The X5 M's styling is more aggressive than the regular X5's, but the changes have been tastefully integrated into the overall design. One thing that might be deemed a little over-the-top is the front end, which is punctuated by gaping, mesh-covered vents for enhanced engine and brake cooling.

Otherwise, changes are subtle. The lower-body cladding that's black on the regular X5 is body-colored here, and there are new M turn-signal indicators in the front fenders. Around back are the quad tailpipes that are characteristic of M cars. The standard 20-inch wheels with high-performance run-flat tires are indeed large, but they don't look excessively so thanks to the overall size of this crossover; combined with the X5 M's 10-millimeter-lower suspension, they fill out the wheel wells nicely.