2025 BMW X5 M

The 2025 BMW X5 M is a midsize luxury SUV, but it’s also a brutally fast, powerful, high-performance machine with more grip than you’ll likely ever need or use. At the same time, it’s a comfortable, high-tech family hauler. In other words, it’s one way to have your cake and eat it too.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of midsize luxury SUVs, including the BMW X5 M.

The 2025 BMW X5 M sees no significant changes after last year’s introduction of the new V8 and 48-volt mild-hybrid system for the X5 M Competition.

The 2025 BMW X5 M is available in just one trim: the X5 M Competition, which starts from just under $130,000, putting it in rarefied air when it comes to competitive performance SUVs. The main rivals are the Mercedes-Benz GLS AMG, Porsche Cayenne GTS and Turbo, Lamborghini Urus, and Range Rover Sport SVR.

Before buying a new BMW X5 M luxury/performance midsize SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should be paying. Resale values are about average for the class. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

With a fantastic supply of horsepower and torque, a smooth-shifting transmission, and a race-tuned suspension, the 2025 BMW X5 M Competition is one of the most fun SUVs for just about any amount of money. BMW says the X5 M Competition can hit 60 mph from a stop in just 3.7 seconds and can carry on to a top speed of 155 mph. Opt for the M Driver’s Package, and maximum speed is raised to 177 mph. Brisk indeed.

That said, the X5 M’s focus on cornering competence does require a bit of trade-off with outright passenger comfort. That’s not to say the X5 M is too harsh, but it’s likely to be harsher than some buyers would prefer. Fortunately, that’s where the non-M variants of the X5 shine.

Fuel Economy

Gas mileage is one of the only things the 2025 BMW X5 M Competition can’t do well. Its combined rating of 15 mpg is weighed down by a 13 mpg city rating and 18 mpg on the highway. Neither of those figures is likely to impress, and the X5 M’s range suffers as a result, at 328 miles compared to the M60i’s 416-mile range or the sDrive40i/xDrive40i, which achieve 548 miles of range on a tank.

Compared to the competition, the X5 M’s fuel economy is about on par, but still toward the back of the bunch. The GLS 63 AMG is rated for 15 mpg combined as well, while the Range Rover Sport SV manages 18 mpg combined, and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo (a plug-in hybrid with 24 miles of all-electric range) runs to an impressive 22 mpg combined.

The X5 M’s interior builds on the base model’s spacious, comfortable, and premium cabin with M-specific details like an M logo in the ambient light bar below the front passenger trim, an M leather steering wheel, full Merino leather upholstery, and carbon fiber gearshift paddles.

Behind the second row is 33.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold down those rear seats, and it more than doubles to 72.3 cubic feet. The GLS 63 AMG has a bit more space at 42.7 cubic feet behind the second row or 84.7 cubic feet with the second row folded. The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid offers just 22.7/56.6 cubic feet, placing the X5 right in the middle.

Prestigious and performance-focused, the 2025 X5 M’s exterior is at once instantly recognizable as a BMW and yet still fresh and modern. Individual elements for the X5 M’s appearance include large front air intakes on both sides and below the matte-black grille, plus black exterior mirror caps and badges, rear diffuser, and 4-inch dual-twin exhaust tailpipes.

Monster hybrid power
It won’t get the best gas mileage, but with 617 hp and a twin-turbo V8’s song, the X5 M’s powertrain is wonderfully responsive.

Bold acceleration
Sure, some vehicles can accelerate to 60 mph in less time, but few are as large and luxurious as the X5 M Competition. For a face-melting family vehicle that’s not an EV, this is great.

Active exhaust system
As one member of our staff put it, “Save your local exorcist in the nav system; that active exhaust sounds demonic.” Not bad for a hybrid, eh?

Fantastic handling
It’s not just good for an SUV. The X5 M Competition handles incredibly well. Thank the excellent engineering of BMW’s finest, and the intelligent application of an adaptive suspension, smart traction management, and a responsive cockpit.

BMW Curved Display
This large, high-res, colorful display sits behind the steering wheel and spans the center of the dashboard. It gives all the usual information and controls, but with a subtle curvature that ensures the driver is the focal point.

Driving Assistant Professional
Bundling BMW’s Traffic Jam Assistant and the radar-and-camera-based active assistance of the Driving Assistant package, this $1,700 option is a smart pick for enhanced safety and easier commutes.

Last year, BMW launched a new V8 engine with a 48-volt mild hybrid system for the X5 M Competition, which carries forward to the 2025 model. This 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 is paired with the electric assist for a total system output of 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. All X5 Ms use an 8-speed automatic transmission and come standard with xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD).

4-Year/50,000-Mile Warranty

BMW’s new-vehicle and powertrain warranties are co-extensive, lasting four years or 50,000 miles, whichever happens first. This is a typical warranty length and coverage for the luxury segment, although some brands do offer longer warranties. BMW also includes scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles, which is a bit better than typical for the segment. Hybrid batteries in the relevant models are covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Safety

The 2025 BMW X5 scores a 4-Star rating overall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), plus a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).