In 1999, BMW launched the first X5, a pioneer in the SUV segment internally known as the E53; it was contemporary to the E46 3 Series and E39 5 Series and is one of BMW's most iconic designs. Replaced by the E70 X5 in 2006 and then another model in 2013 before giving way to the current 2018 X5.
Ahead of the curve as ever, in 2009, BMW launched the X5M; powered by a 4.4-liter V8 engine, the X5 M was one of the first hot four by fours to market and was capable of doing 171 mph when equipped with the M driver's package as recorded by Automobile Catalog. The X5 M wasn't the first X5 to be powered by an incredibly powerful engine the car initially launched with a 4.8-liter V8 option, however, it wasn't a full-blown M-car with only two tailpipes, 360 hp, and a comparably slow 6.1 seconds to sixty.
In typical M division manner, the X5 M came with the iconic four exhausts as well as some more sporting bodywork, however, the resemblance to the standard car was much closer than in the current line up with M-cars like the G80 M3 with its completely different front fascia to the current 3 Series.
The 2022 X5 M Competition has had packages changed and lost an important feature.
The 2022 BMW X5 M Competition Is A Practical Beast
The current X5 M Competition is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 625 hp, 553 lb-ft of torque and accelerates the 5,313 lbs car to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The Competition has 25 hp more than its, for lack of a better word, "regular" X5 M sibling.
Only a decade ago, these figures would have rivaled the likes of Ferrari and truly are physics bending. The X5 M's main selling point beyond these ludicrous performance figures is its practicality, with the rear seats up, the car has 650 liters of boot space and 1,870 liters with the seats down.
Such a large car and with such a large and powerful engine is by no means fuel-efficient. BMW rate the car as having 21.1 - 20.8 mpg, which is considerably worse than the X5 M50i. When BMW gave the X5 to M division, they included their usual improvement; the quad tailpipe M Sport exhaust system, which has 100 mm exits and can have the sound tuned from inside the cabin. The car has considerable stopping power provided by M compound brakes as well as to get the car up to top speed in all conditions BMW's Xdrive system.
To match the model's luxurious leather-wrapped interior, the engine is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic gearbox. This much car doesn't come cheap, though; BMW lists an on-the-road price of $114,100 before options. The Stylish X6 M Competition carries a small premium over the more practical Sports Activity Vehicle, but with 580 liters of luggage space and 1,530 with the seats down, the X6 is a much less practical car that shares the same underpinnings.
Changes To The BMW X5 M Competition For 2022
The current GO5 X5 launched in 2018 alongside the newest 5 Series, with the X5 M following in 2020, so for the range-topping car, there aren't any major revisions coming yet. According to BMW Blog, the standard X5 this year sees an increased number of options for buyers with the M Sport package, the third row of seating, in-car WiFi, and remote engine starting.
BMW Blog's article suggests that there are to be no interior changes for the car, which makes perfect sense as the current generation of BMW's iDrive system is the benchmark for much of the car industry, but two colors will be added for the exterior, Sparkling Brown Metallic, and Dravit Grey Metallic.
As a result of chip shortages, all X5s lose wireless charging, which for many drivers of the luxury SUV will be a minor inconvenience. Importantly, it isn't a particularly great look for the manufacturer, especially when the more affordable Volkswagens like the Polo are still able to offer wireless charging.
In August, BMW Blog speculated on a 2022 facelift with a larger front grille as is the trend in BMW's current design language, but this is matched by an increase in the size of air intakes making the render an appropriately aggressive front end for such a powerful vehicle. In another report, Yes Auto published spy shots of a partially disguised X5 M. With camouflage only on the front of the car, BMW appears to be testing a new bumper or front grille design.
The German marque may be testing another controversial double kidney grille like that on the M3 and M4. This BMW test mule is not for the 2022 model year, with examples already being driven on YouTube, which proves that the car is as muscular as ever. It would seem likely that a mid-lifespan facelift would be on the cards for the X5. The previous F15 model didn't receive a facelift, but it isn't uncommon for BMW to revise their cars with them being on sale for upwards of five years.