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BMW X5 M Competition

A Racecar Disguised As An SUV

Is that a racecar disguised as an SUV in your driveway?
Well, perhaps it is not an actual racecar, but the closest you can get to a road-ready racer. Whether you are taking the highways to work, or the long and windy roundabout way to your weekend getaway the BMW X5 M Competition will entice and excite you. Starting at around $106,000, the X5 M is powered by a fantastic 600 hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 engine but for an additional $9000 adds the Competition package with 617 horses which elevated the X5M to an unmatched level of super SUV performance.

The BMW X5 M Competition is a true stand-alone in a segment of track-ready SUVs that was once dominated by Mercedes-Benz AMGs. In a blink, 3.7 seconds actually, the X5 M competition will go from 0 – 60 mph and reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. With the addition of the optional M driver’s package top speed is set at 177mph. The driver’s package also includes an invitation for driver training at one of BMW’s Performance Centers.

twin-turbocharged 617 hp

Experience the power of M to the extreme

We drove this machine on the curvy roads outside of Scottsdale, AZ and BMW’s TwinPower turbocharged eight-cylinder engine excelled. We were impressed with the array of the latest engineering and technological innovations including the indirect, highly-efficient liquid-to-air intercooling, a cross-bank exhaust manifold to improve gas-flow out of the cylinders and into the turbochargers, direct injection operating at 5,076 psi and VALVETRONIC variable valve timing. The block is of a closed-deck design with sleeveless cylinder walls and a forged crankshaft.

The dual branch exhaust system, designed specifically for the X5 M and X6 M gave us an enticing sound emanating from the pair of 100 mm tailpipes with electrically-controlled flaps. The exhaust note can be softened or increased by the M Sound Control button in the center console. Our Competition models exhaust note is further enhanced with a standard M Sport Exhaust system which provides for a more sporty sound to match the models’ increased capabilities.

0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds

Eight-speed M Steptronic transmission

Walking up to our X5 M Competition we immediately fell in love with the design of the large front bumper air intake openings designed to feed additional air to the coolers. The kidney grille surrounds, exterior mirror caps, model badge, rear diffuser trim, and exhaust tailpipes are finished in black and the X5M is finished with a rear roof spoiler as part of the aerodynamic enhancements.

Inside you will find splashes of red around the M control buttons on the center console, on the M Leather steering wheel, and on the M Leather gearshift lever. Also, Red Blue and White BMW M color stitching are visible on the steering wheel and gearshift lever. The center console features additional knee padding on the sides needed at every turn one including exit 51 of the LIE.

Just like all BMWs, the X5 M Competition is available with a wide variety of standard and optional driver assistance systems making this track SUV your summer road trip ready ride. BMW X5 M Competition.

Photos By Uwe Fischer.