[Jen4BMW]

I've been working really hard on both a 2025 X5 xDrive40i and X6 xDrive40i build to replace my 2022 X3 M40i coming off lease and would appreciate the communities thoughts. My M40i is so-so-so close to perfection (minus the seats and harsh M Sport Adaptive Suspension) it might be nearly impossible to find a legit upgrade that isn't $90K+.

I am leaning heavily towards the X6 xDrive40i because right now its being offered with optional 2-axle air suspension which is intriguing plus I can still option in M Sport Professional which I like. $86K on my build feels a little excessive versus the X3 M40i at $70K but I just can't do a 4th X3 and the G45 is not even remotely enticing.

Has anyone gone from a 2022 or 2023 M40i to the 2025 X6 with air? I drove a 2025 X5 50e last week and it felt a little too heavy and a little too floaty and than there's the CEL issue- no thanks. Too bad too because the engine and overall package is so good.

Truth be told I want a something super close to how a 2024 Macan S and/or GTS drives/handles with air (without the $20-$30K Porsche tax). Had BMW thrown a little more power at the X6 xDrive40i it would have really been awesome but with the air suspension this is feeling like a good upgrade from the M40i even if its slightly slower.

The M60 is tempting but $100K- ugh.

Please share your thoughts!

[TurtleBoy]

Suspension feel is a personal preference so you likely are going to get opinions all over the spectrum and none will apply. I personally don't find the AS floaty but that is based on my perception, expectations and driving style. Does it feel as good as my M340i when driven in certain situations, absolutely not but I don't expect it to or drive the same way.

Good luck with your decision.

[Jen4BMW]

Thanks for weighing in Turtleboy. Great points!

To bolt on I think the M sport adaptive suspension in the LCI 2022 M40i improved greatly over earlier iterations. It’s good but not great in my opinion. The Macan suspension is black magic. It’s scary good….just super spendy in the fun models.

Adding air with adaptive might be the missing puzzle piece in terms of suspension setup for the 2025 X6.

Does the 50e have adaptive? Can’t recall.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by Jen4BMW

Thanks for weighing in Turtleboy. Great points!

To bolt on I think the M sport adaptive suspension in the LCI 2022 M40i improved greatly over earlier iterations. It’s good but not great in my opinion. The Macan suspension is black magic. It’s scary good….just super spendy in the fun models.

Adding air with adaptive might be the missing puzzle piece in terms of suspension setup for the 2025 X6.

Does the 50e have adaptive? Can’t recall.

All G05/G06 suspensions are adaptive. There is no adding, when you choose are suspension then that replaces the sport/M Sport suspension.

[Aussiejem]

Driven both... air suspension great

[spoodle]

I sold a 24 Macan S with air suspension to buy my X5 M60i. I was looking for the same as you - something close to how the Macan drove. After driving the normal X5 suspension, I found it was too soft for me personally with too much body roll. I optioned my build with Adaptive M Suspension Professional and I’m so glad I did. I was surprised to read in your post you thought it was harsh! I drive in sport mode on surface streets nearly 100% of the time and in comfort on the freeway. I prefer a firmer ride and even in the Macan I had the suspension set to a stiffer setting. Lots of people here prefer the air suspension on the X5, but if you’re looking to get close to the Macan ride, I don’t think the air suspension is it. To me, the adaptive M suspension pro comes closest.

No, the X5 doesn’t drive exactly like the Macan (which is perfection for me), it sits taller and is heavier, but it’s an incredible ride and the HP and torque blow the Macan away. The M60i’s styling, comfort, technology, power and ride make it a Goldilocks vehicle as far as I’m concerned. I would never go back to the Macan after owning the M60i.

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by spoodle

I optioned my build with Adaptive M Suspension Professional and I’m so glad I did. I was surprised to read in your post you thought it was harsh!

OP is referring to the M Sport suspension on the X3 M40i being harsh not the Adaptive M Suspension Professional on the X5/X6.

[Mattl0806]

I think for you to go from the x3 m40 to a x5/6 40i you must be at a place to accept the x5 as not one that is going to offer an exhilarating driving experience. Are you at this place yet? Sure the 40i is still plenty quick, and I think that’s why many believe it to be a good alternative, but it is noticeable slower and most importantly it does not call you to push it. It’s a very very different drive IMO.


