Throttle sensitivity is amplified tremendously, the transmission downshifts at any chance, and exhaust volume is even dialed up. Nervous pangs may be experienced when one rests their thumb over the button, and its best left switched off on roads with a speed limit.
The hand of God
After just 2 or 3 seconds at full throttle from any sort of speed, the X5 M’s speedometer twists violently into very dangerous territory. ‘Explosive’ may be a good word to start describing the acceleration, as 'fast' doesn't cut it.
The infectious sound of the exhaust ‘blurping’ during a series of 7,000 RPM upshifts is best enjoyed when you’re sure there’s nobody with a radar gun watching-- or listening. In the process, torsos are pressed with startling force into the seatbacks.
Of course, as fast BMW's tend to go, the X5 M is highly controlled, too. All wheel drive powers all four wheels for maximum all-season grip, and a track-ready suspension shreds corners on command. The enormous brakes provide alarmingly potent deceleration when called upon, and with winter rubber on the wheels, it’s a planted, stable and confident machine to drive in the snow.
Everything is kept in check by a quick but fully-defeatable stability control system. It’s incredibly fast to react, and can neutralize minor skids before they’re even perceptible.
Oh, and it’s comfortable, too
Despite that the X5 M is a slightly obnoxious, somewhat frightening and very potent road-going missile, it’s also an X5. The cabin is plenty spacious and comfortable, and most passengers will comment on the build quality and trim materials.
All the staple features were on board, and the tester also included dual sunroofs, an advanced parking system, and a TV screen for the rear-seat passengers. All outboard seats are heated, and the sound system will prove potent for anyone who gets tired of listening to the engine.
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| Out back, it's also got four exhaust pipes that could each nearly swallow a fist. (photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
The hand of God
After just 2 or 3 seconds at full throttle from any sort of speed, the X5 M’s speedometer twists violently into very dangerous territory. ‘Explosive’ may be a good word to start describing the acceleration, as 'fast' doesn't cut it.
The infectious sound of the exhaust ‘blurping’ during a series of 7,000 RPM upshifts is best enjoyed when you’re sure there’s nobody with a radar gun watching-- or listening. In the process, torsos are pressed with startling force into the seatbacks.
Of course, as fast BMW's tend to go, the X5 M is highly controlled, too. All wheel drive powers all four wheels for maximum all-season grip, and a track-ready suspension shreds corners on command. The enormous brakes provide alarmingly potent deceleration when called upon, and with winter rubber on the wheels, it’s a planted, stable and confident machine to drive in the snow.
Everything is kept in check by a quick but fully-defeatable stability control system. It’s incredibly fast to react, and can neutralize minor skids before they’re even perceptible.
Oh, and it’s comfortable, too
Despite that the X5 M is a slightly obnoxious, somewhat frightening and very potent road-going missile, it’s also an X5. The cabin is plenty spacious and comfortable, and most passengers will comment on the build quality and trim materials.
All the staple features were on board, and the tester also included dual sunroofs, an advanced parking system, and a TV screen for the rear-seat passengers. All outboard seats are heated, and the sound system will prove potent for anyone who gets tired of listening to the engine.
 |
| Complaints? The rear TV screen can interfere with the drivers elbow. (photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |