X5/6M versus M60i ride quality

[CSK423]

I've been looking at moving from my current 2021 X6 M50i into the M equivalent (X5 or X6 depending on deals) but I'm hesitating due to the reviews on ride quality. The M versions seem to be getting ripped for the jarring suspension.

The car is primarily a family car and will also be used for long distance trips, I'm wondering if the M60i is the better option with the opportunity for the air suspension, Active ARBs and rear wheel steer. All these things lose a bit of driver focus hence why they are missing from the M versions.

The local trips would suit the occasion of an M car but the longer trips may become a bit tiring. I also love the look/sound of the M cars but wonder if this is worth the sacrifice to the ride.

Has anyone been in a similar position ?

[rassi]

I was in the same situation, and after having had an X3M and hating the super stiff ride, I chose the X5 M50i with air suspension over the X5M.

The X5M is not quite as crashy as the X3M, but as you know yourself the X5 M50i on air suspension is extremely comfortable.

You need to test drive one, as it is quite personal if the ride is acceptable or not.

[garystoybox]

Having had a previous shape X5M from new I was shocked at how poor the ride quality of the G05 X5M.
Totally misjudged and just far too firm as a daily on UK roads. Just spent a couple of hours driving my business partners face-lifted X5M (mild hybrid) and it’s a definite improvement. Still felt a bit too firm compared to my Taycan CT.
Think that’s the problem with the current M cars. Once you moved away from the brand you realise that you can have great handling and great ride comfort together. They aren't mutually exclusive. Think this is where the M60 will be a better balance.

[CSK423]

I previously had the X5M F85 version, it's interesting to hear the difference when it moved to the G05 ride quality becoming poor. Makes you wonder if the 50i (now 60i) was put in place to provide that compromise.

[Uncle Meat]

Agh, don't say that. I'm about to swap my F85 for an F95.

The M version will only come with non-runflat tyres, what does the 60i come with? Although I never had an issue with the runflats in my old 40D, apart from the price!

[CSK423]

Thanks for correcting the codes. F85 now F95 (X5M)

I believe all M performance cars are non run flat also, certainly the M50i I have is.

You do realise you'll lose the Exhaust crack on upshift when moving away from the F85. Kids loved that....and so did I.

[rassi]

CSK423 said:

Thanks for correcting the codes. F85 now F95 (X5M)

I believe all M performance cars are non run flat also, certainly the M50i I have is.

You do realise you'll lose the Exhaust crack on upshift when moving away from the F85. Kids loved that....and so did I.

Only the "real" M cars are on non-run flats. The exception for the M Performance (M50/M60) being the 22" wheels, which are non-runflats and can be specced with a space saver spare wheel.

I found that the 21" RF was actually as compliant, and quieter than the 22" NRF wheels.

Edited by rassi on Monday 25th November 13:52

[simonwhite2000]

M60i with air suspension is the answer!

[J-P]

simonwhite2000 said:

M60i with air suspension is the answer!

That's good to hear - the engine is a detuned version of the X5M too right?, so if you wanted more pace, I'm assuming a stage 1 tune would make it as fast as the X5M in any case but with more ride comfort?

I've gone for comfort pack, tech pack and air suspension, which I think should make it fine for a daily and hopefully good for the odd hoon as well.

[gunner]

I had the most recent X5M. Just couldn't take the ride quality, and the new tech was a pain with all the binging and bonging. Changed it for a used X5 50i with air suspension, used, with the 'old' tech. Couldn't be happier. I like the anonymity of it too vs the X5M.

[J-P]

gunner said:

I had the most recent X5M. Just couldn't take the ride quality, and the new tech was a pain with all the binging and bonging. Changed it for a used X5 50i with air suspension, used, with the 'old' tech. Couldn't be happier. I like the anonymity of it too vs the X5M.

Good to know thanks