[Mr.blue]

Question for new X5 owners who might have owned any BMW sedans in the past, what made you switch to the SAV over the sedan such as 5series or M5 series or any series sedan? I have a 2018 M550 and I love it but I'm thinking of upgrading at the end of the year after all warranties expire. The new M550 or 5 series look great but not different enough for me to buy another yet. The X5 and X7s , preferably the 50i version, has caught my attention lately. I would most likely go for the X5 as my kids are all grown now. To be honest the X5 M is extremely sexy but will never use it to its full potential and not crazy about the idea of paying over 100 grand for a vehicle. I would really appreciate any input or advice you may have on the subject. Thanks in advance!

[Stoshu]

Four years after my wife passed away and I finally retired, I decided to move to only one car but wanted the versatility to go on trips, haul items, transport my dog, and have the ability to tow if needed and attach a bike rack. I also wanted to have the comfort and features offered by a luxury brand. The X5 M50i was an almost perfect blend of luxury, performance, and size. I also wasn’t super happy about spending ~$90,000 for a car but after having it for a month I’m glad I did.

[m3_08]

x5 45e

[jad03060]

Most of my driving is local, around town on errands, visits to the doctor, visiting local friends, shopping. I lived close to most stuff, so a typical ICE would rarely get fully warmed up which is horrible on the engine, muffler, and battery. Prior to getting the X5 45e, I had an ICE I used for longer trips, and an i3 for most of my trips as I could warm/cool it off prior to leaving, and it doesn't have a muffler, engine, oil changes, etc. to deal with. But, I was trying to get down to one vehicle, and the X5 45e had a big enough battery to handle my day-to-day running around, and the preconditioning capabilities I'd come to love on the i3, and, should I want or need more power, or to go further, an ICE that I could refill at the gas station in minutes. The 45e has enough battery capacity for most of my driving, and the ability to tow a trailer, should I decide I want to. It has more power and torque than the I6, and not as much as the V8 (especially if you get it in the competition or full M). But, the vehicle is no slouch. Running on electricity is really comforting and quiet and more than sufficient for most stuff. Yes, I know some people want to always be the first one across an intersection from a red light, but I could care less...I can easily keep up with traffic in EV mode, and if I do want to punch it, the engine is there essentially instantly, and the torque of the EV is instant from stop, whereas the ICE needs to build up at least a little rpm before that happens. Throw in the federal and maybe state and utility credits and rebates, and it can end up a lot less expensive, too. Try one, you may like it...you might hate it, but you'll never know unless you try.

[MystroX5]

X7 M50i totally loaded. Wanted a no compromise of space, luxury, and power. Full size luxury cars from my past like my A8 was too small to travel in with a family and I hate stepping down to get in a luxury vehicle. I will probably never buy a luxury sedan again even when my kids are gone. I also find a vehicle this big and handles this good far more impressive and entertaining than doing it in a sedan.

[nZtiZia]

i've driven both sedan and SUV/SAV. my wife has owned 3- and 5-series sedans for 13 years (currently 540i). i've always driven the SUV. coming from the Audi Q7 since 2010, i finally own my first BMW, the X5 45e. along with dealer incentives/rebates plus the federal and/or state tax credits or even a vehicle to trade in if u have one, the overall cost is a steal (even when heavily loaded with packages/options)!

it's perfect for my daily use-case, which are suburban commutes to work <30 miles round trip, short errands, and school pickups. i've had it almost a month, but my gas tank is still ~95% full from when i took delivery. i thoroughly enjoy the 45e for its available power, comfort and techy features!

[Lual]

Not an easy one.
Recently replaced my E70 by the new G05

Until now,
X5 for family trips, long distance, high way travel, quite roomy, better for daily / short trips to grocery shop also etc.

M5 for more sporadic trips, in a more “fancy” way, trips on mountain roads, going out with wife, etc.

