The BMW X5 M Competition: The Ultimate High-Performance SUV

The BMW X5 M Competition is not just another luxury SUV; it’s an unrelenting force of engineering that defies the laws of physics. BMW’s M division took their flagship mid-size SUV and injected it with steroids, transforming it into a family hauler with supercar-rivaling performance. Equal parts luxurious, practical, and ferocious, the X5 M Competition represents the pinnacle of what a performance SUV can be.

Exterior Design: Aggression Meets Elegance

At first glance, the X5 M Competition strikes a commanding presence. It retains the familiar BMW design language—twin kidney grilles, sharp headlights, and a chiseled body—but adds a layer of aggression that sets it apart.

Massive air intakes dominate the front bumper, cooling the beast beneath the hood while giving the SUV an unmistakably menacing face. Flared wheel arches house 21-inch wheels up front and optional 22-inch wheels at the rear, wrapped in performance tires that hint at the car’s serious intent. Blacked-out trim, quad exhaust tips, and Competition badging complete the sporty yet refined aesthetic.

This is not a subtle SUV; it’s a rolling statement of intent.

Under the Hood: The Heart of a Monster

Powering the X5 M Competition is BMW’s S63 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8, a masterpiece of modern engineering. In Competition trim, it cranks out a staggering 617 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most powerful SUVs on the market.

Mated to an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, this powertrain rockets the X5 M Competition from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds—a jaw-dropping figure for a vehicle that weighs over 5,000 pounds.

The engine is both ferocious and refined, delivering brutal acceleration while emitting a guttural growl that only BMW’s M division can craft. The xDrive system can send power to all four wheels for maximum traction or bias torque toward the rear for a more dynamic driving experience.

Driving Dynamics: The SUV That Thinks It’s a Sports Car

The X5 M Competition doesn’t just go fast in a straight line; it carves corners with surprising agility for a vehicle of its size. Thanks to adaptive M suspension, active roll stabilization, and precise steering, the X5 M Competition feels planted and composed, whether on a mountain pass or a high-speed track.

Select from various drive modes—Comfort, Sport, and Sport+—to tailor the SUV’s behavior to your liking. In Comfort mode, it’s a quiet and smooth cruiser, ideal for daily commutes or long highway stretches. Switch to Sport+ mode, and the X5 M Competition transforms into a snarling beast, with sharper throttle response, tighter suspension, and an exhaust note that commands attention. The optional M Driver’s Package raises the electronically limited top speed to 177 mph, making this one of the fastest SUVs on the road.

Interior: A Luxurious Command Center

Inside, the X5 M Competition combines BMW’s hallmark luxury with race-inspired touches. Premium materials like Merino leather, carbon fiber, and aluminum adorn the cabin, creating a space that feels both upscale and sporty.

The driver-focused cockpit features BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional, which includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a matching 12.3-inch central touchscreen. The iDrive 7.0 system is intuitive and responsive, offering features like navigation, Apple CarPlay, and voice controls.

The M-specific seats are a highlight, offering exceptional support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable on longer trips. Rear passengers enjoy ample legroom, and the 650-liter cargo capacity makes the X5 M Competition as practical as it is powerful.

Downsides: Power Has Its Price

1. Price Tag: The X5 M Competition starts at over $114,000, and adding options like the Executive Package, carbon-ceramic brakes, and premium finishes can push the price well into six figures.
2. Fuel Economy: With an EPA rating of 13 mpg city / 18 mpg highway, it’s clear this SUV prioritizes performance over efficiency. But then again, fuel economy isn’t the focus of an SUV with over 600 horsepower.
3. Size vs. Agility: While the X5 M Competition is remarkably nimble for its weight and size, it can’t quite replicate the razor-sharp dynamics of smaller M cars like the M3 or M4. Physics has its limits, even for BMW.

Competition: Standing Out in a Crowded Field

In the high-performance SUV segment, the X5 M Competition faces tough rivals like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S, and Lamborghini Urus. Each offers a unique take on the performance-luxury equation.

The Porsche Cayenne Turbo excels with razor-sharp handling, while the GLE 63 S delivers similar power with a slightly softer ride. The Lamborghini Urus pushes boundaries with even more horsepower and wild styling, but at a significantly higher price point. What sets the X5 M Competition apart is its balance. It offers brutal speed, impressive agility, everyday practicality, and BMW’s unmistakable M DNA—all in a package that feels cohesive and uncompromising.

Verdict: The Ultimate All-Rounder

The 2019 BMW X5 M Competition is more than just an SUV—it’s a statement of engineering prowess. It takes the practicality of a family hauler and combines it with the speed and handling of a high-performance sports car, creating a vehicle that’s as thrilling as it is versatile.

If you’re looking for a luxury SUV that can do it all—tear up a racetrack, dominate a highway, and carry the kids to school without breaking a sweat—the X5 M Competition is hard to beat. It’s not just an ultimate driving machine; it’s the ultimate performance SUV.