G05 X5 M50i - Thoughts 3 months in
Discussion
You don't see an awful lot about the X5 M50i, so figured I'd share a few thoughts now I've had mine for 3 months and clocked up a couple of thousand miles. I was going to add a few pictures, but was surprised to find I don't really have any apart from some from the dealer when it got delivered and was in its protective film. Perhaps this in itself says a lot - overall this is a car I rate very highly indeed, a car I struggle to think could be bettered for the money (for my use cases at least), but ultimately a bit like a Miele household appliance, a thing you're very glad to own, but a thing you buy for its utility, not a thing that gets under your skin.
My M50i replaced an F15 M50d which I'd owned for over 6 years - also a great car and 100% reliable. Other cars in the current stable for comparison are an M135i, R8 V10+ and a couple of Skodas. I've had various Audis, Mercedes and Porsche over the years, but keep coming back to BMW. The X5 gets used for general load/family lugging when something big is needed, and for frequent 600 mile trips from Hertfordshire to the Isle of Skye, where comfort and the ability to make swift progress on any and every type of road in all manner of conditions are the key requirements.
Buying Experience
I ordered it new from Sytner Stevenage (previously Specialist Cars), very good buying experience, would definitely recommend them. I've bought a bunch of cars from them over the years, and the sales team there are excellent to deal with. Lead time ended up being aout 6 months, but that was in March this year where supply chains were a bit more stretched and the market was hotter. Because it was a delivered a bit later than originally slated, BMW threw in a credit which I used for roof bars and the all-weather mats and boot protector.
Other Cars Considered
Rather than just focus on this particular car, it's often interesting to consider what else was considered but ultimately not selected. YouTube, Evo, Autocar etc played a big part in the selection process, and in deciding which options boxes to tick.
I was a bit worried about options (or parts of option packs) not being available due to semiconductor shortages, but in the end the only thing not available was the powered lower tailgate, which I could live without. Spec-wise, I went for Arctic Grey, Black Vernasca leather, the standard (to M50i) 22" 747M alloys, Tech Pack Plus with Bowers & Wilkins Surround, Comfort Pack, Sky Lounge Sunroof, Visibility Pack (Laser Lights) and the Travel & Comfort system. I also ordered the Winter Wheel & Tyre Package, which consisted of 21" 741M's and Pirelli Scorpion Winter tyres.
The verdict on the options I chose:
The M50i is more quiet bruiser than noisy, lairy V8. For anyone used to Audi RS or AMG V8's, startup is a relatively hushed affair. Pushing on in Sport mode, and it's obvious you have a V8 up front, but it never gets intrusive. It's supremely torquey from low revs, and turbine smooth all the way to the red line. Coupled with the 8 speed ZF gearbox, and there's a drive train here that you'd struggle to beat. With 530bhp on tap, whilst it's not ballistic supercar fast, it picks up knots at an incredible rate. Charging across the Scottish Highlands over December, the acceleration and great visibility afforded by the driving position, mean what might be tricky overtakes are fish-in-a-barrel easy. Fuel economy hovers around 20mpg overall, mix of motorways, towns and A roads. This not a car to buy if you want to be frugal on fuel.
For anyone familiar with the way the F15 M50d handled, the G05 M50i will be familiar. It's a tiny bit bigger and this is *just* about noticeable on the road. But it has the same traits of tight, predictable and sure-footed handling, that allows you to push on with confidence in all conditions. The M Sport Adaptive Suspension is firm enough to feel connected with the tarmac, but compliant enough to always remain comfortable, and never crashy even on quite badly pock-marked surfaces.
The cabin is a very pleasant place to spend time. It's roomy, very solidly built, material quality is high, supremely comfortable and has numerous touches such as the mood lighting which give a lovely ambience. The ergonomics of iDrive are still on another level to their German rivals. In terms of long distance driving, I've done two 12+ hour journeys so far, and got out feeling fresh (or as fresh as is humanly possible after driving that long!) without an ache in sight. In that respect it's cut from the same bolt of cloth as the F15.
Overall this is a vehicle I'd highly recommend: 4.5/5.
