2015 BMW X5 M

This marks the return of the X5M, which took a year off as a redesigned base X5 made its debut as a 2014 model.

The new X5M shares basic styling cues with the standard X5, but there's little doubt this an SUV with something more to offer, with its more aggressive fascias and wide tires. But the real difference is under the hood, where the new M version gets a 567-hp version of the turbocharged 4.4L V8 found in the X5 xDrive50i.

Those 567 horses are joined by 553 lb-ft of torque, which peaks between 2,200 and 5,000 rpm, for a broad plateau of massive power. AWD is standard, naturally, as is an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption estimates, according to Natural Resources Canada test methods, are 16.6/12.1 L/100 km (city/highway).

There isn't a huge market for high-performance SUVs like this: the X5M has just one true competitor in the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG. Think of this car more as a statement by BMW that impressive on-road performance mustn't be limited to sport sedans. Indeed, this (along with the X6M, covered in its own buyer's guide entry) is BMW's most powerful model, outgunning the M5 and M6 by seven horsepower and 53 lb-ft of torque. Granted, that extra power is eaten up by the X5M's heftier curb weight, but if power numbers are all that matter to you, there you have it.

M-exclusive exterior styling cues include large front air intakes, side gills with air breathers, M twin-stalk side mirrors, four-tailpipe exhaust and 21-inch light-alloy wheels. Inside, there are heated rear seats, a 16-speaker, 600-watt stereo, head-up display and four-zone automatic climate control.

Otherwise, the X5M shares much of its standard kit with the standard X5 models. That includes steerable Xenon automatic headlights, adaptive brake lights, fog lights, heated, auto-dimming, and power-folding side mirrors and windshield washer jets, front and rear park assist, backup camera, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated steering wheel and front seats, power-adjustable tilt-and-telescopic steering, power tailgate, 10-way power-adjustable front seats with driver memory, Dakota leather seat upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, nine-speaker stereo with USB and auxiliary inputs and CD player, navigation, garage door opener, voice control and Bluetooth.