With crossovers as popular as they are, it was inevitable that the salaried hot-rodders at BMW's M division would get their hands on the brand's hot-selling X5. Though it's always been sporty – the first-generation X5 even offered a manual transmission in the name of driving engagement – the X5 M has ratcheted up the performance to heretofore unseen levels.

The 2020 model year gave us the first taste of this monster, so the 2021 BMW X5 M is light on updates. Other than the hardcore Competition model transitioning from a standalone trim to an option package, the only notable changes are the addition of satellite radio and that Android Auto is available as standard for the first time.

The BMW X5 M is available in a single trim level: X5 M. Pricing begins at $106,095 including destination.

The only engine that made the cut here is BMW's venerable 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8. Output is a stout 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M goes from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph.

Opting for the Competition Package boosts horsepower by 17, for a total of 617 hp, but torque remains unchanged. The Competition, with its specific suspension tuning and other upgrades, has a top speed of 177 mpg and an oh-so-slightly faster 3.6-second 0-60 mph sprint.

The business of shifting is trusted to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. This gearbox routes its power to a rearward-biased all-wheel-drive system. An active torque-vectoring rear differential can modulate the power between the rear wheels for better cornering performance.

Various settings control the level of shenanigans the X5 M is capable of. Steering can be toggled between Comfort or Sport settings; the suspension offers Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus. Switching between these settings changes shift points, throttle calibration, and damping action.

The EPA rates the X5 M for just 13 miles per gallon city, 18 mpg highway, and 15 combined.

The BMW X5 M seats up to five passengers. Space is plentiful if you're filling all the seats: rear leg room measures out to 37.4 inches and rear head room is just under 40 inches. These numbers aren't quite class leading for a midsize crossover, but sure beat any typical sports car.

Cargo capacity is 33.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats, but that expands to 72.3 when the seat backs are folded down.

Standard active safety equipment includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and n automated parking system.

That's comprehensive but not all-inclusive. Even with this X5 M's six-figure price tag, BMW still charges extra for the most appealing driving assist features. You'll have to shell out for the $1,700 Driving Assistance Professional Package to get adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, lane keeping assist, automatic lane change assist, and front cross-traffic alert.

The NHTSA hasn't crash tested an X5 M specifically, but the standard X5 has already had its date with the wall. It earned a four-star overall safety rating.

BMW builds every X5 M with what they call Live Cockpit Professional, a comprehensive suite of connectivity features. The heart of the system is the latest iDrive software, which was updated extensively last year.

Besides now being able to follow drivers across their different BMWs, iDrive 7 boasts better graphics, an improved iDrive controller with better haptic sensitivity, and a new touchscreen interface for the center display screen.

At 12.3 inches, that screen is also the biggest in BMW's lineup. The all-digital instrument cluster also measures out at 12.3 inches. Both screens work with each other so that the cluster can display navigation instruction or audio selection.

The center display handles all infotainment needs and now finally has Android Auto compatibility as well as the previously available Apple CarPlay. Wi-fi hot spot capability, wireless charging, HD radio, satellite radio, and a head-up display are also standard.

Highlights from the BMW X5 M's lengthy list of standard equipment include a lavish amount of Merino leather upholstery and trim, 18-way power front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, a dual-panel moonroof, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. The front seats, front arm rests, and steering wheel are also heated.

Performance features include an electronic M Sport differential with torque vectoring, an adaptive suspension, and 21-inch wheels wrapped in summer tires. The outside also features adaptive LED headlights, a hands-free trunk, quad tailpipes, and a rear spoiler.

For more amenities, you'll need the Executive Package. It costs $3,600 and includes ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, soft-close automatic doors, heated and cooled cup holders, massaging front seats, and remote start.

If the regular X5 isn't quite loco enough, BMW also offers the $9,000 Competition Package. It earns its moniker with an extra 17 horsepower, a staggered set 22-inch rear and 21-inch front wheels, a sport exhaust system, and the full Merino leather interior.

Compare X5 M Trims Specs