[Cityman]

I have a loaded 50e on order with prodction date of March 11. Outright cash purchase of $90,855 before sales tax/tags/title. So far I’ve just put $500 deposit down. Never owned a BMW before and currently have a fullsize Yukon Denali and I want something more sporty and agile. I’m tired of driving a what feels like a houseboat. Fell in love with the X5 after test driving Genesis, Lexus and finally an X5. I liked the noticeable horsepower difference between the base x5 and 50e, and thought I’d dip my toes in the electric world, so to speak, without going fully EV. My daily commute is about 25 miles r/t, so if I want to I could do that totally on battery. I’d probably install a level 2 charger in my garage for convenience. The problems I’ve been reading related to the 50e has me a little worried about what I’m getting into after spending that much money. For approximately $10k more, I can get a nicely loaded M60i. My window to change my mind is obviously closing. Any thoughts/opinions would be appreciated. Thanks

[Brayden Marshall-BMW P.S]

if you want more torque from the electric side, and more of just a comfy ride to work along with fuel efficient not saying both are not for what they are the 50e just does that a little better, but if that's what you're looking for I would go with 50e but if you want that screaming v8 and way more power id say stick with the m60i and it also has all the cool m badging on the outside along with bigger wheels and overall more sporty feel, and still get's good gas mileage for it being a sporty SUV. both are great options but the m60 overall is what i would pick

[gadgetfreak2024]

We haven’t had any issues with our 50e. But I know that’s not true for everyone. So take that for what it is.

We do love the fact that we have done 80+% of our 6000+ miles in electric only. We put in a level 2 charger and it’s approx three hours from 0 to 100%. Super convenient to nearly always have range on tap.

Every now and then I put the machine into sport and am impressed by its power (and noise!). But I rarely feel like I’m lacking for the power we need in pure electric. It’s just like we have this beast lurking for the few times we want to unleash it.

I guess the question for you is whether you generally want spirited driving or if your daily commute at 25 miles is generally pretty uninspiring from a speed and aggressiveness perspective. When we bought our 2011 50i I thought we would really enjoy taking advantage of the power regularly. But mostly we just wanted to get from A to B. I will say I definitely prefer the 2011’s steering feel to that of the 2024 — but don’t know if the 60i would be different on that front. Seems like steering is less communicative in many modern BMWs.

So overall we like the dual nature of the 50e and really enjoy the efficiency we get. I’m sure the 60i’s chassis and balance may be nicer than the noticeably heavy 50e. But again the percent of time we would notice that is likely <5% of our time behind the wheel.

That’s just our experience. Take it for what you will. Good luck with the decision!

[Jason60051]

I’m in the same predicament…I’m torn between a 50e and m60. I’ve read things about the LCI version of both. Check engine light etc with the 50e and with the m60i I am reading the auto start/stop can be annoying not being able to turn it off completely (not necessarily a deal breaker).

[achawla10]

Go with the m60! No one has ever said “man I wish I didn’t have this extra horsepower!”

[dwwStL]

Welcome to the forum.

This is really a personal choice so it's hard to advise. I will say I'm very happy with my 50e. My 2021X540i lease was up and I decided to give the PHEV a shot. For me, this had nothing to do with power. For my needs the 40i at 375 HP has more than enough power for an SUV. And I like HP. I can drive my daily routine on all electric and I wanted to see what the electric fuss was all about.

Within the first 100 miles, I got the high voltage system warning screen that told me I could continue to drive normally which I have and 700 miles later, it has never returned.

Finally, if you buy any EV, even a PHEV, you really need to spring for level 2 in home charging, or you won't enjoy the EV benefits. In another recent thread, a new 50e owner is complaining because it takes 30+ hours to charge on the 110v outlet.

I'm happy with my choice. YMMV.

[shawn91]

Go for the M60i. You won't regret it

[JoeAyalaM]

M60i all the time, if you would like a more spirited driving, the additional weight of the 50e limits cornering capability and driving fun.

And, there's certainly the concern for the electrical system and batteries reliability.

The downside is the fuel consumption but it will be less than the Yukon anyway.

[Cityman]

Originally Posted by JoeAyalaM

M60i all the time, if you would like a more spirited driving, the additional weight of the 50e limits cornering capability and driving fun.

And, there's certainly the concern for the electrical system and batteries reliability.

The downside is the fuel consumption but it will be less than the Yukon anyway.

I average 16-17mpg city/hw combined in Yukon. And it’s the opposite of a sporty/spirited drive. Fuel economy isn’t a huge deal for me.

[Treeboy]

You can read all the threads here about 50e and M60i (I recommend it, if you have time to do so), and it will still likely be inconclusive in regards to your decision. I do not think BMW expected that so many people will be crossshoping those 2 trims, but you are definitely not alone.
I was in the same situation 3 months ago. Putting level 2 charger in my garage would be fairly easy, commute of less than 30 miles etc.
If you worry most about ASS on the M60i, it is really smooth. For me it is little concerning about engine stopping when in the process of parking in a tight spot, but I still cannot comment, if that is a problem or no.
There are really small things that bother me a little, but they are related to LCI, not M60i specific. And it is not about lack of physical buttons.
Yes, the engine sound extremely muted after cold start, I think they drop the ball there. But in some way this is personal preference too. I never went aftermarket with my cars exhaust. This might be the first time I would consider the hassle of it. But I knew about this upfront.
So far no regrets.

[TheCookieMonster]

Very happy with my 50e, even though it had to be serviced a month into ownership. Went from an F90 M5 to the 50e.

Being able to drive all electric is great. I am the type that hates minor inconveniences. Going to the gas station is a chore for me, not having to go is a relief.

Silent preconditioning on the 50e is amazing.

