Skip to main content

2009 BMW X5 M at the 2009 New York Auto Show

1520957344 1425510020801 jpeg
  • Competes with: Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG, Porsche Cayenne Turbo
  • Looks like: The fastest X5 ever
  • Drivetrain: 555-hp, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 with six-speed automatic; all-wheel drive
  • Hits dealerships: Late 2009

Do you want a BMW M performance model but live in a northern climate where a lot of horsepower to the rear wheels isn’t the most optimum driving setup year-round? Well, here comes BMW to the rescue with the X5 M. Along with the X6 M, this SUV marks the first time an M model has had all-wheel drive. Unfortunately for anyone looking to cart around extra passengers, though, the optional third row of seats in the standard X5 will not be available in the X5 M. Too bad for the parents out there hoping to get their performance jones filled after dropping the kids off at school.   

Like the new X6 M, the X5 M sports a twin-turbo V-8 good for 555 hp and a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.5 seconds.  

While both M models get similar design treatments, the X5 doesn’t look as comfortable in its high-performance trimmings. The augmented  hood, headlights, front fenders, larger front air dams and 20-inch alloy wheels look a bit garish on the frumpier X5.

BMWs are not what we’d call value propositions. The highest X5 trim level with a V-8 engine starts at $56,200, which is almost $10,000 less than where the X6 starts. We’d guess the M models will be roughly $10,000 more than their non-performance counterparts, so the X5 would likely be the more affordable way to get 555 hp in an all-wheel-drive-SUV package.

It’s an impressive performance machine on paper, it’s just too bad you can’t carpool in it. 

More photos below.

444261744 1425510887149 jpeg automatic-content-migration 197659662 1425510882627 jpeg 638262558 1425510882351 jpeg automatic-content-migration 783569808 1425510887570 jpeg automatic-content-migration 1791350400 1425510886149 jpeg 774720060 1425510890727 jpeg automatic-content-migration 1137999477 1425510885374 jpeg 68835570 1425510892042 jpeg 17139745 1425510887806 jpeg 1661973678 1425510885095 jpeg 1507716026 1425510890784 jpeg automatic-content-migration 1884372130 1425510891188 jpeg 1119135973 1425510890481 jpeg automatic-content-migration 215272990 1425510881147 jpeg 84948449 1425510885067 jpeg automatic-content-migration
David Thomas
Former managing editor David Thomas has a thing for wagons and owns a 2010 Subaru Outback and a 2005 Volkswagen Passat wagon.
Email David Thomas

Featured stories

202501 tariffs scaled jpg
vinfast vf 9 2024 01 exterior front angle jpg
ram hd 2025 01 exterior front angle jpg