Best Car Models & All About Cars: 2012 BMW X5 M

2012 BMW X5 M Interior

Like the X6 M, BMW's X5 M features a high-output V8 underneath its hood. But in contrast to the X6, this Autobahn cruiser incorporates a decidedly traditional SUV shape.

BMW put the M through extreme sturdiness testing in the southwestern part of the United States, making the most of the recent temperatures, miles of desert roadways, and mountains with steep grades in order to prove the worthiness of the M badge.

The X5 M offers the same utility as the regular X5, with the addition of a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 delivering 555 horsepower at 5,750 rpm and peak torque is 501 pound-feet, offered between 1,five hundred and 5,650 rpm. The crossover will sprint from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, according to the automaker.

BMW is referring to the new 4.four-liter motor as its "M TwinPower Turbo" unit. The name reflects the actual fact that the motor features Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology and a standard exhaust manifold encompassing each rows of cylinders.

The X5 M (and X6 M) are the primary xDrive all-wheel-drive vehicles from BMW to sport the "M" badge. Coupled with special "M" air suspension featuring Adaptive Drive and also the newly developed Servotronic power steering, the performance SAV promises very competent handling, despite it's serious heft.

Other high-tech features embody launch management for most acceleration and an "M" six-speed automatic optimized for performance. Drivers will manually select gears using either paddles or an an electronic gear selector lever.

Electronically controlled, variable power distribution to the front and back axle prevents even the slightest tendency to over -- or understeer right from the start, before DSC Dynamic Stability Management is even needed to chop in.

Although traction management is standard, the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) greatly reduces the aggressiveness of the system. The MDM setting permits the driver to enter a controlled drift and push the vehicle's handling to the limit. There's also a DSC-Off Mode for drivers seeking a more purist expertise.

Interior choices are what would be expected from a real luxury maker like BMW, and include an enclosed a lot of additional like BMW's 7-series sedans than a sport-utility. All materials are high quality, and therefore the perforated upholstery is soft and comfortable. Second row seating is spacious, but the third-row seats are best left to the kids. Climate and audio will be controlled independently, and by that iDrive single-knob pc-screen system (commonplace on both models) which has been the item of abundant criticism, however will build the navigation system simple to control.

Additionally note that the iDrive system (4th generation) received substantial overhauling for the most recent model year -- intended to improve user friendliness. The new iDrive system options new graphics, controls, improved menu structures, a lot of functions and more intuitive operate.

A lengthy list of options and options includes steering-linked headlamps, multi-adjustable front seats, satellite navigation, rear seat entertainment system, back-up camera, full-roof sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, driver's seat massage, front and back climate zones and additional.

2012 BMW X5 M Rear View