2018 BMW X5 M Review

Price: $43,998

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by Dan Frio^{Correspondent
Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to Edmunds, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.}

Pros

Outlandish acceleration and handling for an SUV
Interior materials are impeccable
Front seats are comfortable and supportive

Cons

Gas pedal sometimes responds slowly in low-speed driving
Sporty suspension may feel too firm for some drivers, passengers
No option for a third-row seat

What’s new

The BMW X5 M heads into 2018 with no significant changes. Last year's Driver Assistance Plus package has been eliminated, with most of its features absorbed into the Executive package.

Vehicle overview

The 2018 BMW X5 M handles everyday SUV duty with comfort, style and refinement. It's also ridiculously fast and cuts winding roads like a knife. How fast? It dashes from zero to 60 mph in 4 seconds flat, a shade faster than BMW's iconic M4 sport coupe. Now wondering whether you need an SUV that makes more than 500 horsepower or reaches a top speed of 160 mph misses the point. It's best to just marvel at a machine that can take you for both a sedate run to Costco, or to county jail for excessive speed, with such ease.

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2018 BMW X5 M
Base 4dr SUV
$43,998
fair price
$133 above market
- 56,054 miles
- 8cyl automatic
- CarMax Lithia Springs (21 mi away)
- Free delivery available*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Lithia Springs, GA
CarMax values transparency and wants you to love your next car, not settle on it. Certain vehicles may have unrepaired safety recalls. Check nhtsa.gov...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary Unavailable.
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/19 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5YMKT6C50J0Y83584
Stock: 27008435
Certified Pre-Owned: No
2018 BMW X5 M
Base 4dr SUV
$31,999
- 105,333 miles
- 1 accident, 2 owners, personal use
- 8cyl automatic
- Fort Campbell Auto Sales (258 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Clarksville, TN
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/19 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5YMKT6C51J0X21172
Stock: TN4696
Certified Pre-Owned: No

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But the X5 M isn't just about making an SUV out of a high-performance sport sedan. Its roomy cabin is richly appointed with quality leather and user-friendly technology; the tall ride height gives a commanding view of the road; and the cargo area, while not cavernous, ranks with those of other SUVs in its class. Let this assuage any feelings of frivolous indulgence if you're considering the X5 M as a family car.

That's not to say it's the best choice, however. Given its performance bias, the X5 M's suspension is tuned firm for superb handling. It's not rock hard, but some passengers will notice. The interior leaks more wind and road noise than SUVs at this price should. There's no third-row seat, and the X5 M costs significantly more than the top "regular" X5 model, the X5 xDrive50i. But if you like cars that breathe fire and come nearly loaded (this being a BMW, there are still plenty of costly options available), the X5 M is one of the best picks in its class.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

The 2018 BMW X5 M handles everyday SUV duty with comfort, style and refinement. It's also ridiculously fast and cuts winding roads like a knife. Whether an SUV needs more than 500 horsepower or a top speed of 160 mph misses the point. Few others can take you to Costco, or jail, with such ease.

Driving

The X5 M thinks it's a sports car. In fact, its handling prowess is such that you'll need to take it to a racetrack to fully understand just how hard the sticky performance tires, huge brakes, adaptive suspension and rear-biased AWD system will allow you to push this SUV.

Acceleration

Acceleration is impressive. The V8 produces immense torque from about 2,500 rpm and just takes off. The run from 0 to 60 mph takes just 4 seconds. The X5 M just goes and keeps going until you run out of road.

Braking

The brake pedal has a pleasant and relatively normal feel to it. Jump on it, though, and the X5 M will slow from 60 mph in just 104 feet. That's impressively short for an SUV.

Handling

The X5 M has incredibly quick turn-in, and there's a ton of grip from the tires. It's sports car performance in an SUV body.

Comfort

The cabin appointments are first-rate, and the X5 M comports itself well on the road. The ride quality is quite stiff, but otherwise there are few faults to be found.

Interior

Richly appointed and easy on the eyes, the cabin is a well-engineered space.

Ease of use

The controls are logically laid out and easy to access. The X5 M's knob-based multimedia system (iDrive) is preferable to many touchscreen-based systems.

Getting in/getting out

Ingress is, ironically, severely hampered by the running board extensions, which are too narrow to be useful. It's also a rather large step up into the cabin.

Driving position

Finding a suitable driving position will be easy for most drivers. The memory settings allow multiple drivers to save their preferences. The X5 M offers a tall, commanding view of the road.

Roominess

Lots of headroom and plenty of space to sprawl out, both up front and in back.