If you’re not at the pure cruising point in your life I would strongly encourage you to step up the m60 or a slighted used CPO m50. The m50s are selling at great discounts with the LCI and are phenomenal cars.

I would also agree to check out the professional suspension setup as this will make the x5 feel more on rails with less body roll.

I’d be very curious to hear thoughts from people comparing handling of the x5 m50/m60 with the pro setup to the x3 m40. I might be inclined to say the x5 could be better….

[BlkGS]

You can't expect a much larger vehicle like the X5 or X6 to handle like the slightly larger hatchback that the Macan is. X5 is 10-20% larger in every dimension.

While the X5 handles great, especially with M Pro and DHP, it's not going to have the same feel as the much smaller Macan.

I think you're going to end up disappointed if you're comparing it to an idealized Macan. Macan doesn't ride magically better than X3 for instance. I think you're gonna be a lot happier just getting the Macan. If you have heartburn over the price (which is totally fair they're massively overpriced), go for a CPO one and get what you really want.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

You can't expect a much larger vehicle like the X5 or X6 to handle like the slightly larger hatchback that the Macan is. X5 is 10-20% larger in every dimension.

While the X5 handles great, especially with M Pro and DHP, it's not going to have the same feel as the much smaller Macan.

I think you're going to end up disappointed if you're comparing it to an idealized Macan. Macan doesn't ride magically better than X3 for instance. I think you're gonna be a lot happier just getting the Macan. If you have heartburn over the price (which is totally fair they're massively overpriced), go for a CPO one and get what you really want.

I think we often fantasize these magical mythical car experiences. And I’ll leave the door open that maybe it’s true for a 911. But, I think if given enough seat time in the Macan - it would normalize to slightly better than the x3 and most people probably regret the 30k more spent lol. We want what we can’t have until we have it…

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

I think we often fantasize these magical mythical car experiences. And I’ll leave the door open that maybe it’s true for a 911. But, I think if given enough seat time in the Macan - it would normalize to slightly better than the x3 and most people probably regret the 30k more spent lol. We want what we can’t have until we have it…

I never found Macan that comfortable. It's just, very, very small. I'm not a huge guy either, 6'2 and 205lbs. Macan always felt like an oversized hatchback to me, kinds tight inside, and ride quality wasmt that great.

The 911 similarly is not as magical as the press would have you believe. Again, they're tight inside, and they're unique in their driving experience. But they're not flawless magical vehicles that do everything perfectly. They're halo cars that people will excuse the misgivings of because it's their dream car, or it's their current way to show they'll spend more money than you.

[cwbrow2]

Originally Posted by Jen4BMW

I've been working really hard on both a 2025 X5 xDrive40i and X6 xDrive40i build to replace my 2022 X3 M40i coming off lease and would appreciate the communities thoughts. My M40i is so-so-so close to perfection (minus the seats and harsh M Sport Adaptive Suspension) it might be nearly impossible to find a legit upgrade that isn't $90K+.

I am leaning heavily towards the X6 xDrive40i because right now its being offered with optional 2-axle air suspension which is intriguing plus I can still option in M Sport Professional which I like. $86K on my build feels a little excessive versus the X3 M40i at $70K but I just can't do a 4th X3 and the G45 is not even remotely enticing.

Has anyone gone from a 2022 or 2023 M40i to the 2025 X6 with air? I drove a 2025 X5 50e last week and it felt a little too heavy and a little too floaty and than there's the CEL issue- no thanks. Too bad too because the engine and overall package is so good.

Truth be told I want a something super close to how a 2024 Macan S and/or GTS drives/handles with air (without the $20-$30K Porsche tax). Had BMW thrown a little more power at the X6 xDrive40i it would have really been awesome but with the air suspension this is feeling like a good upgrade from the M40i even if its slightly slower.

The M60 is tempting but $100K- ugh.

Please share your thoughts!

