Name: BMW X5 M (2020 - present) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: BMW X5 M
Rating: 49.0

Summary

The BMW X5 M is a large SUV/crossover and the high-performance version of the current X5. It first arrived on UK roads in 2020, with a facelift in Spring 2023.

The X5 M gets some cosmetic changes over the regular X5, more safety tech and a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with mild-hybrid assistance. Here in the UK, only the top-spec ‘Competition’ model is available, which produces 617hp and can complete a 0-62mph sprint in 3.8 seconds.

Described by the Top Gear team as “mad, bad and dangerously expensive”, the motoring media have widely commended the X5 M for its thrilling pace and acceleration, as well as its handling agility and body control, but many reviewers simply cannot overlook its steep six-figure pricing.

“It’s a hugely impressive piece of kit and highly effective, but it’s wildly expensive”, says Car‘s Georg Kacher, adding that the SUV is not a very practical choice for the daily commute, particularly when compared to the upper end of the regular X5 range.

As of December 2024, the BMW X5 M holds a lowly New Car Expert Rating of E, with a score of 49%. It doesn’t score well in any area other than safety, where it has a good rating. Although motoring journeys enjoy driving it, they don’t score it highly, while running costs are very expensive. The X5 also has a poor reliability record, which drags the overall rating down further.

X5 M highlights

Seriously powerful
Attractive exterior styling
High-quality interior
Class-leading infotainment
Responsive handling

X5 M lowlights

Thirsty V8 engine
Rather firm ride comfort
Regular X5 has a bigger boot
Expensive six-figure price tag
Not as practical as cheaper X5 models

Key specifications

Body style: Large SUV
Engines: petrol, petrol mild-hybrid
Price: From £126,610 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2020
Last updated: Spring 2023
Replacement due: TBA

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The range-topping BMW X5 M Competition SUV turns in an impressive performance – but at a price.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“The BMW X5 M Competition is a hugely impressive piece of kit and highly effective, but it’s wildly expensive. It’s also limited in its usefulness as everyday transport.”
Read review

Carbuyer+

Model reviewed:
Score: 7.4 / 10
“The BMW X5 M Competition is an impressive performance SUV but it’s hugely expensive to run.”
Read review

Carwow+

Model reviewed: X5 M Competition
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW X5 M Competition ticks many boxes: its quick, comfy, high-quality, spacious with great infotainment. Oh, but there’s one more – expensive.”
Read review

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW X5 M is an amazing mix of very high performance, luxurious accommodation and SUV practicality, but it doesn’t come cheap.”
Read review

Evo+

Model reviewed: X5 M Competition
Score: 6 / 10
“By comparison an Audi RSQ8 can feel out of its depth when pushed, a Cayenne Turbo numb and uncomfortable due to its many chassis stabilisation systems, but the X5 M feels sharper, harder and more focussed. The problem is that it doesn’t really do the ‘family car’ thing very well.” (Jordan Katsianis)
Read review

The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW X5 M an apex predator but also a dying breed.”
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW X5 M is possibly the silliest super-SUV this side of a G-Wagen. Mad, bad and dangerously expensive.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Overall score: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2018
Read the full Euro NCAP review

Adult protection: 89%
Child protection: 86%
Vulnerable road users: 75%
Safety assist: 75%

The BMW X5 M shares its safety score with the regular X5 range, which was awarded a five-star rating in 2018.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

As of December 2024, the BMW X5 M has not been tested by Green NCAP.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 931
Average repair cost: £947.88
Last updated: October 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

The BMW X5 family (including the X5 M) has a very poor reliability record, with a score of just 24% as of December 2024. This applies to both the current-generation X5 models (2018 onwards) and previous generations.

More than a third of reported faults relate to suspension problems, with an average repair bill of about £950. But a significant number also relate to engine and gearbox issues, which have an average repair cost of more than £2,300.

Overall, average repair costs for the X5 family are higher than average. If you own a BMW X5 M or are interested in buying a used X5 of any flavour, make sure that any used car warranty you purchase covers you for all the potential problem areas shown above.

Running cost rating

Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

Fuel consumption	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	22 mpg	E	17 – 22 mpg	E – E

CO₂ output	Average	Score	Variation	Score
Petrol models	293 g/km	D	291 – 306 g/km	D – D

Insurance group	Average	Score	Variation	Score
All models	50	F	50 – 50	F – F

Service and maintenance	Cost	Score
Year 1	£673	D
Year 2	£1,354	D
Year 3	£2,100	D
Year 4	£2,498	D
Year 5	£3,405	D
Overall	£10,030	D

The BMW X5 M is a very expensive car to own and run, according to whole-life cost numbers provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our data partner, Clear Vehicle Data.

Fuel consumption is unsurprisingly poor, given than the X5 M is a big and heavy SUV powered by a twin-turbocharged, petrol V8 engine.

Servicing costs are also high while the X5 M inevitably falls into the top insurance group of 50, which is likely to mean expensive car insurance premiums.