The 2024 BMW X5 M Competition is not necessarily on the tip of anyone’s tongue when the term Super SUV is mentioned. Usually, it’s SUVs such as the Lamborghini Urus or Aston Martin DBX that are first to mind. But I think that the BMW X5 M Competition belongs on the same level as the more exotic brands.
Performance
Engine – 2024 marks the mid-cycle (or life cycle impulse as BMW calls it) of the X5. Most of the changes are cosmetic while the 4.4L bi-turbo V8 engine remains largely unchanged. It still produces 617 hp & 553 Lb-ft (460 kW & 750 Nm) of torque just like the previous model year. This allows the 2,493 kg (5,498 lbs) BMW X5 M to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in a BMW claimed 3.8 seconds. What this engine does get for the 2024 model year is a 48-Volt mild-hybrid system. This aids in providing a slightly faster response and a smoother auto start/stop function.
This engine makes the big & heavy SUV feel lighter than it actually is. It takes almost no effort for it to bring the X5 up to and beyond the speed limit. And that is one “issue” that I had with it, and other large SUVs with powerful engines. The sensation of speed is not the same as it is in a sports sedan like the i5 M60. This is because you’re sitting much higher up off the ground. So when you think that you’re going 60 km/h, in reality you’re probably going 100 km/h. Now I’m not saying that it’s a bad thing, it’s just something to pay attention to, otherwise you may see red & blue flashing lights behind you.
Fuel Economy – I would like to say that the addition of the 48-Volt mild-hybrid system also improves the efficiency of this engine. But this 2024 X5 M Competition receives a worse fuel efficiency rating than the 2023 model year. It is rated for 18.2 L/100km (12.9 MPG) in a city and 12.9 L/100km (18.2 MPG) on a highway. The previous model year is rated for 17.9 L/100km (13.1 MPG) & 13 L/100km (18.1 MPG) respectively. During my time with the X5 M, I averaged 15 L/100km (15.6 MPG).
Transmission – Unchanged from last year, is the brilliant ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. In everyday driving, this transmission’s programming is competent enough to know which gear is appropriate for the given situation. It doesn’t change its mind but when it does change gears, they are seamless. Shift ferocity can be adjusted if you’d like by the button that’s right next to the Park button on the gear selector. This also allows the gears to be held for longer before upshifting while in the D or S modes. In these sportier modes, the shifts are noticeable but also faster. Additionally, the paddle shifters on the steering wheel are quick to respond and quite fun to use.
Braking – Helping stop the big SUV are 6-piston front calipers and mahoosive 395mm (15.5 inch) front discs. The rear has 380mm (14.9 inch) discs with just a single piston caliper. Planting your foot on the brake pedal is as though you’ve crashed into a brick wall. The brakes are ferocious and stop the heavy SUV on a dime. Brake feel is very good for such a large vehicle. Just like when it accelerates, the BMW X5M feels like a lighter vehicle when it comes to stopping.
Handling – Like many modern BMW vehicles, the 2024 X5 M Competition has very fast & responsive steering. This in turn is what gives the X5 M a nimble feeling despite its heavy weight. The front wheels react to the smallest of inputs by the driver but the car remains stable through the corners. Once the car exits the corner and a lot of power is applied, the back end may step out of line a bit as the xDrive 4WD system is rear-biased. The driver can choose to leave it in the default setting or change it to 4WD sport with the M Dynamic traction & stability controls dialed back. Sadly, this X5 M does not allow the 4WD system to be completely disconnected for a 2WD system like in the M5 & M8. Even so, the 4WD Sport mode allows the big SUV to rotate through turns which in turns helps it get into a straight line more quickly while exiting a corner.
Body roll is very well controlled. The X5M comes equipped with standard adaptive M suspension that can be switched between Comfort, Sport, & Sport Plus. The different suspension settings are tied to the standard drive modes or you can customize them via the two M buttons on the steering wheel. For example, I had the M1 set to Sport Plus engine power along with sport steering but the suspension in Comfort. M2 was my “all out” button with every feature to Sport or Sport Plus.
Comfort
Ride Comfort – Speaking of adaptive suspension, in the Comfort drive mode, the ride is pretty good for a “super SUV”. It’s not as soft as the standard X5 40i and you’ll probably still want to play “Minesweeper” around really deep potholes or manhole covers but overall it’s a comfortable ride for everyday commuting or long road trips. Switch to the more sporty suspension settings and the ride is noticeably firmer. Body roll is better controlled but it’s not a drive mode that you’d want to be in for daily commutes.
Interior Space – The front seats are where you’d want to be in the BMW X5M Competition. There is a lot of room for tall adults like myself. As well, the seats are both comfortable and supportive for when you decide to take the X5M around a race track. They have power adjustable lumbar support, power adjustable thigh support, power adjustable side bolsters, and a massaging feature with multiple massage settings.
