: black
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: alert system · Parking sensors: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: 4-way power lumbar · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 17.9
Suspension
Air Suspension: rear · Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Driver assistance app: roadside assistance · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: BMW Assist · Smart device app function: maintenance status
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: remote operation · Rear wiper: with washer