Just my opinion, I've had both a 2019 X3m40i (farts and pops exhaust) and a 2022 X3m40i (no farts and pops but noticeably more power) to a 2024 X40i with M Sport pro. To me, the X5 adaptive M suspension is more than adequate to handle the additional weight of this vehicle. Sure, the air suspension would probably make it better, especially for the step in/out, but when I put it in comfort sport this thing is level while aggressively taking turns/corners. I haven't really pushed it as I am breaking it in but the ride is soo much better in the X5. Plush but still sporty. I would say it's an adult sporty vice the teenage thumpiness of the X3m40i. I am also on 22" 742m wheels which don't help the ride quality. I have no regrets and neither does my back.

[MissVito]

I had the 2 axle air suspension on my ‘21 M50 and I loved it. I liked how it would lower itself when in sport, I liked being able to make it low for my elderly family members and dogs to get in. I meant to order it in my ‘24 I just got in November. I ordered the M Sport professional dynamic handling pro (not sure if it’s the correct term) but unfortunately I didn’t notice that ordering that deleted the air suspension because you can’t have both. 😞 I was really bummed. This new one rides really nice but I thought the air suspension handled better. Right away I noticed more body lean than my M50 when going around traffic circles and winding roads. If I get another one I’ll definitely get the air suspension.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by MissVito

I had the 2 axle air suspension on my ‘21 M50 and I loved it. I liked how it would lower itself when in sport, I liked being able to make it low for my elderly family members and dogs to get in. I meant to order it in my ‘24 I just got in November. I ordered the M Sport professional dynamic handling pro (not sure if it’s the correct term) but unfortunately I didn’t notice that ordering that deleted the air suspension because you can’t have both. 😞 I was really bummed. This new one rides really nice but I thought the air suspension handled better. Right away I noticed more body lean than my M50 when going around traffic circles and winding roads. If I get another one I’ll definitely get the air suspension.

WOW this is the complete opposite of how the two setups are typically compared to each other. Air being softer , floatier and leans more. The dynamic handling package (pro setup) having the anti roll bars - is thought of to offer the best suspension and flattest in turns

[2022X6]

I also surprisingly very much disliked the Dynamic Handling package & just went back to Air Suspension, it’s fantastic .

[skiboy]

I’m pulling the trigger on a 2025 X5 M60i mostly because I really notice the difference in a truck with, and without, integral active steering. I was going to add
Adaptive M Suspension Pro for $2,200 but noticed in the ordering guide that would delete IAS. If so, does anyone understand the rationale for that?

I drive the Taconic Parkway and Connecticut back roads a lot, so I figured I’d really enjoy the upgraded suspension. My current 2019 x5 40i has air suspension and I find it a bit “floaty”.

Perhaps someone can give me some insight into specifically what one gets when ordering Adaptive M Suspension Professional, or maybe the air suspension in the M60i is a better choice? - putting aside the personal preference aspects and just looking for what these 2 options actually do to the car.
Thanks!

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by skiboy

I’m pulling the trigger on a 2025 X5 M60i mostly because I really notice the difference in a truck with, and without, integral active steering. I was going to add
Adaptive M Suspension Pro for $2,200 but noticed in the ordering guide that would delete IAS. If so, does anyone understand the rationale for that?

I drive the Taconic Parkway and Connecticut back roads a lot, so I figured I’d really enjoy the upgraded suspension. My current 2019 x5 40i has air suspension and I find it a bit “floaty”.

Perhaps someone can give me some insight into specifically what one gets when ordering Adaptive M Suspension Professional, or maybe the air suspension in the M60i is a better choice? - putting aside the personal preference aspects and just looking for what these 2 options actually do to the car.
Thanks!

I think this is wrong.
In the pre-LCI the DHP package included the active sway bars and IAS. It was the only way to get IAS. But in the LCI they made IAS standard. It wouldn’t make sense to delete it with the pro suspension. Others can can please confirm? I’d be more prone to believe opting for air suspension would delete not the professional setup.

[bubbajk]

The ordering guide says that 2VW will delete STD or 100% equipment 2VH.

2VW Adaptive M Suspension Professional
2VH Integral Active Steering

I was leaning toward the professional suspension, but the IAS is probably the more useful of the two in day to day driving. Can anyone more knowledgable confirm?