The back seats are not quite as roomy as the front. My knees are right up against the back of the front seat and unfortunately, the backing is made out of hard plastic instead of soft leather. The Mercedes GLE 63 AMG provides more rear legroom. Headroom is adequate for my 6’4” height.
Further back, the BMW X5M Competition has one of the biggest trunks in its class. With the rear seats in the upright position, there is 960 L (33.9 cu-ft) of cargo space. Fold the seats down and that number increases to 2,047 L (72.3 cu-ft) of cargo capacity. There is also a power operated cargo cover which at a push of a button, can slide down into the trunk floor. Furthermore, I like the split fold tailgate. It makes loading heavy items in the trunk easier and it can also be used as a seat at a tailgate party.
Noise, Vibration, & Harshness – Starting off with the good, the interior of the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition doesn’t have any odd squeaks or rattles from the trim pieces. It feels solid inside and well built. Also, the engine makes some rowdy noises with a few pops & bangs on upshifts. However, I suspect some of these noises are enhanced by the stereo system.
The bad is that there is a bit more road noise coming from the tires. This is particularly evident on highways with old and porous asphalt or concrete.
Odds and Ends
Pricing – The 2024 BMW X5 M Competition has the performance of a Super SUV, but you won’t be paying the price of a Super SUV. It starts at “just” $142,000 CAD ($124,800 USD). I know, that’s still a lot of money but compared to the DBX or Urus or even the Cayenne Turbo, it is less expensive. Even though this demo vehicle came equipped at $162,750 CAD ($138,450 USD), it is still less expensive than the competition. No pun intended.
Gadgets – The features that you’d expect from a 6-figure luxury SUV are there such as the aforementioned massaging seats with heating & ventilating, built-in navigation, power liftgate, adaptive cruise control with lane centering & traffic jam assist, and leather everywhere you touch. However, there are a few gadgets that are still quite common – even in non-luxury vehicles – but have a unique BMW spin on them. For example, there is a panoramic sunroof but it has a blue glow around the perimeter. There are heated & cooled cup holders. The 360 camera has a 3D model of the car that you can spin to see all around the car. Additionally, the car can detect parking spots and park either forward or backwards and the car can remember the last few meters of any forward movement and then perfectly follow it in reverse. This helps when you can’t make a 3-point turn. And finally, the X5M badging in the seats glows at night. Little details like these add to the overall package of the car and make it a bit more unique than its competitors.
Interior Design – A big change for this 2024 model year is with the interior design. The X5 now has a simplified dashboard with nearly all physical controls being removed and functions being integrated into the infotainment touchscreen. I personally like the physical controls of the pre-facelifted design. I think that by integrating the most commonly used functions into a touchscreen leads to more distractions on the roads.
The new interior design closely mimics that of other updated BMW vehicles with a dual screen layout being the predominant feature. The 14.9” touchscreen displayed the latest BMW 8.5 operating system. This system is highly customizable and is enabled for over-the-air updates. Should any problems arise or if a system update is required, there’s no need to visit a dealership. Overall, it looks great and is decently easy to navigate around but again, I just wish the climate controls were not buried in this system.
The rest of the cabin is lined in top quality materials. The leather on the dashboard and door panels is soft to the touch. The carbon fiber trim is real as is the aluminum trim. There is some gloss black on the center console touch sensitive controls and if you are a fan of piano black, you can have it line the dashboard and more of the center console.
Exterior Design – The 2024 life cycle impulse (mid-cycle update) gives the X5 new headlights with new daytime running lights, a new bumper design, new taillights, and new side vents. I’m not the biggest fan of this Dravit Grey Metallic paint but I do like the updates to the styling. It gives the SUV a “brutish” and muscular look. One minor complaint are the small exterior mirrors.
Safety – Apart from the advanced driving assistant package, the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition is equipped with every available safety feature. All of the features operate well without any false readings such as a false reading with the forward collision alert. The IIHS gave the 2024 X5 a Top Safety Pick award with good scores in every test but with an acceptable rating for the headlights.
Warranty – Like all other BMW vehicles, the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition is covered by a 4 year / 80,000 km new vehicle warranty in Canada. In the United States, it’s 4 years or 50,000 miles. For more information on Canadian BMW warranty, click here. For information on USA warranty information, click here.
Conclusion – So thanks to its ferocious power and entertaining driving dynamics, the BMW X5M Competition belongs on the same stage as the top tier super SUVs. On top of that, it’s almost a bargain. I mean yes, it’s still expensive for us middle class, but compared to the other super SUVs, it’s a good price.
Thank you to BMW Canada for providing the vehicle. www.BMW.ca
2024 BMW X5 M Competition Gallery
