2021 BMW X5 M
2021 BMW X5 M
Specifications
Engine
Gas
Horsepower
600 hp
MPG
15 combined
Seating
5
Cargo Capacity
23 ft³
Basic Warranty
4 years / 50k miles
2021 BMW X5 M Specs & Features
Trims
2021 BMW X5 M trim comparison
* Additional Options Available
* Additional Options Available
Starting MSRP
Starting MSRP
MPG
Engine
Drive Type
Automatic Emergency Braking
Basic Warranty
Horsepower
Blind Spot System
Surround View Camera
Adaptive Cruise Control
Remote Engine Start
Parking Sensors
Multi-Zone Climate Control
Premium Audio
MPG
Engine
Drive Type
Automatic Emergency Braking
Basic Warranty
Horsepower
Blind Spot System
Surround View Camera
Adaptive Cruise Control
Remote Engine Start
Parking Sensors
Multi-Zone Climate Control
Premium Audio
Engine Type
Fuel Type
Horsepower
Horsepower RPM
Torque
Torque RPM
Engine Displacement
Engine Configuration
Cylinders
Aspiration
Variable Valvetrain
Valvetrain
Number of Valves
Compression Ratio
Sport Mode
EPA City Fuel Economy
EPA Highway Fuel Economy
EPA Combined Fuel Economy
Start/Stop System
Engine Type
Fuel Type
Horsepower
Horsepower RPM
Torque
Torque RPM
Engine Displacement
Engine Configuration
Cylinders
Aspiration
Variable Valvetrain
Valvetrain
Number of Valves
Compression Ratio
Sport Mode
EPA City Fuel Economy
EPA Highway Fuel Economy
EPA Combined Fuel Economy
Start/Stop System
2021 BMW X5 M Review

Overview
Blistering performance. Roomy, luxurious interior. User-friendly tech.
Stiff ride. Dismal fuel economy. Not rated for towing.
Scalding performance meets family-friendly space and luxury in the BMW X5 M. This midsize SUV can get the kids to soccer practice in record time, then lay down some hot laps at your local track day.
What's New for 2021
Trims and Pricing
The 2021 BMW X5 M is available in a single trim level that sits above the standard issue BMW X5 40i and M50i. Although its base price is well above $100,000, it's substantially less expensive than its main rivals and offers strong value. We'll explain why.
X5 M
The X5 M costs $106,095 and comes with a full complement of high-performance equipment. That list starts with a 600-horsepower version of the turbo V8 plus an M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Additional features include M Sport exhaust, M Sport differential, Adaptive M Suspension Professional, M Servotronic steering, Dynamic Performance Control with active roll stabilization, and M compound brakes with six-piston calipers. There's also 20-way M multi-function high-back seats with extended Merino leather, carbon-fiber interior trim, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, heated armrests, a head-up display, gesture control, a surround-view camera, and automated parking. Its M-specific styling includes a rear diffuser, quad exhaust outlets, a unique front fascia, and 21-inch wheels. Other standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch infotainment display, navigation, wireless smartphone mirroring, a power-adjustable steering column, Harman Kardon 16-speaker premium audio, and wireless charging.
The former Competition model is now the Competition package. This $9,000 add-on bumps engine output up by another 17 hp. It also gets 21-inch front and 22-inch rear star-spoke wheels, a hard-core Track setting to the drive modes, additional gloss-black exterior elements, full Merino leather in exclusive colors, M Sport seats with M logos on the headrests, knee padding on the sides of the console, and M stripes on the seatbelts.
To unlock the engine's full potential, spend another $2,500 for the M Driver's package, which includes a higher-speed limiter of 177 mph instead of 155 mph. It also includes a one-day class at a BMW high-performance driving school.
The X5 M is a strong value compared to the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63 S, which costs $115,000; the Audi RS Q8 priced at $115,595; and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo for $129,150.
Engine and Performance
Fuel Economy
Interior
Climb into the BMW X5 M driver's seat, and you immediately notice the excellent driving position. Outward visibility is quite good thanks to relatively narrow pillars, and the swept-back dash enhances the feeling of openness. The 20-way power seats are extremely comfortable, and the quality of the materials is off the charts. The cabin is enhanced with carbon-fiber trim, contrast stitching, and illuminated door sills. A digital instrument cluster can be configured in multiple display formats, including an M View with Road and Sport settings. Heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated armrests are standard. The rear seat is spacious, although the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63 S and the Audi RS Q8 boast a bit more legroom.
Access to the X5's cargo hold is via a larger upper liftgate and a small drop-down tailgate (both power-operated), the latter providing a handy perch for tailgating. There's 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the backseat. With the rear seats folded, that expands to 72.3 cubic feet. Those numbers beat the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Audi, and they are virtually identical to the Mercedes.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Safety
The 2021 BMW X5 earned a four-star (out of five) overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That rating carries over to the X5 M version as well. The Mercedes-Benz GLE and Audi Q8 are rated five stars. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the X5 top scores for crashworthiness, for effectiveness of the crash-avoidance technology, and for the child safety seat anchors ease of use. The Mercedes GLE is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award winner, and the Audi Q8 has a Top Safety Pick rating. The Porsche Cayenne has not been tested by either institution.
The BMW X5 M comes standard with a forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control are part of the optional Driving Assistance Professional package.
BMW X5 M vs. the Competition
At BMW X5 M's rarified levels of price and performance, competitors are few. The closest doppelganger is the Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 63 S, which boasts 603 hp — more than the base X5 M but less than the Competition model. It's roomier but is a shade less agile. The Audi RS Q8 is also roomier, but it has "only" 591 hp. The Porsche Cayenne Turbo is more expensive and even less powerful with "just" 541 hp, but it's the best handler of the bunch. Another option is the Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR, which has 575 hp but retains more off-road capability and can tow a heavy trailer. Great cars all, but overall, the BMW X5 M is the best all-arounder with a winning combination of speed, space, and luxury.
BMW X5 M vs. Land Rover Range Rover Sport
TrueCar Expert Review Methodology
TrueCar also ranks the best vehicles in each category based on a data-driven methodology. Each vehicle is carefully scored using our in-house rating system, which systematically evaluates every car, SUV, truck, and van. Utilizing ALG industry research, consumer surveys, a team of data scientists and vehicle experts, TrueCar provides a unique and useful outlook to help you find the best vehicle for your driving needs.
Owner Reviews
2021 BMW X5 M Owner Ratings & Reviews
3rd Generation BMW X5 M
2020 - PresentSimilar Vehicles
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