My M50i replaced an F15 M50d which I'd owned for over 6 years - also a great car and 100% reliable. Other cars in the current stable for comparison are an M135i, R8 V10+ and a couple of Skodas. I've had various Audis, Mercedes and Porsche over the years, but keep coming back to BMW. The X5 gets used for general load/family lugging when something big is needed, and for frequent 600 mile trips from Hertfordshire to the Isle of Skye, where comfort and the ability to make swift progress on any and every type of road in all manner of conditions are the key requirements.
Buying Experience
I ordered it new from Sytner Stevenage (previously Specialist Cars), very good buying experience, would definitely recommend them. I've bought a bunch of cars from them over the years, and the sales team there are excellent to deal with. Lead time ended up being aout 6 months, but that was in March this year where supply chains were a bit more stretched and the market was hotter. Because it was a delivered a bit later than originally slated, BMW threw in a credit which I used for roof bars and the all-weather mats and boot protector.
Other Cars Considered
Rather than just focus on this particular car, it's often interesting to consider what else was considered but ultimately not selected. YouTube, Evo, Autocar etc played a big part in the selection process, and in deciding which options boxes to tick.
- BMW X5M: This was the closest contender overall. The suspension comes in for a degree of criticism though, being too firm for a lot of UK roads. Ultimately I figured I'd be spending a bunch more money for the kudos of real 'M', but ultimately a car that was more compromised for 12 hour journeys and driving in the Scottish Highlands.
- Porsche Cayenne: This was the closest non-BMW contender. I've enjoyed the Porsches I've owned, but never owned or even driven one of these models. If the reviews are correct they're ultimately a more engaging steer than the X5. But to get a roughly equivalent spec car would have cost 50% more for the less powerful GTS, which I couldn't bring myself to do for a utility vehicle (or about 100% more for a Turbo S which I was even less inclined to do). Plus the cabin lacks a bit of flair in comparison, and the lead time on a factory order was horrendous.
- Audi SQ7: Just not a fan of the styling or the ergonomics. I'm not a huge fan of the ergonomics on my R8 either, but at least that has real controls, not large touch screens. Not sure why so many manufacturers are going this way, they're an ergonomic disaster and borderline dangerous in many cases.
- Mercedes GLE: No appealing engine options in the range (other than the 63AMG), and after my previous C43 AMG, wasn't keen to get back in another Merc as I found the handling, ergonomics and seats all poor.
I was a bit worried about options (or parts of option packs) not being available due to semiconductor shortages, but in the end the only thing not available was the powered lower tailgate, which I could live without. Spec-wise, I went for Arctic Grey, Black Vernasca leather, the standard (to M50i) 22" 747M alloys, Tech Pack Plus with Bowers & Wilkins Surround, Comfort Pack, Sky Lounge Sunroof, Visibility Pack (Laser Lights) and the Travel & Comfort system. I also ordered the Winter Wheel & Tyre Package, which consisted of 21" 741M's and Pirelli Scorpion Winter tyres.
The verdict on the options I chose:
- Visibility Pack (Laser Lights): Very good indeed, fantastic illumination on dark Scottish roads. Just leave them on adaptive all the time, and forget about them.
- Comfort Pack: This pack has 5 parts, comfort access, front comfort seats, front and rear heated seats, heated and cooled cupholder, and a heat comfort systems (heated wheel and armrest). They're all decent options and worth having, though the sort of things that I feel should almost be standard on this vehicle.
- Sky Lounge Sunroof: Very nice, definitely lightens up the cabin and makes it a more pleasant place to be. The lighting effect of the LED's is subtle, but generates a nice ambience, though more a benefit to passengers in the rear.
- B&W Diamond Surround: This is £3250 on top of the HK, so not a cheap option. Does it sound excellent, yes, the best car HiFi I've personally had. I'd spec it again, but it wouldn't take too much of a price hike to have me questioning whether to do so. The lights in the grills also add to the ambience.
- Technology Plus Pack: This consists of 6 options in total. Head up Display, Gesture Control and HK Sound form the regular Tech Pack. If you go with Tech Plus you also get Drive Recorder, Driving Assistant Professional and Park Assistant Plus. The HUD is excellent, Gesture Control an annoying gimmick, Park Assistant Plus (Surround View) useful, but something I think should be standard, Drive Recorder useful if you have an accident. The Driving Assistant Professional (adaptive cruise, with auto steering to stay in lane) is very cool, particularly on long motorway journeys.
