BMW’s Competition badge signifies a model endowed with a healthy amount of oomph compared to stock counterparts, and the firm’s latest generation X5 Competition is no exception.
The ranger topper for the non-competition badged stablemates, the X5 M60i xDrive, is motivated by a 4,4-Litre twin-turbocharged V8 capable of an output of 390 kW and 750 Nm. The 4,4-Litre V8 found in the X5 Competition produces a total power output of 460 kW and 750 Nm available from 1800 pm to 5 800 rpm! This is one of the most powerful BMWs on offer in the firm’s modern lineup.
The significant increase in performance comes as a result of the addition of a cross-bank exhaust manifold, a reinforced crankshaft, improved turbocharging capabilities, a new air intake duct, improved oil supply system to avoid oil starvation. What these hardware upgrades result in is a rev-happy, sharp and responsive power plant. BMW’s 48V technology is integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission, while also acting as a crank-minted starter generator. The electric motor is capable of producing 9 kW of additional drive power and 200 Nm.
Accompanying powertrain changes include a newly developed eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and a new version of the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. Like any M car, BMW makes it easier to perform controlled drifts. The X5 Competition offers a 4WD Sport setting, which through splitting power with a significant bias to the rear.
A healthy dollop of power and a myriad of hardware upgrades are not all that accompany the Competition badge. The standard X5’s physique is soft and docile. The X5 Competition is the complete opposite of that bearing an aggressive front fascia and a contoured body.
Gone is the sloped and elegant front end of the regular X5, replaced by a snarling front end dominated by the presence of a gloss black flared kidney grille accentuated by the gaping air ducts. The wheel arches see an additional flare added to them, which houses 21-inch multi-spoke M light-alloy wheels in the front and 22-inch forged M light-alloy wheels in the rear.
The X5 Competition retains the absurdity of BMW performance SUVs of yore while pioneering the firm’s capable hybrid technology.
Related: The brutish nature of the V8 powered BMW X6 M Competition