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by bubbajk

The ordering guide says that 2VW will delete STD or 100% equipment 2VH.

2VW Adaptive M Suspension Professional
2VH Integral Active Steering

I was leaning toward the professional suspension, but the IAS is probably the more useful of the two in day to day driving. Can anyone more knowledgable confirm?

Unless there was a big change that we haven't seen, this is not correct, IAS is standard and not deleted with Adaptive M Suspension Professional. Likely a mistake in the pricing guide since IAS is needed to emulate the former DHP.

[skiboy]

The description of the Pro system per the web site is “Offers greater agility and precise response by lowering the chassis and electronically adjusting the dampers from sportingly tight to relaxed and comfortable. This feature adds Active Roll Stabilization to further improve suspension geometry and allow for less "lean" around bends. At lower speeds, you'll experience a sharper turning radius, making parking and cornering easier. At higher speeds, increased vehicle stability will make lane changes more comfortable.” Which is exactly what I’m looking for.

Is this the same Adaptive Suspension as what’s in the 40i M sport designation?

[leightos]

Originally Posted by skiboy

The description of the Pro system per the web site is “Offers greater agility and precise response by lowering the chassis and electronically adjusting the dampers from sportingly tight to relaxed and comfortable. This feature adds Active Roll Stabilization to further improve suspension geometry and allow for less "lean" around bends. At lower speeds, you'll experience a sharper turning radius, making parking and cornering easier. At higher speeds, increased vehicle stability will make lane changes more comfortable.” Which is exactly what I’m looking for.

Is this the same Adaptive Suspension as what’s in the 40i M sport designation?

Does anyone know how this Adaptive M Suspension Pro compares to the 2024 XM suspension? I love my XM but it is harsh coming from a 45e Air suspension. I didn't notice how stiff in my test rides. But once I got it in my home neighborhood I could tell how harsh compared to roads I've been driving on daily with a 45e for years.

If I get a "do-over" and get to choose a X5/X6 model, I'd like something a bit softer and am hoping the Adaptive M Suspension Pro will be that "in-between" suspension - in between the XM harsher ride and the Air suspension more floaty ride.

cheers

[aussieintexas]

Originally Posted by leightos

Does anyone know how this Adaptive M Suspension Pro compares to the 2024 XM suspension? I love my XM but it is harsh coming from a 45e Air suspension. I didn't notice how stiff in my test rides. But once I got it in my home neighborhood I could tell how harsh compared to roads I've been driving on daily with a 45e for years.

If I get a "do-over" and get to choose a X5/X6 model, I'd like something a bit softer and am hoping the Adaptive M Suspension Pro will be that "in-between" suspension - in between the XM harsher ride and the Air suspension more floaty ride.

cheers

I can’t compare with XM but can compare Adaptive M pro on my 24 M60 against Air on a ‘21 45e.
The M60 ride is excellent. Very comfortable but also handles excellent (I am coming from a X3MC which was really harsh) and feels very poised. It is not, however, as comfortable as the 45e air. Definitely notice the difference but only on really harsh stuff. I never really found the air suspension floaty though and think it did a pretty good job handling the heavy X5 45e and I have down plenty of mountain ski trips with challenging roads. I am so glad I got the adaptive M pro as it is still comfortable with great handling. I was tempted to get the air given the positive experience of air on the 45e.
I can compare adaptive M pro with the M suspension on th X3M C and there is no comparison. X3MC beat the crapnpit of me - in comfort mode. So that may be comparable to the XM.
It is interesting though - I had a F80 M3 before the X3M C and I felt the ride was SO much better going from M3 to the X3M C.
EDIT- I meant to make a comment on the IAS. I like the steering on the LCI. Granted it is a lot lighter than the X3M but it is solid and sure footed. I am not sure how much of this is contributed to the IAS but I expect it is a bit. One thing for certain is that the turning circle with the IAS is ridiculous. I have a direct comparison to the 45e and also coming from the X3. This thing turns on a dime. I have had instances where I thought there was no way I was going to make this turn (u-turn etc) but it does.