Deciding between X5 50i, 550xi or X5M

Trying to decide between a 550xi and the X5 50i. I want to get the M Package, but have to admit I am more intrigued by the M performance package available on the X5. I live in the great plains, so the SUV is nice, but the all wheel drive on the 550XI would work.

I have previously owned a Cayenne S and am turning in a Mercedes GL 320 for this purchase.

Thoughts? Recommendations? Should I just get the X5M and be done with it?!

X5 50i M is my choice. I like the drive of the x5 over the f10. Just make sure you order adaptive drive.

X5 50i with M Sport Pkg & AD (adaptive drive). The F10 5-series has electric steering.

Originally Posted by mm2862

I have previously owned a Cayenne S and am turning in a Mercedes GL 320 for this purchase.

Why not the new GL?

Originally Posted by Sean

X5 50i with M Sport Pkg & AD (adaptive drive). The F10 5-series has electric steering.

The 2011-2013 550i xDrive has hydraulic steering.

So far, I've owned two of the three cars you are looking at, but I'm not sure how to compare the 550xi to the X5M, they are just so different. I'm not sure where to start. Each vehicle has it's advantages. What is it you are looking for in you next vehicle?

Not interested in the new GL because I have done the "bus" thing the past four years. Great truck, but yearn for something more sporty and have always enjoyed my wife's x5 diesel.

I test drove the 550xi with the M sport package and really enjoyed the vehicle. The drive by wire steering gives me some pause, but have not had a sedan in 10 years. On the other hand, i like the idea of the 50i or the X5M as a snow vehicle that can still haul kids and stuff but also "hauls" in the sporty sense.

Are you aware there is a new X5 coming in a few months?

Originally Posted by mm2862

The drive by wire steering gives me some pause, but have not had a sedan in 10 years.

Again, the 550xi has hydraulic steering.


http://www.realoem.com/bmw/2013 550iX

Just like the X5.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/X5 50iX

Originally Posted by RockChips

Are you aware there is a new X5 coming in a few months?

No, I was not aware.

Originally Posted by dunderhi

The 2011-2013 550i xDrive has hydraulic steering.

That is certainly a plus.

Originally Posted by mm2862

No, I was not aware.

Its a total redesign.

Google 2014 X5.

Production begins in August.

If your wife already has the 35d, then the 550 all day. We were all set to buy one but somehow ended up in our 7...lol.

i came out of a 550 xi into the x5 5.0. will miss the f10 but the x5 is a very capable performer, and i dont even have the adaptive drive. am satisfied with the move. of course, a truck is a truck and a car is a car. but you wont be disapointed in your move

I'm obviously biased to the X5M, so if you can afford a real "M" over an M sport then I'd go that route.

But like others have said, if your wife already has the SUV, I would go with a sedan. That's why I got the X5M; my wife has the 535i...perfect balance of sedan and SUV (SAV).

Personally, I'm fine with having multiple lux SUV's.

No more sedans for me.



mm2862,
Are you aware there is a new Audi Q7 coming in a few months?

Originally Posted by RockChips

Personally, I'm fine with having multiple lux SUV's.

No more sedans for me.

I feel the same...but I have a doberman who begs to differ...he needs the cargo room of the SUV! Haha

I drove the X5 50i today at the dealership when we picked up my wife's new X5 Diesel. I have to say that I wasn't blown away with the torque. I know the Diesel has 425 versus the 450 in the 50i, but I have to tell you, my impression is that in real world acceleration from 35mph to 55mph, the diesel feels more responsive. Somewhat surprising.

Would the addition of the M performance package make a real difference?

Originally Posted by mm2862

I drove the X5 50i today at the dealership when we picked up my wife's new X5 Diesel. I have to say that I wasn't blown away with the torque. I know the Diesel has 425 versus the 450 in the 50i, but I have to tell you, my impression is that in real world acceleration from 35mph to 55mph, the diesel feels more responsive. Somewhat surprising.

Would the addition of the M performance package make a real difference?

The M performance package I think is mainly aesthetic? Now the X5M is another story...

I thought the m performance package for 35i adds 15hp and 30 tq. For the 50i it adds like 40hp and 30tq... Increases 0 - 60 time as well.

Originally Posted by Die Wolfe

I'm obviously biased to the X5M, so if you can afford a real "M"

Don't get me wrong, I like the X5M, but the BMW purist only consider a 'real M' to be the M1, E30 M3, E28 M5, and E24 M6.

Originally Posted by Kzang

I thought the m performance package for 35i adds 15hp and 30 tq. For the 50i it adds like 40hp and 30tq... Increases 0 - 60 time as well.

You are correct.

Between the X5 50i, 550Xi or X5M, if its your daily driver then 550XI or even M5 would suffice.

If you need something bigger it all boils down to what you need. If you need a beast of an X5 than X5M is the only way to go
If you need a beast, but a 3rd row (its a joke but argument sake) then 50i.

Personally if you need utility in a german brand, the only way is the GL series. Yes you loose on the typical BMW handling and electronics, but its Big, powerful, and at least by german standards UTILITARIAN.

Good Luck!

Originally Posted by Sean

Don't get me wrong, I like the X5M, but the BMW purist only consider a 'real M' to be the M1, E30 M3, E28 M5, and E24 M6.

All debates aside regarding what's a "real" M or not; I'm referring to the power/speed/suspension/package capabilities the X5 "M" has to offer in regards to the regular X5 "non M."

I'm not surprised most "BMW purists" think this way though. It's almost offensive that this new girl on the block comes out as an M in 2010 despite all the other M predecessors and cleans house! Haha

Originally Posted by Sean

Don't get me wrong, I like the X5M, but the BMW purist only consider a 'real M' to be the M1, E30 M3, E28 M5, and E24 M6.

If you want to go down this road, the M1 isn't even really a BMW.

The M1 is a Lambo that was rebadged a BMW when they bailed out Lamborghini, who was broke.

Originally Posted by Cdnrockies

If you want to go down this road, the M1 isn't even really a BMW.

The M1 is a Lambo that was rebadged a BMW when they bailed out Lamborghini, who was broke.

That's okay. I just can't wait until all M cars come with xDrive.

Originally Posted by dunderhi

That's okay. I just can't wait until all M cars come with xDrive.

LOL.

Imagine a DCT, FI, 450 hp M3 that could be easily tuned to +500 hp. "Purists" would have a fit but it would be getting into GT-R territory.