As outlined in a previous post, I have recently placed an order for a 2021 X5 M50i. This was a result of several months worth of research, test drives, etc. I thought I would try to document the evaluation process, as well as the PCD delivery and first impressions. While I certainly don't expect everyone to agree with my assessment and decisions, hopefully this may be of some benefit to those considering an M50i;
SCOPE/BACKGROUND
I have been a licensed driver for over 40 years. I never had the opportunity to own a "premium" luxury/performance vehicle. After being "involuntary retired" following a 33 year career, I was in a position to finally purchase the car of my dreams. After years of driving nothing but Toyota's, Chevy's, Honda's, and Ford's, I made a conscious decision to finally look at a higher end vehicle. My requirements/preferences were as follows:
- Mid Size to Large SUV; after years of driving pickup trucks and utilitarian SUV's, I had become accustomed to the size and seating position of a full sized SUV or truck; while there are obviously some excellent luxury/performance sedans on the market, the size, utility and convenience of an SUV was a necessity
- A vehicle that provided a good mix of luxury, utility and performance. Again, after years of driving some fairly mundane (but quality) vehicles, I wanted something that excited the senses but still provided the comfort and utility I needed. Cross country road trips have become fairly common, so I needed something that could accommodate suit cases and golf clubs but still provide a level of luxury. And due to the fact that I had never owned a vehicle that would even remotely be considered "performance", I wanted something that would bring a smile when jumping on the accelerator. IMO, a minimum of 400HP was required....In my mind, I was thinking a Performance/Luxury/Utility ratio of 40/30/30
- Budget; $80-100,000. Wish I could say that budget was unlimited, but after an unexpected retirement, I had to be realistic...
Candidate Selection
Given the above preferences, candidates were somewhat limited;
- Lincoln Aviator; Probably shouldn't even be included, but it checked the boxes for comfort/utility. While HP met the 400 HP requirement, this is strictly a luxury/comfort vehicle. While impressed with the build quality, features and price, there was absolutely no "fun factor." Maybe when I'm 70 and looking for safe pick, this might be a consideration. But at this stage of my life I was looking for some more excitement...
- Jaguar F-Pace SVR; absolutely loved the sound and performance of the supercharged V8; probably the most impressive power train of the vehicles I tested. The 2020 model had some serious interior quality issues. Much of this was addressed with the 2021 model, but the quality/reliability reputation of Jaguar was a big concern. And ultimately, I just felt the vehicle wasn't quite large enough.
- Land Rover Defender; Obviously met the utility need, and came close on luxury. Loved the styling and features, but absolutely no "performance" component. This became a tough choice once they announced a 2022 model with the supercharged V8, but that model, when available, would exceed my $100k budget. And there were still reliability issues...
- Mercedes Benz GLE 53 AMG; A strong contender. Although lukewarm on the exterior styling, the interior and available features, IMO, was likely best in class. Truly the most comfortable and luxurious of the cars I drove. But almost too a fault. The interior was so refined that I felt it lacked the "sporty" feel I desired. And although impressive to get 429HP out of a V6, it was still a V6....and sticking an AMG badge on this vehicle just didn't seem right. This is NOT an AMG. And while some would (rightfully) argue that the X5 M50i is not really an M, the 523 HP V8 makes you forget that....
- Mercedes Benz GLE 580; a step up in HP from the 53 AMG (and providing the V8 I was looking for) this was another strong contender; again, while impressive, this just didn't provide the sportiness and excitement I was looking for. While I think either the 53 AMG or 580 would be an excellent choice for my wife, this just wasn't what I was looking for. If I could have afforded it, I really believe the GLE 63 AMG would have been an excellent choice, but the price tag for the features I wanted placed it well out of range
- Porsche Cayenne; I've always been a huge fan of Porsche styling, and loved the looks/feel of the Cayenne. However, once luxury and performance options were added, this vehicle quickly became priced out of my reach. A quality vehicle that definitely deserved consideration, I just felt I would never be truly happy with a Cayenne that was optioned out in my price range...
- Other candidates included the Jeep TrackHawk and Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat. While I didn't test drive, I just felt these lacked the luxury/comfort component I was looking for. I also briefly considered the X3 M. While this definitely had the performance component, I just felt the size was too small for what I needed
X5 M50i
At the end of the day, the X5 M50i checked off most, if not all, of the boxes I was looking for. Styling, luxury, comfort and performance were all well balanced. This was a vehicle I could not only take on a cross country trip to visit my granddaughter, but would also put a huge smile on my face when running down to the grocery store for a gallon of milk. Unless I missed something, I don't think there's another mid sized SUV with over 500 HP that can be obtained in this price range. After approximately three months of researching, driving and evaluating numerous vehicles, I finally placed an order for the X5 M50i. Build specs are as follows:
Dravit Grey Metallic
Black Extended Merino Leather
Anthracite Brown Poplar Matte Trim
22" M Double-spoke black wheels, style 742M w/ performance non run-flat tires
Driving Assistance Professional Package
Executive Package
Parking Assistance Package
M Sport Brakes with Blue Calipers
Extended Shadowline Trim
Front and Rear Heated Seats
Heated Front Seats, Armrests & Steering Wheel
Front Massaging Seats
Trailer Hitch
Space-saver spare
The order was placed on 4/2/21, and was scheduled for production on 4/8/21. I plan to take delivery at the PDC, and am looking forward to the 1,000 mile return trip to Oklahoma. I'll provide pics and write up of the PDC experience, as well as my first impressions of driving this vehicle. Being that I've been driving either an F150 SuperCrew or a Toyota FJ Cruiser for the last 16 years, I' sure this will be completely different. Truly looking forward to the experience!