Cameron McGavin, The Sydney Morning Herald, June 21, 2010

Has plenty of attitude and ability, and a killer thirst.




Good
  • Twin-turbo V8 goes like hell and sounds amazing
  • imposing looks
  • sensational handling for a soft-roader more practical than costlier X6 M sibling
  • excellent stopping power despite mass
  • well-equipped.
Bad
  • Drinks like a sailor around town
  • edgy urban ride
  • plenty of tyre noise.

2 Minute road test (See full review)

Price and equipment

The BMWs take it right to Benz's rival ML63 AMG, kicking off from $172,900 plus on-road and dealer costs for the X5 M and $179,900 for the X6 M.

Equivalent versions of Audi's Q7 and Porsche's forthcoming all-new Cayenne are much costlier.

Standard equipment includes power operation of everything you can think of (including the tailgate), keyless start, sat-nav, TV, heated seats, sunroof, head-up display and mammoth 20-inch alloy wheels.


Under the bonnet

Motivating both the X5 M and X6 M is a state-of-the-art 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 with a volcanic 408kW of power. Despite weighing more than two tonnes, the X5 M knocks off the 0-100km/h sprint in just 4.7 seconds.

It certainly makes for an exhilarating on-road experience. In normal driving it's smooth, flexible and unfussed but it only takes a firm squeeze of the throttle for its inherent savagery to be exposed.

It's also super-responsive for a turbo and has one of the most commanding V8 sounds you'll hear. The auto, too, is effective and unobtrusive and you can shift manually using the steering-wheel paddles.

BMW claims a 14.3 litres per 100 kilometres official economy rating for the M-badged X twins but we saw as high as 24.0L/100km on the trip computer around town.

In urban/highway driving, our average was an eye-watering 17.2L/100km.



How it drives

The X5 M's shock absorbers, engine tune and stability control system are all adjustable. Pressing the "M" button on the steering wheel allows you to dial up your pre-chosen parameters in one action.

With everything set to "Sport" mode, the BMW delivers a driving experience beyond what you'd expect of a soft-roader.

Push into a corner and the lack of roll and other body movement is otherworldly. It's beautifully balanced, with powerful brakes and transparently accurate steering, while the grip provided by the massive 20-inch tyres is phenomenal.

Still, while the BMW is amazing for a soft-roader, it cannot deny the laws of physics as its bulk becomes a hindrance in tight, twisty going. An agile, lithe sports car it most certainly is not.

The X5 M isn't that comfortable, either. The ride is noticeably edgy around town and the big tyres make plenty of racket.

And while the xDrive all-wheel-drive system delivers formidable traction on unsealed surfaces, its sporting bias means it's not much of an off-roader.



Comfort and practicality

The major components of the front-seat environment are pure X5. So it's spacious and comfortable, while the attractive design and quality materials impart an upmarket feel.

M drivers, though, get more supportive sports seats, a chunkier leather steering wheel and instruments with a trick tacho redline that changes depending on engine temperature.

Unlike the coupe-style X6 M, the X5 M's back seat has the space and comfort to accommodate taller folk without complaint.

The 620-litre boot is easily accessed via the split tailgate and expands to a hefty 1750 litres when the split-fold back seat is put to use. BMW also throws in a space-saver spare, adding to the peace of mind offered by its run-flat tyres.



Safety

The BMW's safety fare is extensive, with six airbags, stability control, parking sensors and reversing camera all included. You also get high-beam assist, but no rear-side airbags like the ML and Q7.

The current X5 doesn't have an NCAP crash-test rating but its predecessor scored five stars.



Overall verdict


  • Three Half Star
If you're looking for a soft-roader with attitude, the new M machines are winners. They have one of the world's great engines, corner like pros and, in X5 form at least, offer decent practicality. But sadly the BMW also occupies no-man's land. It's not as enjoyable as a regular road car (like BMW's own M3), nor is it as comfortable or capable off-road as a typical soft-roader. Throw in an almost sociopathic thirst for fuel and it looks hard to justify rationally.



At a glance

How much? From $172,900 plus on-road and dealer costs
Engine 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8; 408kW/680Nm; 6-sp auto; 14.3L/100km; 335g/km CO2; AWD


Nuts & Bolts

Price
From $172,900 plus on-road and dealer costs
Engine Size/Type
4.4-litre twin-turbo V8
Power
408kW
Torque
680Nm
Transmission/Driven Wheels
6-sp auto/ AWD
Fuel Consumption
14.3L/100km
CO2 emissions
335g/100km