With the new G05, so much advanced and techy, so comfortable etc, M5 has a tough competitor in the garage. Maybe is also due to novelty.

[Therealmatzaman]

I was a long time sedan and wagon guy for years before switching first to the q7 and now I’m on my 3rd gen x5. As I’ve gotten older, the higher ride height has become my ultimate seating position. Getting in and out is a breeze and you have a better view of the road.

[TXSchnee]

I came out of an Audi S6, into the G01 X3, and now in a Cayenne (was in a F15 X5 prior to the S6). For me, if optioned correctly, the SUV can give you 95% of the handling of most sedans, with more comfort and flexibility. They aren't track vehicles, but if that isn't something you are doing now, that shouldn't be an issue. One last benefit, your head is no longer right at the bumper line of most full size pickups, there is a sense of relief with that, not having to figure out just how "strong" your B pillar is. Definitely option the DHP if you go with either the X5 or X7.

[2019x5User]

Saw M X5 while waiting in lobby last Friday, man , have to say it's really a sexy beast in and out 360 degree. Of course, the price also is sooo sexy

[M40i4me]

My wife and I always have a sedan and an SUV. Best of both worlds!

[HouseMD]

I have a loaded M50i. Prior to that I had a 2013 535 which I loved. It was the first sedan that I've had in 20 years all through which I drove various SUVs (non-BMW).

As I had been in an SUV for a long time I wanted to go back to a sedan. While I loved the car I found that I missed the visibility of being higher, getting in was a little harder, but most of all, I didn't like worrying about ground clearance.

I've had the M50i for several months but haven't put the miles on it that I normally would because of COVID. I have taken a couple of 600 mile road trips. I absolutely love the X5. The vehicle is a great balance of luxury, high tech, comfort, and power. The best way to describe driving it is "effortless".

The V8 seems to have endless power. When you are merging or just want to accelerate a little more than usual the power is silky smooth. Although it is a large and heavy vehicle, it doesn't feel like it when driving. I think there's a good balance of road feel and comfort.

On the road trip I especially enjoyed the driver's assist pro. I haven't been in stop-n-go traffic enough to try the full hands off but the assist pro really helps make long drives more relaxing. It takes some getting used to the self driving to trust it but it is great to be able to take your eyes off the road for a second to grab your drink, change channels, etc.

The 535 was a great car. I think it was a little more eye catching since there are so many SUVs on the road but I'm happy to be back in an SUV and love the X5 M50i (except for the mileage.... but what do you expect?).

[Stoshu]

Originally Posted by HouseMD

I think it was a little more eye catching since there are so many SUVs on the road but I'm happy to be back in an SUV and love the X5 M50i (except for the mileage.... but what do you expect?).

My thoughts exactly!

[Mr.blue]

Thanks everyone for the great response! I also appreciate the great reviews and personal experience input that some of you shared about your X5 or X7s in various trims. Most of your thoughts went along with my thinking as well. I just didn't want to move from the sedan to the SAV and in a few months having that feeling of regret. I think the X5 and X7 are both sexy vehicles but every once in a while I like to find an empty back road and select the sport plus option if you know what I mean. Still the kid in me I guess but if I take my wife car shopping with me she will most likely push me towards the X7 for the extra space and tell me I can get more for my money by going with the 40i level. So I guess she will have something planned that day. Lol! Thanks again all!

[luckylingy]

1. SAV offers easier ingress/egress (bad hip). It also provides superior headroom (I’m 6’6”.)
2. I ferry our two Airedales often; cargo area is perfect size for them.
3. Majority of vehicles around here are trucks, so elevated seating position aids visibility in traffic.
4. I’ve driven since the first X5 (as in local dealer’s first E53 delivery),so hold no negative preconceptions about SAVs.
5. Current X5 interior (if fully optioned) is tad nicer than equivalent 5 Series.
6. We occasionally travel on unpaved roads (typically well-maintained national/state forest roads) in both summer and winter. SAVs inspire more confidence than AWD cars. (We have a Rubicon for rougher off-roading.)

