It’s hard to believe that it’s been 15 years since BMW introduced its first M-tuned SUVs in the form of the X5 M and X6 M. The performance duo arrived for the 2010 model year in the US, much to the ire of M fans who had to convince themselves that the M division’s performance ethos wouldn’t be watered down by chunky midsize SUVs joining the ranks.

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  Base Trim Engine

  4.4L Turbo V8 Gas

  Base Trim Transmission

  6-Speed Automatic

  Base Trim Drivetrain

  All-Wheel Drive

  
  

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  Base Trim Engine

  3.0L Inline-6 Gas

  Base Trim Transmission

  6-Speed Automatic

  Base Trim Drivetrain

  All-Wheel Drive

  
  

That wasn’t the only pill they had to swallow, as the 2010 X5 M and X6 M also marked the M division’s shift away from high-revving, naturally aspirated powerplants to turbocharged engines. Today, high-performance SUVs with turbocharged engines are a popular combination, and the pace of the 2010 X5 M and X6 M remains respectable, even when compared to the vehicles’ present-day rivals. And when you factor in current asking prices on the used market, the bang for buck is hard to beat.

Current Prices Just A Tiny Fraction Of Original MSRPs

At the time of launch, the 2010 X5 M carried an MSRP of $85,400 and the 2010 X6 M a slightly higher figure of $88,900. Both models carried a destination charge of $825. The pricing was in line with contemporaries like the Mercedes-Benz ML 63 AMG and Porsche Cayenne Turbo, which carried respective MSRPs of about $91,000 and $100,000.

Today, a quick search on popular classified websites like AutoTrader and Cars.com shows 2010 X5 Ms for sale starting at $12,995 and topping out at $16,695. Fans of the more coupe-like 2010 X6 M have it better, with prices starting at $8,000 and topping out at $25,000. Most have over 100,000 miles on the clock, but the X6 M listed for $25,000 has a claimed 41,072 miles.

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A Super SUV Or Subcompact?

With a budget of $20,000 or less, there are very few new vehicles that can be had. The only real options are a pair of subcompacts: the Nissan Versa S, which starts at a little over $18,000, and the Mitsubishi Mirage, which starts at about $17,000. Both vehicles make for great commuter cars but offer very little in the way of fun, and with their subcompact size, have limited space, too. In comparison, the X5 M and X6 M offer all the practicality of a mid-size SUV plus the performance of a sports car.

For the X5 M, the cargo volume behind the second row is a reasonable 35.8 cubic feet, and with the row folded flat, this increases to just over 75 cubic feet (the corresponding numbers for the more coupe-like X6 M are 25.6 and 59.7 cubic feet). The exterior styling of the vehicles, crafted under the guidance of Chris Bangle, is also more appealing than what you’ll find on the Versa S and Mirage, despite their age. And inside, you’ll still find plenty of luxury, like leather trim, a premium audio system, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

A Sports Car In SUV Clothing

At the time of their launch, the BMW X5 M and X6 M stood out as somewhat crazy entries in a segment where SUVs were still largely picked for their utility rather than track performance. Traditional perceptions held that their heavy weight – over 5,300 lbs in both models – and soft suspension were inherently incompatible with true performance. However, BMW had already shifted expectations with the first-generation X5, which has been praised for its car-like handling. With the X5 M and X6 M, the M division pushed that philosophy further.

As the first SUVs developed by BMW’s M engineers, both the X5 M and X6 M deliver a driving experience that defies their size and weight. During spirited driving, the SUVs seem to shrink around the driver, with surprisingly nimble handling and strong road feedback. Much of this agility is due to the all-wheel-drive system, which features a rear-biased setup capable of directing nearly all torque to the rear wheels at higher speeds. The centerpiece of the performance package, however, remains the engine: a 4.4-liter V8 with a pair of low-mass twin-scroll turbochargers mounted between the cylinder banks, in the so-called hot-V configuration. The peak 555 hp is still respectable today, as are the other performance metrics.

Reliability Is Not a Strong Suit

Reliability ratings specific to the 2010 X5 M or X6 M are hard to come by, as the vehicles weren’t built in many numbers. However, looking at complaints recorded by the NHTSA for the regular X5 and X6 of the same vintage, the number is relatively high. Most of the complaints concern the engine, electrical systems, and fuel systems.

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Similarly, CarComplaints and JD Power don’t have reliability ratings specific to the 2010 X5 M and X6 M, but looking at the X5 and X6 from the same model year, common issues deal with the battery and water pump. The X5 M and X6 M’s V8 engine, known as the S63, was used in several other models and over time various common problems have emerged. Typical problems include valve stem seals and fuel injectors failing.

Surprisingly Affordable

Used BMWs out of warranty, especially the high-end models, almost always come with teasingly low price tags, but there’s a reason for that. Repairs tend to be both complex and expensive, and that’s assuming parts are even available. It’s not uncommon for the cost of some repairs to exceed the vehicle’s actual value. However, if you have a second car to rely on in case things go wrong, as well as access to a nearby mechanic experienced with high-performance BMWs, picking up a bargain X5 M or X6 M could be a surprisingly affordable ticket to some serious driving fun.

Sources: BMW, AutoTrader, CarComplaints, J.D. Power, NHTSA