Editors' note, November 20, 2014: Portions of this article were taken from an article about the 2015 BMW X6 M, which shares many components with the 2015 BMW X5 M.
LOS ANGELES -- SUVs are supposed to be off-road capability, although many live their lives on suburban asphalt. A high-performance SUV is a rare thing, making the 2015 BMW X5 M a very special car. BMW gave the newest X5 M its debut at the 2014 Los Angeles auto show.
Like its predecessor, the X5 M uses the same body and chassis as the standard X5 SUV, but has undergone extensive performance upgrades by BMW's M division.
Under the hood you'll find a 4.4-liter V-8 with dual twin-scroll turbochargers, similar to the engine in the BMW's M5 sedan. For the X5 M, BMW changed the tuning to bring output up to a 567-horsepower peak from 6,000 to 6,500rpm, and 553 pound-feet of torque coming on at 2,200 and up to 5,000rpm. It's a lot of power, but it has to move the near-5,000-pound (2,200kg) X6 M. BMW notes the car gets to 62 mph (100 kph) in just 4.2 seconds.
A potentially weak link comes from the eight-speed transmission, which uses a torque converter instead of the dual clutch automated manual transmissions used in other M cars. BMW was forced to use a torque converter transmission because its dual-clutch technology could not handle the engine torque combined with the all-wheel-drive system.
During the auto show, a BMW spokesperson said the X5 M's transmission was refined for quick shifts, and uses a lock-up clutch to ensure M-worthy performance. Paddle shifters on the steering wheel should give the driver quick manual gear changes.
Most important for M performance, considering the size of this vehicle, is the handling. The prior generation was a near-miracle, using its adaptive suspension to feel like a much smaller car on a twisty road. BMW has been testing the new X5 M on the Nurburgring, and has had a few years to further refine its suspension technology. The new X5 M not only gets adaptive dampers, which react in milliseconds to changes in the car's roll and pitch angles, but also air suspension at the rear wheels.
It does not seem that BMW dialed back on its handling technology for the X5 M from the previous generation, so it should be every bit as good, if not better.
New electric power steering gave BMW greater flexibility, and also gives the driver three different settings for steering sensitivity. This technology will undoubtedly make the X5 M handle differently. If it's anything like the new power steering in the BMW M4, turn-in response will fine. The X5 M comes standard with an all-wheel-drive system which can lend to better handling, as it can shift 100 percent of torque between the front and rear wheels. Sensors will detect wheel slip, and move torque appropriately.
Front sport seats were very supportive and offered comfortable bolstering. An integrated headrest made for a smooth seat back. As a high-end version of the X5, it looks like the X5 M will come very well equipped, offering navigation and other dashboard electronics standard. BMW's standard electronic features are among the best in the business, with many connected features for destination searching and entertainment built in. Optional driver assistance features include automated parallel parking.
The 2015 BMW X5 M comes in at a base price of $99,650, making it a very pricey SUV. However, when you consider its wide range of performance capabilities, that costs may not seem to much. It's comfort settings should make it reasonable as a daily driver, although likely to be a heavy gasoline drinker. All-wheel drive and the capabilities of the X5 on which it's based will help it out in winter weather and give it light off-road ability.
But where it will really shine is on the track, surprising sports-car drivers as this behemoth takes corners as nimbly as much smaller cars.
