X5 M in the Market

Purists might grumble about the revered M badge spreading to BMW's crossovers, but as other manufacturers have shown, there's money to be made in high-performance SUVs; you need only look at Mercedes-Benz's lineup of AMG SUVs or high-powered versions of the Porsche Cayenne to realize that.

Whether or not the X5 M ruffles feathers within M-enthusiast circles, it's sure to shake things up in the high-performance SUV category. It's extremely well-executed, blending everyday drivability with remarkable performance.

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    Bursts of Power
    The 1M's powertrain is the car's high point, providing ample torque at low engine speeds for a satisfying launch. This twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder produces 335 horsepower at 5, ...

    Engaging the transmission position
    ▷ Transmission position P can only be disengaged if the engine is running and the brake pedal is pressed. ▷ With the vehicle stationary, press on the brake pedal before shifting out ...

    Interior: driver-oriented cockpit, exclusive ambience.
    The driver-oriented cockpit layout familiar from BMW models down the years and a dynamic forward-surging movement define the design of the interior. The centre section of the instrument panel - in ...