- Winter Wheel & Tyre Package: This was pricey at close to £5k, but not something I wanted to compromise on, and there didn't seem to be much of an arb by sourcing OEM wheels and tyres separately. So far they've dealt easily with the conditions in the Highlands in December, though they generate a fair amount more road noise than 22" Continentals the car shipped with.
- Travel and Comfort System: basically some brackets and USB sockets on the back of the seats, to allow rear seat passengers to attach a tablet and watch stuff as they are going along. Appreciated by the kids.
- Merino Leather: Looked at this, compared interiors and samples, it felt little different to the Vernasca, so didn't tick it. Configurator shows Serafin leather as standard now, maybe there's more difference.
- Carbon Fibre Trim - I specc'd this on my old M4, like it a lot. But not enough over the standard Aluminium Hexagon to spend £1100. Would have chosen it if it was a no cost option.
- Air Suspension - unlike other X5's other than the X5M, the M50i comes with Adaptive M Sport Suspension as standard rather than Air Suspension. But test driving one with Air Suspension, I didn't like it at all. It's comfier for sure, but I really didn't like the sense of disconnection from the road, and "floating on blancmange" feeling.
- Integral Active Steering (4 wheel steering) / M Adaptive Suspension Pro - I didn't drive a car with either of these options fitted, very few around. Reviews seemed quite marmite, with some praising the agility and ease of maneuvering, others that it gave a disconcerting "rear end feels like it's on castors" sensation. Ummed and aarrghed, decided not to risk it.
- Acoustic Glass - this is an option I do regret not speccing, particularly as I spec'd the B&W HiFi. With the Winter Tyres on there's noticeably more road noise.
- Comfort Pack Plus - I quite fancied the ventilated and massage seats. The latter seemed to get mixed reviews, and at the time if I'd ticked the box, it would have been driver's side only, presumably due to component shortages.
The M50i is more quiet bruiser than noisy, lairy V8. For anyone used to Audi RS or AMG V8's, startup is a relatively hushed affair. Pushing on in Sport mode, and it's obvious you have a V8 up front, but it never gets intrusive. It's supremely torquey from low revs, and turbine smooth all the way to the red line. Coupled with the 8 speed ZF gearbox, and there's a drive train here that you'd struggle to beat. With 530bhp on tap, whilst it's not ballistic supercar fast, it picks up knots at an incredible rate. Charging across the Scottish Highlands over December, the acceleration and great visibility afforded by the driving position, mean what might be tricky overtakes are fish-in-a-barrel easy. Fuel economy hovers around 20mpg overall, mix of motorways, towns and A roads. This not a car to buy if you want to be frugal on fuel.
For anyone familiar with the way the F15 M50d handled, the G05 M50i will be familiar. It's a tiny bit bigger and this is *just* about noticeable on the road. But it has the same traits of tight, predictable and sure-footed handling, that allows you to push on with confidence in all conditions. The M Sport Adaptive Suspension is firm enough to feel connected with the tarmac, but compliant enough to always remain comfortable, and never crashy even on quite badly pock-marked surfaces.
The cabin is a very pleasant place to spend time. It's roomy, very solidly built, material quality is high, supremely comfortable and has numerous touches such as the mood lighting which give a lovely ambience. The ergonomics of iDrive are still on another level to their German rivals. In terms of long distance driving, I've done two 12+ hour journeys so far, and got out feeling fresh (or as fresh as is humanly possible after driving that long!) without an ache in sight. In that respect it's cut from the same bolt of cloth as the F15.
Overall this is a vehicle I'd highly recommend: 4.5/5.
eliot said:
What do you make of the steering feel - heard it described as a ‘computer joystick’
I wouldn't describe the steering as "joystick" like. Similar to many modern cars, there's not much by way of genuine steering feel or feedback. It's quick, well weighted and very accurate though, which helps as it's a big car and you need to be able to position it accurately on tight roads at speed. Overall it's very similar to the F15, where somehow, despite the wheel being less than alive in your hands, you're getting enough messages from the car about what's going on underneath to have the confidence to push on. This was in stark contrast to the C43 I had at the same time, which had similar (lack of) explicit feel, but zero communication about the conditions on the tarmac.Thanks for you report. For reference, what kind of MPG were you getting from the previous X5 M50Diesel?