[alewifebp]

I had three 5 Series before this. Two F10 550i's and one G30 540i. They were all great cars, and the LCI version of the G30 is certainly nice. I'd certainly be able to get an M550i for cheaper, and it certainly would have been even faster and better handling. I've had SUV's in the past too. I was just ready for a change.

If COVID hadn't happened, and European Delivery had still been an option, I would have probably gone with an M550i. Can't beat taking delivery in Germany and taking the car on the Autobahns and the Nurburgring.

Additionally, a more luxurious interior with more features available that aren't available on the 5, like laser headlights, LED sky lounge roof, Merino leather.

[Mr.blue]

Originally Posted by alewifebp

I had three 5 Series before this. Two F10 550i's and one G30 540i. They were all great cars, and the LCI version of the G30 is certainly nice. I'd certainly be able to get an M550i for cheaper, and it certainly would have been even faster and better handling. I've had SUV's in the past too. I was just ready for a change.

If COVID hadn't happened, and European Delivery had still been an option, I would have probably gone with an M550i. Can't beat taking delivery in Germany and taking the car on the Autobahns and the Nurburgring.

Additionally, a more luxurious interior with more features available that aren't available on the 5, like laser headlights, LED sky lounge roof, Merino leather.

So I take it the M550 still catches your interests but not enough to feel like you're missing out? The M550 is definitely an impressive car. I haven't driven mine much at all over the past year due to Covid-19 shutting own events that I usually attend. Since I bought the Sierra Denali last year the M550 has become a garage queen which was not my intention but the truck has a lot of headroom and easy to just pop in and out so I find myself driving it more. Not liking it more, just driving it more than the car and when I do drive the car it feels new again which makes me think I need to floor it every now and then. Lol! But I think the X5 will be a more practical vehicle I believe and I will be selling the Denali as it is more than I need and I don't need multiple vehicles besides my wife's car.

[alewifebp]

Originally Posted by Mr.blue

So I take it the M550 still catches your interests but not enough to feel like you're missing out? The M550 is definitely an impressive car. I haven't driven mine much at all over the past year due to Covid-19 shutting own events that I usually attend. Since I bought the Sierra Denali last year the M550 has become a garage queen which was not my intention but the truck has a lot of headroom and easy to just pop in and out so I find myself driving it more. Not liking it more, just driving it more than the car and when I do drive the car it feels new again which makes me think I need to floor it every now and then. Lol! But I think the X5 will be a more practical vehicle I believe and I will be selling the Denali as it is more than I need and I don't need multiple vehicles besides my wife's car.

I think that's fair. I've always been a sedan guy for the most part. But so far, I've been loving the X5.

[CaboM4]

Originally Posted by Mr.blue

Question for new X5 owners who might have owned any BMW sedans in the past, what made you switch to the SAV over the sedan such as 5series or M5 series or any series sedan? I have a 2018 M550 and I love it but I'm thinking of upgrading at the end of the year after all warranties expire. The new M550 or 5 series look great but not different enough for me to buy another yet. The X5 and X7s , preferably the 50i version, has caught my attention lately. I would most likely go for the X5 as my kids are all grown now. To be honest the X5 M is extremely sexy but will never use it to its full potential and not crazy about the idea of paying over 100 grand for a vehicle. I would really appreciate any input or advice you may have on the subject. Thanks in advance!

I went the path F10 535i (2011) --> F10 550i (2014)--> F85 X5M (2017).

The interior room going from the sedan to the SAV (BMWs term, not mine) yielding a small bump in interior leg room, and a much larger rear storage capacity, if needed above the rear window compared to the trunk of the F10.

