THE SENSIBLE SUPERCAR |
BMW is no stranger to fuelling polarised opinions. In the X5 M Competition’s case, some might question why buyers would choose a performance SUV over its sedan sibling, the M5? Arguments aside, the X5 M Competition is a compelling, high-performance proposition that deserves to be judged on merit. Here’s why…
The BMW M5 and X5 M have much more in common than one might think. Yes, blistering performance and eye-watering acceleration are equally profound, but on a deeper level, these share the same inherent philosophy. The M5 was initially intended to bring super-sports car performance to an everyday vehicle, and, arguably, the X5 M follows the same brief.
MORE TO LOVE
Despite the apparent differences between these two powerhouses – the practicality of an SUV over the driveability of a sedan – BMW has managed to forge, with the X5 M Competition, a genuinely significant M-car that is worthy of the name, and the association with the M5.
In essence, then, if you demand the driveability and performance of the M5 but enjoy the sensibility that comes with riding higher, and having the capability and usability that an SUV offers, the X5 M Competition deserves your consideration.
For instance, being taller means that the X5 M can navigate larger obstacles than its sedan sibling, and while it will likely never go off-roading, this attribute offers distinct advantages. Also, sitting higher above the tarmac gives you a better view of the road ahead; it is possible to load heavy objects in the vehicle, and its ease of ingress is unmatched.
The X5 M’s two-box body design means there’s more room for cargo, especially if you don’t mind blocking your view. And the more upright stance and oversized moonroof make the second row an equally lovely place to while away a few hours on the road.
THEN THERE’S THE OBVIOUS
Being adorned with the ‘most powerful letter in the world’ is one thing, but with the added ‘Competition’ moniker, rest assured that this SUV is fast. As in, ‘redefining what you think an SUV can do’ fast. I’ve driven the Competition’s most enigmatic rival in the not-too-distant past, and not even the Mercedes GLE 63 S’ electrically boosted 416 kW (the X5 M drops 410 kW) and solid 100 Nm of torque more feels quite as furious as the Beemer. Launch it from a standstill, and you will surpass the 100 km/h mark in what seems like an instant (it is actually a claimed 3.8 seconds). Or hammer it at speed, and feel the inertia rise with an almost unnatural zest, well past any point of legal operation. This engine’s titanic performance is undeniable – it feels like being strapped to the front of a 250 km/h train. And if you add the M Driver’s Package, you’ll unleash an additional 40 km/h.
Warning: here comes somewhat of an unfair comparison, but what the heck… The M5 handles better, of course, since physics will always have the last word. While the X5 M’s tyres have a tonne of grip and the chassis is incredibly well-tuned, the SUV is significantly taller and heavier than the sedan. Hustle it down the road (it picks up far more speed, far quicker than you might think); you’re always aware of both the height and mass of this car. And while the four-wheel-drive X5 M is unlikely to get too ruffled when handled well, you are always just that little bit more sensitive to the potential of losing control of the three-tonne behemoth than you are behind the controls of something like the M5. This a fate that befalls most high-powered SUVs with a higher than comfortable centre of gravity.
BEAUTY IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER
While the current crop of BMW sports utilities is a handsome bunch, the marque’s sedans are again rising to the occasion in terms of design. The M5 is a sharp-dressed speed machine with a muscular visage and chiselled angles. The X5 M has a rather complex appearance, with additional design elements intended to help hide its added height. The overall design successfully disguises the size, and from different angles, it has become significantly more challenging to differentiate between the smaller X3 M40i and the larger X7 M50i. The handsome 21” alloys at the front (and 22” at the rear) also help to make the X5 seem smaller than it is.
The X5 M interior is unapologetically luxurious (four-zone climate control and leather come as standard, with optional seat heating, cooling and massaging). Technology application is also world-class and includes a customisable head-up display and Apple CarPlay. Cruise control with Driver Assist is excellent on long freeway runs, and while you need to remain alert at all times when the system is active, it does take away much of the strain associated with long-distance cruising.
This mighty beast does, however, come up short on the fuel economy side. It might be true that M Competition buyers are less sensitive to the cost of filling up, but they might grow a little tired of frequent refuelling trips to the petrol station.
LAST WORD
BMW enthusiasts might say that no one who really cares about the driving experience would choose the X5 M over the M5. In reality, however, the question for most buyers at this end of the spectrum will be: What better suits my lifestyle and image?
The X5 M is not a compromised M5. It is not a compromise on any level. In all likelihood, if you’re seriously considering the X5 M Competition, you probably already have a sports car of some description tucked away somewhere. Or, if you’re at a place in your life where dropping into a passenger car seems far less enticing than sliding sideways into an SUV, trading some of the sedan’s cornering expertise and sharper looks to ease some of the burdens of life, sounds like quite a brilliant idea.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © BMW SOUTH AFRICA
