On paper, the BMW X5 M seems about as incongruous as a car can be. It's a five-seat midsize crossover powered by a 555-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in as little as 4.5 seconds, according to BMW.

While you might think a combination like this would be as disastrous as a figure-skating bodybuilder, it's nothing of the sort. The X5 M proves once again that if you're willing to spend enough money — it starts at $85,500 — there's really nothing you can't have. In this case, what you get is crossover space and versatility — including a 6,000-pound towing capacity — with moves and power reminiscent of a sports car.

In short, the X5 M is everything enthusiast drivers could want in a crossover but never thought they could have.

• A More Muscular X5
• Going & Stopping
• Ride & Handling
• Cabin Design & Roominess
• Safety
• X5 M in the Market