2018 BMW M550i

When selecting the perfect 5 Series model, one can start by narrowing down your price range and performance needs. To be precise, the BMW 5 Series is available in five trims (530i, 530e, 540i, 540d,  and M550i). Each is accompanied by a distinct powertrain. Starting prices ranging from $52,650 to $102,600. All 5 Series sedans come with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Trim	BMW M550i xDrive Sedan
MSRP	$73,900
Features	Front Seatback Storage
	Cruise Control yes
	Leather Steering Wheel
	Keyless Ignition
	Climate Control
	Dual Illuminating Vanity Mirrors
	Front And Rear Cupholders
	Electrochromic Inside Rearview Mirror
	Front And Rear Door Pockets
	Front And Rear Parking Sensors
	Universal Remote Transmitter (For Garage Door, Security System, Etc.
	Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
	Interior Air Filtration
	Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling
	Anthracite Alcantara Headliner
	Power Rear Sunshade W/Manual Rear Side Window Shades
	Heated Front Seats
	Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System

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$73,900 for the M550i is quite a steal, complete with a twin-turbo 456-horsepower V8 and all-wheel drive. Other standard features include an adaptive M Sports suspension, M Sports brakes, parking sensors, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, and a power trunk lid.

"The M550i willingly dives into the tight hairpins and decreasing-radius turns of the Rockies. If you enter a corner too quickly, dial in more to the steering and let the active all-wheel drive system move torque around to keep oversteer at bay."- CNET

Engine and Transmission

For the segment and price range, the BMW’s engine is quite close to perfection. The beasty 4.4L Twin-Turbocharged V8 gives a power of 456 hp and generates an unmatched 480 lb-ft of torque. it all goes through an 8-speed ZF automatic gear arrangement. This car comes standard with all-wheel-drive which gives good traction to go will all the power. When revving up, the engine also gives out a very comforting and sporty sound.

Models	BMW M550i xDrive	Audi S6	Mercedes E43 AMG	Cadillac CTS V-Sport
Starting MSRP	$73,900	$71,900	$71,600	$62,190
Engine	4.4L Turbocharged V8	4.0L Turbocharged V8	3.0L Turbocharged V6	3.6L Turbocharged V6
Transmission	8-Speed Automatic	7-Speed Dual Clutch Automatic	9-Speed Automatic	8-Speed Automatic
Power	456 hp	450 hp	396 hp	420 hp
Torque	480 lb-ft	406 lb-ft	384 lb-ft	430 lb-ft

As far as the competition goes, the BMW is right there at the top. The torque generation is by far the best in class and the power is comparable to Audi’s S6. It may, however, be noted that the Mercedes E43 AMG and the Cadillac CTS V-Sport have a V6 engine compared to the BMW’s V8.

Acceleration

In a nutshell, the BMW M550i Xdrive is fast; and quick from the start too. It accelerates from 0-60mph under four seconds. The only other sub-4 0-60mph car in the segment is Audi S6 at 3.9 seconds. The fat yet sturdy steering wheel, a feature of M550 being a sports model, gives a good grip throughout the ride.

Models	BMW M550i xDrive	Audi S6	Mercedes E43 AMG	Cadillac CTS V-Sport
0-60 MPH	3.8 Seconds	3.9 Seconds	4.2 Seconds	4.5 Seconds
Quarter mile	12.3 Seconds @  115 mph	12.4 Seconds @ 113 mph	12.8 Seconds @ 109 mph	12.9 Seconds @ 112 mph
Engine	4.4L Turbocharged V8	4.0L Turbocharged V8	3.0L Turbocharged V6	3.6L Turbocharged V6
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	9.3	8.4	8.4	9.3

Even over a quarter mile, the BMW is the fastest in the segment clocking in at 12.3 seconds. However, comparing with the Audi S6 and the Mercedes E43 AMG the carbon emissions of the BMW are quite high. Given the rock-solid engine, higher emissions is also a price one will have to pay.

Ride and Handling

All-wheel drive is standard in the 540d, M550i, and M5 trims – and available in all other trims for $2,300. So there is plenty of traction control to go with the power of M550i Xdrive. On the road, the well-tuned steering makes the M550i Xdrive a pleasure to drive, and its handling provides a comfortable ride in a nimble package.

However, the suspension is slightly soft and, despite the presence of adjustable dampers, it struggles to maintain body control over rougher road surfaces. One can also adjust how the car handles using the Driving Dynamics Control, which offers Eco Pro, Comfort, and Sport modes.

Cruising refinement is almost too good to be true, with the M550i being no louder or harsher than a standard 5 Series. The overall acoustics of the cabin is also impressive with the passengers being comfortably isolated from the outside noises.

