X5M: Power hungry for BMW's sporty SUV

Right then, it's my turn to have a go behind the wheel of our long-term X5M — BMW's sporty SUV, er, I mean, SAV.

So, what's so good about it then? For starters, it packs a direct injection 4.4-litre V8 with twin Garett turbochargers that makes 555bhp and 677Nm of torque.

The six-speed steptronic transmission is amazing, even when just left in ‘D', but shift the gears using the paddles on the steering wheel and it becomes even better.

You can't have the X5M with an optional third row of seats, so practicality takes a bit of a back, um, seat in this version. They are covered in luxurious leather and are incredibly supportive but best ordered with the optional seat ventilation system. The AC is a little worrying: it does not blow an ice storm as I expected. But given a few extra minutes, it cools well.

The X5M has a huge panoramic roof as standard and it comes loaded with the most current BMW tech. The boffins have done a lovely job on the new iDrive and the maps look gorgeous especially while driving down Shaikh Zayed Road — all those tall towers look great in 3D. If you zoom all the way out, it gives you a cool satellite view.

The audio system has a CD slot in the console and a neatly hidden six-disc DVD changer in the dash — but no rear seat entertainment system on our tester. It's one of the few cars in which connecting your phone via Bluetooth doesn't require a degree in electronics. It works flawlessly.

I recommend poking the M button on the steering wheel to unleash the true potential of the car. At full pelt, it can despatch the 100kph mark in just 4.5 seconds — making it faster than the Audi R8 4.2. Which is very respectable for a car this heavy (2,905kg, to be precise).

I obviously didn't try it, but it must be immensely satisfying smoking a sportscar at the lights in your big family 4x4...

Despite its large size, it's easy to park thanks to the rear view camera. Apart from showing you distance and how close those 20in alloys are to the kerb, you can also switch it to a three-quarter view so you can see what's on either side and behind you. Love it.

Driven by Imran

Start mileage 24,582km

Recent cost Fuel

Average fuel economy 13-15mpg

Highs Performance, iDrive

Lows Air-conditioning, chows fuel (what did you expect?)