This BMW might be the ultimate sport-utility vehicle

Mark Glover’s AutoGlo car reviews can be seen here and in the Cruisin’ News, "Oregon, Nevada and California's classic auto news & marketplace."

Sacramento, California -- If you have been out there looking for the ultimate sport-utility vehicle, I think I might have found it.

The recently tested 2025 BMW X5 M Competition midsize crossover SUV has just about everything.

There is a cost. But we'll get to that in a minute.

Like horsepower? How about 617 horses from a 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8?  Yeah, I thought so.

The tested X5 didn't just drive from place to place.  It bolted in the desired direction. Amid a quiet cabin, I felt myself pushed deep into the driver's seat time after time.  On freeway runs, the X5 dispatched lowly speeders with a mere tap on the accelerator.

I quickly learned that I was master of just about everything on the road.  A cool feeling of power?  I confess: yes.

It looks pretty saucy too, with those quad tailpipes, exquisitely sculpted grille and high-riding spoked wheels.

Fuel mileage is a mere 13 miles per gallon in the city and 18 mpg on the highway, but I'm guessing most X5 buyers won't be concerned about that.  There are enough perks stuffed into the vehicle to keep one happy for many a mile.

Where to start?  Besides the full suite of state-of-the-art safety technology features and driving enhancements, the tester was loaded up with crowd pleasers such as a panoramic "Sky Lounge" LED roof, heated/ventilated/massaging seats, carbon fiber trim, wireless device charging and so much more.

There are fancy extras, like BMW Gesture Control, a component that enables operation of the infotainment, navigation and other systems using hand gestures, as opposed to voice/touch prompts.

I think I mentioned earlier that there's a cost for all this.  On my ride, it was $140,175.

Yes, that's a bunch. But it's a fair price to pay for the ultimate SUV manufactured by the maker of ultimate driving machines.