[NGT2]

I’ve got a 2020 M550. Love it but may look to trade it for other reasons. Anyone move from M550 to X5 M50? If so, how do you like it? Is the X5 still pretty fun to drive?

[bandersen]

I had a 2002 540 (V8) with a Dinan Stage 1. Manual. Loved it. Also (wife) had an era equivalent X5 with the 8. Great car/loved it..

Currently in a 22 X5 40. With the mild hybrid. Wicked fast. Summer tires. Love it.

Thought hard about getting the X550. $15k or so more in 2022. Didn’t have mild hybrid (for the acceleration/not mileage). You’ll love it. Be sure to get the dynamic handling package…even tighter.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I’ve got a 2020 M550. Love it but may look to trade it for other reasons. Anyone move from M550 to X5 M50? If so, how do you like it? Is the X5 still pretty fun to drive?

Like me, it didn’t take you very long to find your way over to the G05 forum after that m550 purchase last year . I hope you’ve been well.

IMO - the m550 felt noticeably faster and handled better - I had a 23 with DHP ….

I haven’t owned an x5 m50 with DHP so I’m only speaking to to stock suspension. I’ve test driven one but didn’t get to push hard.

EOD moot point, as my general feeling is if I had to have 1, it would be the x5. It’s the better choice for 95/100 trips I’ll take in the car. I just much prefer the easier egress and higher ride height. But, for those occasional times you find yourself in a really fun spot, the x5 cannot replace the sedan, but it will still be fun as heck… it’s all relative here.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Like me, it didn’t take you very long to find your way over to the G05 forum after that m550 purchase last year . I hope you’ve been well.

IMO - the m550 felt noticeably faster and handled better - I had a 23 with DHP ….

I haven’t owned an x5 m50 with DHP so I’m only speaking to to stock suspension. I’ve test driven one but didn’t get to push hard.

EOD moot point, as my general feeling is if I had to have 1, it would be the x5. It’s the better choice for 95/100 trips I’ll take in the car. I just much prefer the easier egress and higher ride height. But, for those occasional times you find yourself in a really fun spot, the x5 cannot replace the sedan, but it will still be fun as heck… it’s all relative here.

I find the X5 M50 and X6 M50 both attractive. I used to be more interested in the X3 M40 but I drove a M440 recently and was completely underwhelmed. I’m spoiled on torque and raw horsepower.

I still find the M550 to be a perfect daily driver for me. The only time it’s not is when the dogs need to go somewhere. And my wife’s X7 takes care of that. So I’m not down on the M550. But my wife has been talking about the X5 a lot so my car buying itch got mildly triggered. I think she’ll get over it and I’ll stay with my G30. But I always look at the X5 M50’s when I’m entertaining myself on the BMW pre owned site.

I’m actually pretty interested in the X6 M50. Little more bold looking. I’ve read it handles better because of a low center of gravity. I don’t do much driving on twisting highways. I have DHP and the M550 handles great for its size and weight but it’s still more muscle car than sports car. It plays in both lanes really well, but it’s all relative to what you’re comparing it to. That said, I think the X6 M50, especially with DHP, would handle everywhere I drive great.

End of the day, I love the idea of the same V8 in an SUV small enough to have some fun in. I wouldn’t have buyers remorse buying one, I don’t think. But unless I have a good reason, I’ll have sellers remorse losing the M550. It’s an incredible car. But since my wife brought it up, I thought I should come here and get you guys’ opinions.

Did you test the X6 or just the X5?

[NGT2]

Mattl0806 also, I’d expect the sedan to handle better. But I’m concerned with you saying the M550 felt noticeably faster. I was hoping the X5/X6 would feel about as fast, even though I know the M550 is said to be a few tenths quicker to 60, per BMW.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Mattl0806 also, I’d expect the sedan to handle better. But I’m concerned with you saying the M550 felt noticeably faster. I was hoping the X5/X6 would feel about as fast, even though I know the M550 is said to be a few tenths quicker to 60, per BMW.

Others may feel different. The x5 m50 is fast for sure and you absolutely don’t need anything faster, but I think they are quoted by bmw .5s apart 3.6 vs 4.1? (If I recall correctly). It’s the same powerplant with a lot more weight. As one would assume, it takes just a fraction longer to get it going and seat of the pants I can feel this difference.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Others may feel different. The x5 m50 is fast for sure and you absolutely don’t need anything faster, but I think they are quoted by bmw .5s apart 3.6 vs 4.1? (If I recall correctly). It’s the same powerplant with a lot more weight. As one would assume, it takes just a fraction longer to get it going and seat of the pants I can feel this difference.

I would assume that being higher off the ground also makes a difference in the “seat of the pants” feel of the speed.

Since you have adaptive M suspension (not DHP), do you feel much roll when changing directions? Or does it feel pretty firmly attached to the ground? Not so much in 90 degree turns but just in maneuvering through traffic, especially high speed like on the interstate. This is one reason I went to a sedan, but I was driving Tahoes and not a more midsized, German performance model SUV.

[BlkGS]

The X5 with DHP drives amazingly taut, level, and handles mind bogglingly good for a decent size SUV. I usually find that adaptive suspension stuff is a useless gimmick (looking at you magnetic ride shocks), but DHP is absolutely worth it. Frankly, it should be standard with M Performance models. It adds benefits for comfort and performance. Truly no downsides (aside from cost and complexity).