I suspect both your current and previous X5 still have air on the rear axle? Seems like it offers the best of both worlds. Do you ever change the suspension setting manually? In my F11 comfort+ is too wallowy and I don't ever feel the need to put it in sport. It doesn't have the active antirolbar though which I hear offers another dimension though!
Did you ever consider the MB 400d engine (in an E estate/GLE/GLS) ? It's a rung down from the M50d in terms of performance but I hear nothing than praise for it.
I suspect both your current and previous X5 still have air on the rear axle? Seems like it offers the best of both worlds. Do you ever change the suspension setting manually? In my F11 comfort+ is too wallowy and I don't ever feel the need to put it in sport. It doesn't have the active antirolbar though which I hear offers another dimension though!
Did you ever consider the MB 400d engine (in an E estate/GLE/GLS) ? It's a rung down from the M50d in terms of performance but I hear nothing than praise for it.
HelldogBE said:
Thanks for you report. For reference, what kind of MPG were you getting from the previous X5 M50Diesel?
I suspect both your current and previous X5 still have air on the rear axle? Seems like it offers the best of both worlds. Do you ever change the suspension setting manually? In my F11 comfort+ is too wallowy and I don't ever feel the need to put it in sport. It doesn't have the active antirolbar though which I hear offers another dimension though!
Did you ever consider the MB 400d engine (in an E estate/GLE/GLS) ? It's a rung down from the M50d in terms of performance but I hear nothing than praise for it.
The X50d would average almost exactly 30mpg on the 600 mile Herts - Skye trip, which is around 350 motorway, 250 other roads. Both cars have roof bars on which probably hurts a little.I suspect both your current and previous X5 still have air on the rear axle? Seems like it offers the best of both worlds. Do you ever change the suspension setting manually? In my F11 comfort+ is too wallowy and I don't ever feel the need to put it in sport. It doesn't have the active antirolbar though which I hear offers another dimension though!
Did you ever consider the MB 400d engine (in an E estate/GLE/GLS) ? It's a rung down from the M50d in terms of performance but I hear nothing than praise for it.
There's no air suspension on either car AFAIK, just standard springs and adaptive dampers. The car is mainly in Comfort mode - it's a lot more responsive to the throttle than the M50d which needed to be in Sport for decent throttle response - with Sport on some of the more press-on sections.
I didn't strongly consider the 400d engines, decided I didn't really want another diesel. Plus it's hard to step down in performance.
Very interesting write-up!
I am going from an X5 40D (G05) with the standard adaptive M Sport suspension to an X5 M50i with air suspension and integral active steering. Rationally no reason to change, the 40d engine is well suited and economical with this size of car, but just missing the V8 (had an F90 M5 until March) and some of the options that make the interior more special and upmarket (Merino leather and M multifunction seats (ventilated and massage), individual leather dashboard, acoustic glass, Bowers & Wilkins hifi.
The air suspension will be a first for me, but I am going specifically for comfort so it was an option that I was set on having.
Alternative would have been my third X3M but that suspension and interior quality was not acceptable, whereas the N63 engine and its torque laden delivery is a great combination.
I am going from an X5 40D (G05) with the standard adaptive M Sport suspension to an X5 M50i with air suspension and integral active steering. Rationally no reason to change, the 40d engine is well suited and economical with this size of car, but just missing the V8 (had an F90 M5 until March) and some of the options that make the interior more special and upmarket (Merino leather and M multifunction seats (ventilated and massage), individual leather dashboard, acoustic glass, Bowers & Wilkins hifi.
The air suspension will be a first for me, but I am going specifically for comfort so it was an option that I was set on having.
Alternative would have been my third X3M but that suspension and interior quality was not acceptable, whereas the N63 engine and its torque laden delivery is a great combination.
simonwhite2000 said:
Any pics?
Nothing very decent or artistic, as above it's felt more utility vehicle than something to photograph, but here are a couple.Cropped from a larger image not long after delivery.
En-route to Scotland mid-Dec, you can just make out the Winter wheels.
