BMW X5 M and X6 M Review: The Ultimate High-Performance Crossovers

The BMW X5 M and X6 M have cemented their place as two of the most desirable performance crossovers on the market. Russia alone ranks as the third-largest market worldwide for these super crossovers — and with shifting dynamics in China, it may soon claim second place behind the United States. Sales figures reflect their exclusivity: the first generation moved fewer than 20,000 units, while the second managed around 22,000 combined. Yet demand remains steady, driven not only by the prestige of topping the X5 and X6 lineup but by the fact that they are, quite simply, the fastest vehicles BMW puts in this segment.

Performance Figures That Rival the Best in Class

With a 25 hp boost over the previous generation — or a full 50 hp in Competition trim — the X5 M and X6 M break the four-second barrier for 0–60 mph acceleration for the very first time. The Competition variant clocks in at a claimed 3.8 seconds, making it a tenth quicker than the Porsche Cayenne Turbo. Only the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid can match this level of performance. As for where to put all 625 hp? The answer is anywhere but a drag strip — surprisingly, BMW’s test drive program for these M models skips the racetrack entirely, a break from tradition that raised more eyebrows among journalists than any styling choice.

Engine, Drivetrain, and Chassis: What’s Under the Hood

The upgraded 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 shares much of its DNA with the units found in the M5 and M8. Key technical highlights include:

• Engine: Biturbo V8 S63, producing identical power and 750 N·m of torque across the full M V8 lineup
• Transmission: 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox
• All-wheel drive: Torque vectoring to the front axle via a multi-plate clutch, shared with the X3 M and X4 M
• Suspension: Strictly coil spring setup (air suspension available as an option), with active stabilizer actuators and original suspension kinematics
• Body: Reinforced with bolted bracing; only the front wheels are steerable
• Ground clearance: Raised by a couple of centimetres, now matching the standard X5/X6 at 8.3 inches

Apart from differences in the adaptive damper control software, the chassis of the X5 M and X6 M are virtually identical. BMW’s tuning focus has shifted toward ride quality — reflecting their belief that the real M crossover buyer lives on public roads, not circuits.

Interior: Sporty Cabin With a Few Caveats

Both models share a sport-focused cabin philosophy, though the two have distinct personalities:

• The X5 M offers a more comfortable seating position with no issues getting settled
• The X6 M sits lower, with limited electric adjustment range on the steering column — a noticeable omission
• The X6 M’s lower roofline and sloping pillars create a more overtly sporty atmosphere
• Both feature a thick M steering wheel and pseudo-racing carbon fiber trim in Competition spec
• Front seats with illuminated emblems are excellent, though the cushion lacks lateral bolster adjustment — larger drivers may feel a little squeezed
• The rear bench offers no individual contouring, which is standard fare for this class

How the BMW X5 M and X6 M Drive on the Road

On the move, both crossovers are genuinely brilliant. The throttle response is instant from any speed, and the initial sharpness off the line takes only minutes to get accustomed to. The 8-speed automatic is always alert — even in its base program, shifts come quickly and decisively. Launch control is brutal enough that an unprepared passenger won’t want more than a couple of attempts.

Cornering grip from the bespoke BMW-spec Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres is in a different league entirely — rear width reaches up to 12.4 inches, and inducing a slide on normal roads is nearly impossible. You genuinely don’t need to be driving hard to appreciate how good these machines feel in a corner.

Steering Feel and Feedback: A True M Characteristic

The steering setup is a highlight in its own right. The rack delivers both a light and richly communicative feel, and once you exceed 40 degrees of steering input, the ratio progressively narrows from 14:1 to 9:1 — seamlessly, without any perceptible non-linearity. This gives the X5 M and X6 M an almost telepathic quality in the corners. Key attributes of the steering system:

• No rubber connecting elements in the steering shaft, as with all M models
• Variable gear ratio for natural, linear feel at all lock angles
• Stable and composed at motorway speeds with no tendency to wander
• Only occasional steering wheel corrections needed even in wintry conditions

The trade-off is some high-frequency vibration transmitted through the steering wheel and floor on rough surfaces — a direct consequence of suspension bushings that are up to ten times stiffer than those in standard X models, with spring rates roughly twice as firm. That said, the ride quality never crosses into punishing territory. Bumps are absorbed with rounded edges, and the amplitude is kept well in check — comparable to the Cayenne Turbo, which itself offers no advantage without its air suspension.

Sound, Refinement, and Everyday Usability

The 4.4-litre V8 starts with a smooth, settled note — a slight rasp in the exhaust that deepens when the silencer flaps open. However, BMW makes no attempt to match the raw, aggressive soundtrack of AMG’s engines, and European-spec models fitted with particulate filters will be quieter still. Some markets will receive a non-filtered version for those who prefer more aural drama.

Acoustic refinement overall is impressive. Even without the optional soundproofed side windows on the test cars, cabin noise stays well managed — only the large-diameter tyres make themselves heard on coarser surfaces. Critically, neither tyre noise nor the occasional steering wheel vibration detracts from the sheer pleasure of daily driving. These are crossovers you can genuinely live with every day, without missing a single track outing, while still extracting real satisfaction from every bend and every pull of the throttle.

Verdict: Should You Buy the BMW X5 M or X6 M?

BMW M GmbH has delivered something quietly impressive here. The X5 M and X6 M aren’t about lap times or track-day bragging rights — they’re about packaging genuine M performance into a crossover that’s as capable on a school run as it is on a sweeping A-road. If you’re weighing them against the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, consider these key differences:

• Performance: BMW Competition is a tenth quicker to 60 mph than the Cayenne Turbo (3.8 vs 3.9 seconds)
• Ride quality: On par with the Cayenne Turbo, without requiring air suspension
• Noise: The BMW is noticeably quieter and more refined at all speeds
• Steering: BMW’s variable-ratio rack offers a more engaging and natural feel
• Soundtrack: Porsche wins for those who want a more vocal engine note

For those who want the fastest, most capable version of one of the world’s best-selling luxury SUV nameplates — with M engineering that’s respectful of real-world roads — the X5 M and X6 M remain the benchmark.

This is a translation. You can read the original here: https://www.drive.ru/test-drive/bmw/5e67431aec05c4b519000106.html