Visibility

The driver enjoys a great view ahead and to the sides, but the substantial rear pillars block the view over the shoulder. Good thing there's a backup camera.

Quality

The panels fit with consistent gaps; no squeaks or rattles were to be found; and the interior oozes quality. This is a well-made SUV.

Utility

The X5 M's prodigious power is often the focus of discussion, but it's still a proper SUV from all the right angles. It offers up to 76 cubic feet of cargo space and can tow up 5,952 pounds.

Technology

BMW's iDrive dial controller remains a benchmark for intuitive operation of in-car tech. It makes breezy work of navigating through menus and preferences. Standard and optional audio systems are excellent. Note: The most common driver safety aids are bundled in the pricey Executive package.

Audio & navigation

Navigation comes standard and is made more useful with the iDrive controller and a 10.2-inch touchscreen display. You can't go wrong with either the stock Harman Kardon 16-speaker sound system or the optional Bang & Olufsen upgrade.

Smartphone integration

BMW ConnectedDrive is a comprehensive package of services and features, ranging from remote locking and unlocking to emergency collision notification. Many features can be controlled from a smartphone app. Apple CarPlay is available as an option.

Driver aids

Most expected safety and convenience aids are here — blind-spot and lane departure warnings, forward collision alert, parking sensors, for example — but most are bundled in the pricey Executive package. Many competitors and even lower-priced SUVs and crossovers offer the same features standard.

2018 BMW X5 M models

The 2018 BMW X5 M is a high-performance midsize luxury SUV with seating for five. It's offered in a single trim level. As with any BMW, a bundle of options offer further personalization. Several are grouped into the useful Executive package, while most are stand-alone items.

The X5 M is powered by a turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine (567 hp, 553 pound-feet of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

Standard features include 21-inch wheels, high-performance tires, adaptive suspension dampers, a rear air suspension, a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, front and rear parking sensors, a power liftgate, adaptive headlights, keyless entry and adaptive cruise control.

Interior highlights include heated front seats, 40/20/40-split folding rear seatbacks, four-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped dash, ambient cabin lighting, aluminum trim accents and a rearview camera.

Finally, standard tech features include a navigation system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen display with a touchpad-equipped controller, Bluetooth phone and audio, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, satellite and HD radio, and BMW's umbrella of smartphone-integrated connected services called Connected Drive.

Considering all that standard equipment, the X5 M has a short options list. The Executive package includes adaptive LED headlights, power-closing doors, a heated steering wheel, rear side window shades, a head-up information display, wireless smartphone charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A suite of driver safety features also comes with the package and includes forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, surround-view cameras and a self-parking system.

Stand-alone options include 20-inch wheels, aluminum-look exterior trim, a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, Apple CarPlay compatibility, night vision with pedestrian detection, and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 BMW X5 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.74 per gallon for premium unleaded in Georgia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Georgia

$288/mo

$169/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

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BMW X5 M Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.6

20 reviews

5(85%)

4(0%)

3(10%)

2(0%)

1(5%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

BMW X5M Fast and Comfy

J Smith, 10/22/2018

2015 BMW X5 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)

Seriously a great ride w/ a lot of great gadgets! Acceleration is phenomenal, brakes are amazing and the I can't get enough of the look, inside and out. For a 2015 vehicle it has almost every single piece of tech you'd like and comes loaded up. Amazing on the road and haven't taken it off road and most likely never will. For the review above about taking a $100k vehicle off road, which …

Swiss Army Knife

RSR, 05/22/2020

2015 BMW X5 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)

Have owned M cars and AMG, now days I just wanted a versatile yet performance oriented SAV, no more estates or big powerful sedans. Heard that the X5M had some pixie dust tossed on it and took the plunge on a used unit at the end of its lease. Never looked back since then except when I need to move over after embarrassing the long list of high performance cars. The cool thing is the …