My reasoning for the move to the X5M was purely because there was "nothing else" in the BMW lineup I was interested in within my comfort zone. M760 would have been a nice step-up, but not worth the unreliability of the V12 or the associated doubling of my lease payment for the $170k sticker. A 5 series would still have been another one of the same body style when my lease was up (had two, while they were great ... didn't want a 3rd), and the lease on the only other viable option, F06 M6GC was astronomical compared to the X5M which was very reasonable, considering the $115k price tag.

I found the jump to the X5M was a nice increase in power and similar nimble handling of my fully-optioned M-Sport 550xi at the time, without really sacrificing anything. I of course had to drop another $5k on a dedicated winter set of wheel and tires to ensure that I could actually drive it year-round in snowy NJ winters, but I would say the F85 was my best, most reliable BMW over the course of ~10 BMWs in my life. current 2 (G29, G05) included.

Having to make the choice of another High-performance vehicle at the current time, I would likely choose the F95 for best all-around utility, performance and drivability. Seeing you are shying away from an ///M variant, I think you will be happy with a test drive of the G05 M50i from where you're currently coming from.

Our current G05 is the wife's DD, and we went with the hybrid over the M50i due to the huge tax incentive offered to buy the 45e, as well as in extended road-tests of both variants, the wife didn't like the M50i significantly more to justify the $20k price delta. I felt it was powerful enough for the 3x per year I'll actually be behind the wheel, so kept the coin for my next toy

[Mr.blue]

Update: Thanks everyone for their contributions to this thread. I am sold! You all had great input and have convinced me to do what I already felt was right. It was hard to let the M550 go but it sold quickly and for a decent price. I only had about 17000 miles on a car that is great to drive and is a 2018 that still looks showroom ready. Anyway, I bought an X5 but not just any X5! After toying with the option of having one built and waiting forever for it to arrive or finding one that was as close as possible to build that I wanted. They dealership found two that were really close, (i guess Tanzinite blue with black 22 inch wheels and DHP and white/blue interior is pretty hard to find) the two that were found had all and more that I wanted and came in at $106000 and $103000. So to make a long story short I got an awesome deal on a Marina bay blue X5 M competition! It was a small town and the dealership had this one and a black and a white one that had been sitting on the lot for a while. I paid just a little more than the X5 M50i that I was after and got all of the options I wanted and more. One drawback is that it was built OCT 28 2020 and I don't think it has skylight led moonroof. I keep checking to see if I need to turn something on to see it light up but I don't see anything. No biggie, with the color combo and stance this thing catches a lot of attention. I am very satisfied, thanks to everyone for your help!

[themnmd]

Thinking of going SAV too in a year or so, m340 to X6M

[Stoshu]

Originally Posted by Mr.blue

Update: Thanks everyone for their contributions to this thread. I am sold! You all had great input and have convinced me to do what I already felt was right. It was hard to let the M550 go but it sold quickly and for a decent price. I only had about 17000 miles on a car that is great to drive and is a 2018 that still looks showroom ready. Anyway, I bought an X5 but not just any X5! After toying with the option of having one built and waiting forever for it to arrive or finding one that was as close as possible to build that I wanted. They dealership found two that were really close, (i guess Tanzinite blue with black 22 inch wheels and DHP and white/blue interior is pretty hard to find) the two that were found had all and more that I wanted and came in at $106000 and $103000. So to make a long story short I got an awesome deal on a Marina bay blue X5 M competition! It was a small town and the dealership had this one and a black and a white one that had been sitting on the lot for a while. I paid just a little more than the X5 M50i that I was after and got all of the options I wanted and more. One drawback is that it was built OCT 28 2020 and I don't think it has skylight led moonroof. I keep checking to see if I need to turn something on to see it light up but I don't see anything. No biggie, with the color combo and stance this thing catches a lot of attention. I am very satisfied, thanks to everyone for your help!

Your going to love it, I sat in a 2021 X5 M on the dealer lot prior to ordering my M50i and almost made an offer on it but the colors weren’t exactly what I wanted (and it was about $10,000 more than I was comfortable with ). The extra detail on the seats and upholstery really pop though!