SEE the M for motorsport badge on any BMW and you know you are in for some fun behind the wheel.
And this badge is not exclusive to sports saloons because it is proudly borne by one of the big boys of the range, the X5 M 50d, part of the third generation of sports activity vehicles, a genre invented by BMW.
And there is the difference. This is certainly not a sport utility vehicle because utility is not a word you would associate with it, except perhaps for its cavernous boot.
The fact is that this vehicle encompasses BMW luxury and performance in a large five-door SUV style body with a commanding driving position and street cred that is off the clock.
The M50d is part of the new X5 range which went on sale last November and delivers some major advances in the top of the tree world in which it operates.
The example I drove weighed in at £76,830, £13,115 above its standard price of £63,715, due to a jaw-dropping list of options fitted, making it a showcase of just what BMW can deliver these days.
These included adaptive dynamic suspension, panoramic glass sunroof, head-up display and a raft of other goodies that make driving just that bit more pleasant.
And the standard specification speaks volumes too with such items as connected drive service including an apps interface and real time traffic information and a lot of M sport power dressing including special sill finishers, M-servotronic steering and a chrome grille surround.
Under the bonnet is a three stage-stage turbo boosted six-cylinder 24 valve diesel of 381bhp and a massive torque output of 740Nm.
Maximum speed is limited to 155mph and this hefty set of wheels is very quick with a 0-62mph sprint of 5.3 seconds. The engine is also extremely efficient because it can deliver a combined mpg figure of 42.2mpg.
Transmission is an eight-speed automatic with steptronic linked to xDrive four-wheel-drive. It includes a sport setting in its configuration, and this turns this vehicle into something of a muscular rocket which can leave some cars claiming sporting antecedents in a cloud of dust.
A degree of the M50d's nimble outlook on life is due to the fact that it is lighter than it looks. Extensive use of ultra-high-tensile steel in the body structure,
An aluminium bonnet and magnesium instrument panel support, plus thermoplastic side panels have reduced weight compared to the previous model. There are also aerodynamic improvements to make it more slippery. It becomes the first BMW X model to feature vertical aero curtains and air breathers which ensure that air passes over the wheels with minimum air disturbance.
Full marks go to the wide satnav/info screen and the pinpoint perfect surround camera which makes reversing much more safe.
On the road the driver can fine tune the suspension through the drive dynamic system and the whole car delivers a thoroughly impressive drive.