Photos by Paul Borden

By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(September 15, 2024) Just a guess here, but I’m thinking that few people in the market for a luxury SUV are putting sub 4.0-second zero-to-60 mph times high on their list of desired attributes for their new vehicle. But if you are one who who seeks speed at all costs and have the budget to handle it, the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition just may be your dream vehicle.

BMW has taken all the goodies in 2023’s optional Competition package that give an extra 17 ponies to an already generous 600 horsepower and added an extra track mode to driver options and made them standard in the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition.

Thus with this performance you not only can tow your race car to the track, you make make it your race car.

Underneath the hood of this massive beast is a 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine that generates 617 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque that propels its 2.5 tons of heft from zero-to-60 mph in 3.4 seconds, according to zerto60times.com. (It comes with a mild electric hybrid system, but that doesn’t add anything to those power numbers).

That engine is mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard, though setting the drive mode to Track gives it a rear-wheel bias.

Fuel figures (you don’t use the words “fuel economy” with numbers like these) is 13 miles-per-gallon city, 18 highway, and 15 combined using premium grade fuel. According to the federal government you should be prepared to spend $11,750 more in costs over the average new vehicle over a 5-year period.

Of course, there is nothing “average” about the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition.

While performance may get your attention, the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition is loaded with the latest in tech features (not all of them easy to get to) and other conveniences that befit the luxury segment.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and of course wireless charging is offered. A Harman Kardon Premium audio system is standard, and a wide dashboard display that includes carbon-fiber trim features navigation and dominates the front of the spacious cabin.

Standard safety features include blind-spot detection, lane-departure warning, forward collision warning, and automated emergency braking as well as a surround-view camera.

No-charge features on my test 2024 BMW X5 M Competition included an M Sport exhaust, 21-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels, 4-zone climate control, active driving and parking assist, full LED lights, an Anthracite, Alcantara headliner, BMW’s Active Driving Assist, and high-gloss roof rails.



Earlier I mentioned your potential automotive budget. The 2024 BMW X5 M Competition carries a hefty starting MSRP of $122,300. That puts it near the top of the niche luxury performance SUV class behind its X6 M sibling, among a couple of others.

My test 2024 BMW X5 M Competition came with a couple of other optional features like special exterior paint, an upgraded interior, and an Executive Package that added heated and cooled cupholders (yes, cupholders), front and rear heated seats, massage function for front seats), and an M Driver’s Package that offers track time at either of BMW’s facilities in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and Thermal California.

All that ran the final bottom line to $141,445 including the $995 destination charge.

What I liked about the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition: The performance from the twin-turbo V8 is exhilarating. For such a large vehicle (194.5 inches long) handling is very nimble. Tech features are numerable. The interior is spacious and the seats comfortable. Cargo space (33.9 cubic feet) is good.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition: The infotainment system isn’t that complicated, but it is fussy to work through features to get to what you want, such as an overabundance of drive settings. When operating the A/C blower manually, it goes from a barely detectable breeze at the lowest setting to a Category 5 hurricane at the next lowest. The shift pattern is kind of weird..

Would I buy the 2024 BMW X5 M Competition? Considering the pricing, no. If I’m going for performance I’m going to look for a different body style than an SUV.