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

The X5 with DHP drives amazingly taut, level, and handles mind bogglingly good for a decent size SUV. I usually find that adaptive suspension stuff is a useless gimmick (looking at you magnetic ride shocks), but DHP is absolutely worth it. Frankly, it should be standard with M Performance models. It adds benefits for comfort and performance. Truly no downsides (aside from cost and complexity).

I have it on my 550 and I think it would be an option worth waiting and searching for on an X5/X6. I agree it makes a difference on both ends of the spectrum, comfort and performance. It is a somewhat controversial option on the 5 series forum. I feel like it’s probably less controversial on an SUV, but I’ll let y’all correct me if I’m wrong.

[BlkGS]

Originally Posted by NGT2

I have it on my 550 and I think it would be an option worth waiting and searching for on an X5/X6. I agree it makes a difference on both ends of the spectrum, comfort and performance. It is a somewhat controversial option on the 5 series forum. I feel like it’s probably less controversial on an SUV, but I’ll let y’all correct me if I’m wrong.

I think it's more controversial here because most people buy the X5 to be comfortable while riding the ass of everyone else on the road.

I didn't really care about it going in. The first X5 M50i I drove felt fine without it. The one I bought had it just by chance. It felt WAY better, and I was really surprised. Just get it, you won't regret it. Honestly, the only option available on X5 I could see regretting is tow package and alcantara headliner. Alcantara because it's a nightmare to keep the heaine nap pointed the same way, and tow package because it eliminates the kick to open for the tailgate.

All the other options, DHP, DAP, Executive, etc... they're must haves.

[Mattl0806]

Originally Posted by BlkGS

I think it's more controversial here because most people buy the X5 to be comfortable while riding the ass of everyone else on the road.

I didn't really care about it going in. The first X5 M50i I drove felt fine without it. The one I bought had it just by chance. It felt WAY better, and I was really surprised. Just get it, you won't regret it. Honestly, the only option available on X5 I could see regretting is tow package and alcantara headliner. Alcantara because it's a nightmare to keep the heaine nap pointed the same way, and tow package because it eliminates the kick to open for the tailgate.

All the other options, DHP, DAP, Executive, etc... they're must haves.

This is a good post!

[sarafil]

Originally Posted by Mattl0806

Others may feel different. The x5 m50 is fast for sure and you absolutely don’t need anything faster, but I think they are quoted by bmw .5s apart 3.6 vs 4.1? (If I recall correctly). It’s the same powerplant with a lot more weight. As one would assume, it takes just a fraction longer to get it going and seat of the pants I can feel this difference.

I have both a 2020 M550 and 2020 X5 M50. The M550 is technically faster which makes sense - same engine in lighter car. The X5 actually feels faster immediately off the line though (at least to me) because of the differences in gearing.

[CGG]

I have had three generations of the 5 series including the 550. When the lease on the sedan was up I talked myself into the X5 40i.

You can't compare any X5 to the 5 series sedan. It is like comparing an apple and a orange because they are both fruits. An SUV just cant drive like a sedan. I certainly don't bother to try and drive the X5 like I did the 550 - because you can't.


Don't get me wrong, the X5 is a very, very nice machine. Probably the best midsize SUV out there. However, when my lease is up on the X5, I am considering going back to a sedan or perhaps a wagon. I was eagerly waiting for the new 5 series to debut. Unfortunately the G60 is not a very attractive vehicle. To me both the exterior and interior refinement of the G60 is a step backward for BMW. Sadly, in real life the g60 looks as bad as it does in photos. I just don't get the Chevy Impala looks and all the black plastic cladding in the front, sides and rear of the car.

Seriously considering a wagon next. Either an Audi 6 Allroad or Mercedes E wagon since we cant get the 5 Touring. Hoping for the handling of a sedan with more space like an SUV.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by CGG

I have had three generations of the 5 series including the 550. When the lease on the sedan was up I talked myself into the X5 40i.

You can't compare any X5 to the 5 series sedan. It is like comparing an apple and a orange because they are both fruits. An SUV just cant drive like a sedan. I certainly don't bother to try and drive the X5 like I did the 550 - because you can't.


Don't get me wrong, the X5 is a very, very nice machine. Probably the best midsize SUV out there. However, when my lease is up on the X5, I am considering going back to a sedan or perhaps a wagon. I was eagerly waiting for the new 5 series to debut. Unfortunately the G60 is not a very attractive vehicle. To me both the exterior and interior refinement of the G60 is a step backward for BMW. Sadly, in real life the g60 looks as bad as it does in photos. I just don't get the Chevy Impala looks and all the black plastic cladding in the front, sides and rear of the car.

Seriously considering a wagon next. Either an Audi 6 Allroad or Mercedes E wagon since we cant get the 5 Touring. Hoping for the handling of a sedan with more space like an SUV.

I’m with you on the G60. Just can’t get there. If I stick with my 2020, I could easily see my eventual move just being to a newer, lightly used, G30 or maybe 8GC. The new BMW sedans just don’t do it for me. But I do also like the idea of the X5/X6.

Thanks for your input. That’s good insight from someone that also enjoyed the 5 series.