I believe the M60 has auto start stop which can’t be disabled unless you always drive in sport mode. Thats a dealbreaker for me personally.

The 50e on air suspension and 20 inch non runflats is very comfy. Comfort is my priority, not speed or sportiness. The 50e in sport mode is no slouch however. The B58 purrs and satisfies me enough with help from the electric motor.

The M60 is also apparently quieter than the M50. You will have to modify the exhaust to hear something desirable.

At the end of the day its on you. Think about whats really important in your use case and make a rational decision.

[Cityman]

Originally Posted by TheCookieMonster

Very happy with my 50e, even though it had to be serviced a month into ownership. Went from an F90 M5 to the 50e.

Being able to drive all electric is great. I am the type that hates minor inconveniences. Going to the gas station is a chore for me, not having to go is a relief.

Silent preconditioning on the 50e is amazing.

I believe the M60 has auto start stop which can’t be disabled unless you always drive in sport mode. Thats a dealbreaker for me personally.

The 50e on air suspension and 20 inch non runflats is very comfy. Comfort is my priority, not speed or sportiness. The 50e in sport mode is no slouch however. The B58 purrs and satisfies me enough with help from the electric motor.

The M60 is also apparently quieter than the M50. You will have to modify the exhaust to hear something desirable.

At the end of the day its on you. Think about whats really important in your use case and make a rational decision.

I test drove a 40i and then 50e, and immediately liked the 50e better. A week later I drove the M60, but not very far. Honestly, I couldn’t tell that much difference between 50e and 60, but the test drive was admittedly too short. 50e has ventilated seats and for some reason 60 does not. Being from Texas, all my vehicles have that. Regarding pre-conditioning, does this would work well for air conditioning if it’s sitting in the hot sun and I want to cool it off before jumping in? Since it doesn’t have remote start, I’m sure hoping the pre-conditioning will cool the car in the summer if there’s enough battery charge. Letting your ICE idle with the AC on is not efficient anyway, so I was thinking the battery cooled AC would get cold immediately, even while parked.

[TheCookieMonster]

Originally Posted by Cityman

I test drove a 40i and then 50e, and immediately liked the 50e better. A week later I drove the M60, but not very far. Honestly, I couldn’t tell that much difference between 50e and 60, but the test drive was admittedly too short. 50e has ventilated seats and for some reason 60 does not. Being from Texas, all my vehicles have that. Regarding pre-conditioning, does this would work well for air conditioning if it’s sitting in the hot sun and I want to cool it off before jumping in? Since it doesn’t have remote start, I’m sure hoping the pre-conditioning will cool the car in the summer if there’s enough battery charge. Letting your ICE idle with the AC on is not efficient anyway, so I was thinking the battery cooled AC would get cold immediately, even while parked.

Yep, preconditioning works both ways. Worked fine when it was hot outside. Car cooled down quickly.

How are the ventilated seats in your current cars? People here complain about the lack of cooling in the ventilated seats. They don’t cool your back, they just provide air flow. I enjoy the ventilated seats, they do their job just fine.

[Cityman]

Originally Posted by TheCookieMonster

Yep, preconditioning works both ways. Worked fine when it was hot outside. Car cooled down quickly.

How are the ventilated seats in your current cars? People here complain about the lack of cooling in the ventilated seats. They don’t cool your back, they just provide air flow. I enjoy the ventilated seats, they do their job just fine.

Works fine in current vehicles, but only after cabin is cool and seat fans can circulate that cooled air. I understand BMW’s ventilated seats function by reversing/sucking air. Ventilated seats of any kind really shine on long trips to keep you from sweating with the leather seats. Good news that pre-conditioning cools well!

[RNorb]

I've been considering the 50e from the start one factor being the ASS problem with the other X5 Models. But as the CEL/Drive Train/road noise issues mounted I've switch focus to the M60i. I assume it would be easy to flick the shift lever to "S" in a forward parking/creeping situation. But does that work in reverse? Does ASS activate when parking/driving in reverse? That would really be a pain!

[Nooch]

Originally Posted by TheCookieMonster

The 50e on air suspension and 20 inch non runflats is very comfy. Comfort is my priority, not speed or sportiness.

Did you notice a big difference when switching to non-rfts on the 50e?

[Cityman]

After doing research, I ordered the 20” squared r/f tire setup. Supposedly much smoother, and higher sidewall which better protects wheels. I figured the same size tire would be easiser to maintain (rotate, etc.).

[TheCookieMonster]

Originally Posted by Nooch

Did you notice a big difference when switching to non-rfts on the 50e?

Not an earth shattering difference, but definitely noticeable. Rides smoother and potholes are a little less jarring

[RNorb]

Originally Posted by TheCookieMonster

The 50e on air suspension and 20 inch non runflats is very comfy. Comfort is my priority, not speed or sportiness. .

The M60i has optional air suspension and standard 20" tires.

[Kevo80]

M60 all day long. Love mine. The future will have plenty of (better) electric and hybrid options. Soak up the magic of the V8 while you can. It’s a fascinating combination of power and finesse.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by Cityman

50e has ventilated seats and for some reason 60 does not. Being from Texas, all my vehicles have that. .

? Ventilated seats are standard on the M60i.

[BlkGS]

They're very different vehicles. The 50e is quick, but that isn't it's focus, more like a byproduct. The M60i is intended as a sporty ride, focusing on ha dling and grip more than the 50e does.

They're kind of aimed at different people. The 50e is the one that an accountant would pick. The M60i is the one for the guy who had a sports car but that sports car landed him with kids to cart around.

IMO, treat yo self the the M60i. Probably have better resale too, since V8s aren't getting more common and there will be a newer, better PHEV in a few years.