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2015 BMW X5 M hides power and handling under its SUV skin (pictures)

BMW upholds the performance tradition of its M line even in its largest SUV, giving the X5 M big power and track-worthy handling.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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The 2015 X5 M represents the second generation of X5 to which BMW has given the high-performance M treatment.

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On its own, the X5 is a fine onroad performer, but BMW's M division fits it with a powerful V-8 engine and adaptive suspension components to make it track-worthy.

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LED headlights are optionally available, part of the very high tech offerings on the X5 M.

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The 4.4-liter V-8 uses advanced direct injection, a very sophisticated valve control system and two dual-scroll turbochargers to produce 567 horsepower.

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As with the standard X5, the X5 M gets an air suspension at the rear, but BMW adds adaptive suspension components which keep it mostly flat when cornering.

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The big tires are a mixed set, with 285/40s at the front and 325/30s at the rear.

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Deeply tinted windows in the side graphic help keep it cool in the cabin.

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BMW's new Driving Assistant package includes pedestrian detection, which also detects bicycles.

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The xDrive all-wheel-drive system can push 100 percent of torque to the front or rear wheels.

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Picking up a new styling cue from BMW cars, the front fenders get vents.

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The X5 M and X6 M share many technical characteristics, although the X5 M maintains a more traditional SUV body.

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A nice trait carried over from the standard X5 is the clamshell opening rear hatch.

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A panoramic sunroof stretches way back.

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BMW offers a few different interior trim options, including red leather.

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Sport seats offer comfortable bolsters, helping keep occupants in place.

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The X5 M offers the same cabin and seating room as the standard X5.

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The navigation system and wide LCD on the dashboard come standard.

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The electric power steering rack can be set between Comfort, Sport and Sport Plus, increasing the amount of heft at the wheel.

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BMW keeps its traditional analog gauges in the instrument cluster.

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The shifter for the eight speed automatic transmission sits next to the iDrive controls, and buttons for changing performance settings.

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A detailed, high-definition rearview camera helps in backing maneuvers.

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Even more helpful in parking garages, this surround view monitor makes it easy to keep the X5 M scratch-free.

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The main menu in iDrive, as in other BMW cars, shows a simple list of features.

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In iDrive, you can program the X5 M's performance characteristics and save them to one of two M buttons.

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BMW includes two M buttons on the steering wheel. Each activates all of its pre-programmed settings.

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The performance display shows virtual gauges with real-time engine output.

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The xDrive display shows useful offroad information, but not likely to get much use in the X5 M.

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BMW's navigation maps are richly detailed and show 3D rendered buildings.

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BMW Online connected services are powered by a dedicated 3G data modem in the car.

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BMW offers a few apps and services you can choose from its Online store.

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BMW's music library interface has always been a bit clunky, and the company has not fixed it yet.

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The now playing screen shows album art and rich music data.

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The optional Bang and Olufsen audio system uses 16 speakers, including this acoustic lens that rises out of the center dashboard.

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Bang and Olufsen audio profiles deliver a tight, concert style sound or a surround sound, theater effect.

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If you really want to tweak the sound quality, the car offers this seven-band graphic equalizer.

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