2024 BMW X5M COMPETITION REVIEW

EV Channels Review

The 2024 BMW X5M Competition receives a positive review, lauded for its exceptional driving dynamics and a well-executed LCI update. The reviewer highlights the potent 4.4L twin-turbo V8 mild-hybrid S68 engine, delivering 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, enabling a rapid 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds. The interior is praised for its blend of premium materials, carbon fiber accents, and crucially, the retention of physical buttons amidst a sea of touchscreens, enhancing usability. The iDrive 8 system, while complex, is deemed manageable with practice. Exterior updates, including new headlights and taillights, are seen as modernizing the vehicle without compromising its aggressive stance. The reviewer found the X5M Competition to handle remarkably well, feeling smaller than its size suggests, and places it among their top-tier performance SUVs, favorably comparing it to rivals like the AMG GLE 63 S and even the Lamborghini Urus, especially considering the significant price difference. Key criticisms include the lack of air suspension, which results in a firm ride on uneven surfaces, and the complexity of the iDrive system for new users. Despite the high price point (over $140,000 as tested), the reviewer concludes it offers substantial value for its performance and luxury.