2016 BMW X5M vs X5 xdrive50i

Dave Hill, 11/17/2015

2015 BMW X5 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)

I originally ordered an xDrive50i and, while waiting for that vehicle to be delivered from Spartanburg, decided to upgrade to the X5M. I debated it quite a bit during that month, trying to weigh the value of what I was getting for my extra $30K - for such a premium as this, would it be worth it? What do you get for that? The obvious answer is a performance edge - a half second off the … 0-60 time, higher (limited) top speed, better handling (.96g skidpad vs. .81) and stronger braking (152 ft 70-0 vs 172 ft 70-0). The xdrive50i performs like you would expect a nice luxury SUV to perform, while the X5M performs like a supercar. Is this meaningful though in day-day operation, especially over the M Package xdrive50i? Probably not, if I'm being honest - no way you can tap the full potential of the X5M on the streets. If you're being halfway sane, at least. Oh, and with it's quad exhaust, the X5M sounds much nicer too - a deep roaring baritone exhaust note when you lay it down. Outside of performance, the X5M has a meaner look from the outside - sitting lower to the ground than the xdrive50i. I love the wheels and the spoiler which add to it's aggressive styling. And it is available in Doninngton Gray, which is (I think) one of the nicest finishes I've ever seen. There is M badging everywhere, which doesn't mean anything to me (or most people). But, if you're into status, whatever. I like how understated the X5M is - its aggressive exterior non-withstanding, it doesn't look like it should be as fast as it really is. On the inside, the only real difference I can see (besides further M badging) is the amazing front seats - I was coming into the X5M from an older 7 series. The xdrive50i had seats much like my old 7 does. The X5M has nice side bolstering that keeps you confidently in place. Some reviews on the seats were mixed - I find them to be firm, but really, really comfortable. I read reviews on the ride quality as well, given the stiff suspension - I find it rides better than my 7 did (although I went with the 20" wheels vs. the 21" - I think the extra rubber helps). There are a few downsides (besides price) - full efficiency is terrible. I'm less concerned about cost as I am the fact I find myself at the gas station every 4-5 days. I also think some of the controls and the iDrive could be more intuitive. Nice to have all the customization options, but challenging to get used to. Also, given it's heft and high ride height, it doesn't deliver that "rides on rails" experience I got with my 7 series. There is a hint of lean in corners and although it sticks really well, I don't (yet) have the confidence to hit the curves like I would like to. I like that you can customize the lift-gate opening height, but am wishing it could auto-sense and stop if it finds an obstruction from above. It's a nit, but I find that if I have it set to either of the two highest settings, it actually makes contact with the ceiling of the parking garage. If I have it at the third highest setting, it doesn't, but then offers somewhat limited access. So I have to manually adjust based on the setting for ideal operation, when I feel this could be automated. Finally (and this is more of a BMW thing than an X5M specific thing), I found myself at the dealer being pushed on a bunch of additional protection plans (wheels and tires, windshield, front end protection, wear and tear insurance, extended warranty, extended maintenance, lo-jack). I ended up paying $18K extra. I would have liked more time to explore these options than I was given. I asked it I could add them within the first 30-90 days and was told no - you must do it at time of purchase. I said yes, before really getting into the details on what was afforded there. That's a lot of money to spend on the spot. I'm glad I did it though, given this is the first really (really) nice vehicle I've owned and want to keep it perfect for as long as I can. Overall, very very happy with the X5M...

Crazy fun for a daily driver

Harry, 03/10/2017

2017 BMW X5 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A)

I just came out of an M5. This X5M is better. It handles shockingly well despite being an SUV. It telegraphs its limits better than the M5. The interior is superb. The iDrive and Bang and Olufsen stereo are wonderful. BMW has done a great job in moving the iDrive platform forward. The level of voice control over various functions has improved considerably over my '14 M5. Fit and …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 BMW X5 M, so we've included reviews for other years of the X5 M since its last redesign.

See all 20 reviews of the BMW X5 M

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2018 X5 M Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$101,700
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$288/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	35.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the X5 M models:

Active Blind Spot Detection: Alerts you to the presence of vehicles in your blind spots and can help steer to avoid a collision.
City Collision Mitigation: Automatically brakes the car at speeds under 38 mph when it detects an imminent collision and the driver has taken no action.
Pedestrian Warning: Recognizes pedestrians moving in front of the car, warns the driver of an impending collision, and primes the car's brakes.

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

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2018 BMW X5 M Review

Price & Payment

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

For sale nearby

2018 BMW X5 MBase 4dr SUV

2018 BMW X5 MBase 4dr SUV

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Handling

Comfort

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Which X5 M does Edmunds recommend?

2018 BMW X5 M models

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 BMW X5 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.74 per gallon for premium unleaded in Georgia.

BMW X5 M Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

BMW X5M Fast and Comfy

Swiss Army Knife

2016 BMW X5M vs X5 xdrive50i

Crazy fun for a daily driver

2018 X5 M Highlights

Safety

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2018 BMW X5 M
Base 4dr SUV

2018 BMW X5 M
Base 4dr SUV

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 BMW X5 M 4dr SUV AWD (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.74 per gallon for premium unleaded in Georgia.}