Approaching Glen Coe.
Hedgeman, a great & informative post!
Hi rassi, why do you say that the suspension and interior quality are not acceptable on X3M? Just interested, aware that some have criticised the harder ride, is that the way you found it? Regarding the interior quality not being acceptable, is that just in comparison to the material quality & options which are available on X5, or because you think the fit and finish on X3M itself are substandard?
Hi rassi, why do you say that the suspension and interior quality are not acceptable on X3M? Just interested, aware that some have criticised the harder ride, is that the way you found it? Regarding the interior quality not being acceptable, is that just in comparison to the material quality & options which are available on X5, or because you think the fit and finish on X3M itself are substandard?
themightychimp said:
Hedgeman, a great & informative post!
Hi rassi, why do you say that the suspension and interior quality are not acceptable on X3M? Just interested, aware that some have criticised the harder ride, is that the way you found it? Regarding the interior quality not being acceptable, is that just in comparison to the material quality & options which are available on X5, or because you think the fit and finish on X3M itself are substandard?
I think the X3M has a very poor ride quality, it is too stiff and it is incredibly noisy on noisy surfaces - and the engine lacks low down torque, which means that you are always on it, and the pre-LCI has a rather anodyne engine sound, so not exactly a pleasure to rev out. Interior quality: maybe I should have phrased it differently. It is very solidly put together, but too many hard plastic surfaces and with the exception of the nice merino leather seats, all the rest is sensatec and just looks and feels a bit low-rent. Admittedly I came from a full leather optioned F90 M5, so maybe not a quite fair comparison.Hi rassi, why do you say that the suspension and interior quality are not acceptable on X3M? Just interested, aware that some have criticised the harder ride, is that the way you found it? Regarding the interior quality not being acceptable, is that just in comparison to the material quality & options which are available on X5, or because you think the fit and finish on X3M itself are substandard?
rassi said:
themightychimp said:
Hedgeman, a great & informative post!
Hi rassi, why do you say that the suspension and interior quality are not acceptable on X3M? Just interested, aware that some have criticised the harder ride, is that the way you found it? Regarding the interior quality not being acceptable, is that just in comparison to the material quality & options which are available on X5, or because you think the fit and finish on X3M itself are substandard?
I think the X3M has a very poor ride quality, it is too stiff and it is incredibly noisy on noisy surfaces - and the engine lacks low down torque, which means that you are always on it, and the pre-LCI has a rather anodyne engine sound, so not exactly a pleasure to rev out. Interior quality: maybe I should have phrased it differently. It is very solidly put together, but too many hard plastic surfaces and with the exception of the nice merino leather seats, all the rest is sensatec and just looks and feels a bit low-rent. Admittedly I came from a full leather optioned F90 M5, so maybe not a quite fair comparison.Hi rassi, why do you say that the suspension and interior quality are not acceptable on X3M? Just interested, aware that some have criticised the harder ride, is that the way you found it? Regarding the interior quality not being acceptable, is that just in comparison to the material quality & options which are available on X5, or because you think the fit and finish on X3M itself are substandard?
I'm sure most of you have already seen the Joe Achilles Youtube videos - when I was looking for a car to replace my Audi S3 (liked, but did not love that car) I somehow stumbled across the X3M40i - he did a later comparison between both M40i/X3M Competiion, and a lot is said about the Adaptive/Air suspension if I remember correclty.
Off the back of these, took one for a test drive, and now had 2 fantastic years of ownership !!
Off the back of these, took one for a test drive, and now had 2 fantastic years of ownership !!
I spent Christmas with family in NE USA and despite never having seen a X5 M50i here in the UK, almost every one of the ~10 X5s I saw over the Christmas fortnight (PA, NJ) was the M50i variety. Likewise the couple of 5ers I saw were both M550i too and never seen any here in the UK!
Very nice looking and understated. They compare nicely to more lary M cars despite the great performance.
Great write up and nice pics - looks v capable.
Very nice looking and understated. They compare nicely to more lary M cars despite the great performance.
Great write up and nice pics - looks v capable.
I currently have the X6 version of this and can relate to the lack of under the skin feel (I came from a 2018 F15 X5M).
