[Bankerbry]

Hello to everyone on the X5M forum. I'm wondering if I could get your opinions on the ride quality of a 21-23 X5M?
I currently own a M8 Competition Gran Coupe and absolutely love everything about it, including the ride quality. (Obviously it's not an X7, but I'm very happy with the compromise)
With winter approaching I'm considering moving into an X5M, but having owned a 18 I'm a bit concerned with the comfort as a daily driver. Both my wife and I could hardly stand our previous X5M because the ride was so stiff, it was brutal driving around town. I've been so happy with my M8, I'm hoping the newer model X5M's will provide the same balance between comfort & sport.
Any thoughts on this would be appreciated.
Thank you

[akoni210]

my 2021 rides great, i love it.

I wouldnt think that it is stiff at all. comfort driving is relaxing

[cmyx6go]

You have to test drive it. Ride is so subjective. What is perfect for me can be too harsh for you.

[BobsM3Coupe]

Originally Posted by cmyx6go

You have to test drive it. Ride is so subjective. What is perfect for me can be too harsh for you.

Exactly.

[Tejas1836]

I like to discern driving over 1 quarter vs 2 quarters

[mencio]

Had a 2018 X5M for 1 year and a half and now recently traded for a 2024 X5M. The 24 rides miles better and to me feel so much more composed and yes less bouncy. I would use “more firm”, more refined and sporty (newer components) and much more to the level of a car of that price. I would not use the word harsher, doesn’t feel that way.

BUT if the 18 felt way too harsh for you then you’ll probably want to stay away from any newer ones. If you’re looking for floaty and plush ride you might need to consider a GLE or Audi.

[Bankerbry]

Originally Posted by Tejas1836

I like to discern driving over 1 quarter vs 2 quarters

This was extremely helpful, thank you. 🙄

[DrummerX6m]

2020 X5 s drive is stiff...
2021 X6M competition really stiff
But my 2014 550i is a flying sofa, the best for daily drives.

[Jetrik]

My 21’ rides great. Knowing what I’m in, it makes sense the way it feels. Just avoid those potholes at all costs.

[ipayincash]

It really is about personal preference and since you are familiar and drive a M8 I believe you'll love it. For me it is stiff but that was understood as a x5m is a performance SUV. Its literally a supercar just lifted a bit lol. You want fast and super plush the Bentley Bentayga is just that. For anybody thinking its not stiff as hell try jumping out of a Bentayga that does the same 0-60 in 3.6sec.....

[blake6551]

I don't think my '23 is that stiff. Maybe slightly more jarring over certain imperfections than my '22 M50i, but the handling is night and day better than an M-Sport version so the tradeoff is worth it. I've taken multiple 5hr+ day trips, no issues on any roads.

[Bankerbry]

Originally Posted by blake6551

I don't think my '23 is that stiff. Maybe slightly more jarring over certain imperfections than my '22 M50i, but the handling is night and day better than an M-Sport version so the tradeoff is worth it. I've taken multiple 5hr+ day trips, no issues on any roads.

This is what I'm hoping for, and I agree with you. My expectations aren't for a 7 series like ride, I want the handling and driving experience to be much more engaged. Just not jaw jarring. 😀
My wife currently has a 20 X7 M50 which we both love, but I have to say that after driving my M8 it really makes me understand the difference. The X7 feels like it's floating down the road and the loose steering takes some getting used to again.
I appreciate the reply. Thank you

[TahoeM3]

If you thought the 18 was too stiff, this won’t be a good choice. It’s as stiff or stiffer, but at least it’s not as stiff as the X3M.

[///Armin]

Obviously, everyone's definition of stiffness or loudness varies, best to test drive it. It also depends on where you live and how the roads are. But from what I have heard from a few other owners, the previous gen X5M was pretty firm, this new gen is completely different. They have done a fantastic job with the suspension, even in Sports mode it's not too bouncy or firm. I have owned multiple older X5 50is and could not stand sport mode, it made the car too bouncy. Overall with the X5M you just get a lot more for the money compared to the reg X5s.

Recently I even lowered on MSS springs, surprisingly it's still handling like factory maybe even better without any additional firmness or being too bouncy.

[UltraDave]

It is a bit firm when driving on uneven pavement. However, you can drop the air pressure a couple LBs under recommended and it makes a difference.

[1STRS]

I was concerned about the same, so opted for Air suspension on X5 M60i. My Audi RSQ8 has air suspension and I love it.

[r33_RGSport]

Hmm, if you think F85 is stiff, I don’t recommend the F95.
F85 was too soft to me, hating how it droves. But loving the F95, even my X3MC and current XM.
Only having problem with the wheel gap.

[cobramite]

It can really depend on your roads. Western PA where I used to live was a nightmare vs the flat smooth roads here in S Florida. An area where pot holes and generally rough cracked pavement are common may not work so well at the full M but it may be fine when smooth and level is the norm in a particular area.

[S68 X5MC]

Has anyone moved form a pre LCI X5M to LCI X5M and noticed a suspension difference in comfort? I've started to see some reviews on Youtube saying that there is a difference but wanted to see if there are others on here that feel the same way.

[schaeffs888]

Originally Posted by TheMadVeteran

Has anyone moved form a pre LCI X5M to LCI X5M and noticed a suspension different in comfort? I've started to see some reviews on Youtube saying that there is a difference but wanted to see if there are other on here that feel the same way.

Also interested in this one - going to try and drive BTB and see soon.

[zipsjr]

Just came from an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quad, in race mode it is very stiff with thin tires. I am missing the stiffness I felt in that car in my 2022 X5M Comp. In comfort mode it rides like a dream. In sport mode it gets me close to the stiffness of my car, which I'm assuming is similar to your M8.

I wouldn't worry about stiffness in this vehicle.

[Nykrayz]

Originally Posted by S68 X5MC

Has anyone moved form a pre LCI X5M to LCI X5M and noticed a suspension difference in comfort? I've started to see some reviews on Youtube saying that there is a difference but wanted to see if there are others on here that feel the same way.

Ok so here is my opinion. Keep in mind this is all subjective. What’s stiff to me could be soft to someone else and vice versa

So I just traded 2021 x5m comp for 2024 x5m

I drove about 370 miles back home since out of state purchase. Granted it was mostly highway driving

To me I feel lci stock suspension is softer than pre lci. Now with that being said I also had my 2021 lowered on mss springs. I definitely do remember the ride being softer post lowering it. So far I would say to me at least the suspension on lci is very similar to after I lowered my 2021 with mss springs

Tires are same I had Michelins before and same now