However I do really enjoy driving it. A very capable car but stays under the radar with it's subtle exterior. Just as quick if not slightly quicker than my old X5 and has a lot more refinement for the long road trips with the family. I have a lot of the options you mention and always wondered about some that I don't which you've mentioned (my car was a showroom car)
In relation to the leather, I believed that Merino was the default leather when the comfort pack was selected, I have this in mine as part of this pack. Alcantara headlining and leather dash are nice interior bits in mine but I'd probably put those £k's towards the tech+ or laser lights, which sounds like you rate.
Yes Gesture is a pure gimmick, kids use it as a toy, I rarely do.
However I do really enjoy driving it. A very capable car but stays under the radar with it's subtle exterior. Just as quick if not slightly quicker than my old X5 and has a lot more refinement for the long road trips with the family. I have a lot of the options you mention and always wondered about some that I don't which you've mentioned (my car was a showroom car)
In relation to the leather, I believed that Merino was the default leather when the comfort pack was selected, I have this in mine as part of this pack. Alcantara headlining and leather dash are nice interior bits in mine but I'd probably put those £k's towards the tech+ or laser lights, which sounds like you rate.
Yes Gesture is a pure gimmick, kids use it as a toy, I rarely do.
CSK423 said:
I currently have the X6 version of this and can relate to the lack of under the skin feel (I came from a 2018 F15 X5M).
However I do really enjoy driving it. A very capable car but stays under the radar with it's subtle exterior. Just as quick if not slightly quicker than my old X5 and has a lot more refinement for the long road trips with the family. I have a lot of the options you mention and always wondered about some that I don't which you've mentioned (my car was a showroom car)
In relation to the leather, I believed that Merino was the default leather when the comfort pack was selected, I have this in mine as part of this pack. Alcantara headlining and leather dash are nice interior bits in mine but I'd probably put those £k's towards the tech+ or laser lights, which sounds like you rate.
Yes Gesture is a pure gimmick, kids use it as a toy, I rarely do.
Do you have the air suspension or standard dampers? However I do really enjoy driving it. A very capable car but stays under the radar with it's subtle exterior. Just as quick if not slightly quicker than my old X5 and has a lot more refinement for the long road trips with the family. I have a lot of the options you mention and always wondered about some that I don't which you've mentioned (my car was a showroom car)
In relation to the leather, I believed that Merino was the default leather when the comfort pack was selected, I have this in mine as part of this pack. Alcantara headlining and leather dash are nice interior bits in mine but I'd probably put those £k's towards the tech+ or laser lights, which sounds like you rate.
Yes Gesture is a pure gimmick, kids use it as a toy, I rarely do.
My dad is actually debating one of these. He has his eye on this one. Think he is worried in a way as the only SUV's he has driven have all had air suspension and he enjoyed the smooth ride. Are the more standard dampers much firmer from a ride perspective?
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202301103131263...
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202301103131263...
simonwhite2000 said:
My dad is actually debating one of these. He has his eye on this one. Think he is worried in a way as the only SUV's he has driven have all had air suspension and he enjoyed the smooth ride. Are the more standard dampers much firmer from a ride perspective?
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202301103131263...
My X5 40d on 21" RFT was the standard adaptive M suspension, and my current M50i is on air suspension (and integral active steering) and 22" non RFT.https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202301103131263...
The air suspension is more comfortable, and ensures a very smooth ride, but the difference is not night and day, and the standard adaptive suspension is very comfortable in itself, so I would eliminate it from contention over this. The current X5 is certainly much more comfortable than the previous generation.
rassi said:
simonwhite2000 said:
My dad is actually debating one of these. He has his eye on this one. Think he is worried in a way as the only SUV's he has driven have all had air suspension and he enjoyed the smooth ride. Are the more standard dampers much firmer from a ride perspective?
https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202301103131263...
My X5 40d on 21" RFT was the standard adaptive M suspension, and my current M50i is on air suspension (and integral active steering) and 22" non RFT.https://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/vehicle/202301103131263...
The air suspension is more comfortable, and ensures a very smooth ride, but the difference is not night and day, and the standard adaptive suspension is very comfortable in itself, so I would eliminate it from contention over this. The current X5 is certainly much more comfortable than the previous generation.
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