Braking

To accompany the impressive acceleration, BMW has done well with the M550i Xdrive’s deceleration as well. It comes to a halt from 60 mph in a comfortable 106 feet, which is believed to be the best braking distance when compared it its class.

Model	BMW M550i xDrive	Audi S6	Mercedes E43 AMG	Cadillac CTS V-Sport
Brake Front(in)	N/A	15.7	14.2	12.6
Brake Rear(in)	N/A	14	14.2	12.4
Curb Weight(lbs)	3878	4497	4145	3992
60-0 MPH (ft.)	106	112	110	107

Audi S6, which has a comparable acceleration to the BMW, fares last in this comparison. It is the heaviest here, which works against it. The Cadillac is a little heavier than the Beemer, and a little sluggish in shedding speed as well.

This is one of the few departments that the BMW M550i Xdrive falls short in. The fuel economy of the car is well below par, especially in the city. The BMW rides only 16 mpg in the city. Despite having a respectable mileage on highways at 25, the combined fuel economy at 19 mpg is again the lowest in its segment.

Model	BMW M550i xDrive	Audi S6	Mercedes E43 AMG	Cadillac CTS V-Sport
MPG (City)	16	18	19	16
MPG (Highway)	25	27	25	24
MPG (Combined)	19	22	22	20

The Audi S6 fares quite well when fuel economy is concerned with the best mileage on highways at 27 mpgs. Its city economy is also decent and only bettered by the Mercedes E43 AMG.

"I love this test car's sumptuous Cognac Dakota leather interior, highlighted by contrasting blue stitching. There's shiny black trim on the dash, but it's tempered by open-pore wood and brushed aluminum pieces that look and feel awesome."- CNET

Seating and Comfort

It’s a pleasure to spend time inside a 5 Series sedan with that familiar sophisticated aura. First-class materials are plentiful. Examples include synthetic or genuine leather trimming on the dash, and wood trims with a matte or gloss finish. The woodwork is abundant and quite pleasing. Build quality is similarly top-notch.

The plush leather upholstery gives the passengers that luxury ride with many convenience features such as rear cup-holders and 16-way adjustable front seats. To add to the many comfort features, the front seats are massaging and also heated. In the M550i Xdrive, the rear seats are also heated.

Model	BMW M550i xDrive	Audi S6	Mercedes E43 AMG	Cadillac CTS V-Sport
Passenger capacity	5	5	5	5
Passenger Volume(ft cube)	98.8	98	N/A	97
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg)	38.8/58.7/41.4	37.2/57.5/41.3	37.9/57.8/41.3	40.4/56.9/45.7
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg)	37.5/55.9/36.5	37.8/56.3/37.4	38.2/56.9/35.8	37.5/54.8/35.4

Infotainment System

BMW iDrive system’s clear graphics, logical organization, and easy-to-use control knob make it intuitive to navigate. A large, 10.2-inch high-resolution central display is standard on the M550i model and is controlled by BMW’s signature iDrive rotary knob.

Highlights of the Infotainment System are:

• Harman Kardon Surround Sound Audio System with a powerful 600-watt amplifier
• 16-speaker system includes 7 tweeters, 7 midrange speakers and 2 bass speakers
• Real-time weather
• Hand gesture control
• 4, 12-Volt outlets
• 2, USB ports
• BMW iDrive system

Cargo Capacity

The BMW M550i Xdrive is head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to cargo volume. Its trunk has a very healthy capacity of 18.7 cubic feet which makes it ideal for various lifestyles. The storage inside the cabin, however, is limited with there being only a few storage pockets here and there namely the front arm-rest and the glove compartment.

Model	BMW M550i xDrive	Audi S6	Mercedes E43 AMG	Cadillac CTS V-Sport
Volume (ft cube)	18.7	14.1	13.1	13.7

The competition offers significantly less cargo space than the M550i, and as such, they are barely adequate for their size. A week's worth of groceries would will the entirety of the trunk.

The kidney-shaped grilles and four-ring headlights make the 5-series instantly recognizable as a BMW, but only those with a keen eye will be able to tell this all-new version from its similarly styled predecessor. - CarandDriver

Dimensions and Weight

Despite having that V8 Turbocharged engine, the M550i Xdrive is relatively light at just under 3900 pounds. The other dimensions of the M550i Xdrive are standard with respect to the 5 Series with a rather substantial ground clearance of 5.1 inches. The BMW also has a fairly long wheelbase at just over a 117 inches.

Model	BMW M550i xDrive	Audi S6	Mercedes E43 AMG	Cadillac CTS V-Sport
Curb weight(lbs)	3878	4497	4145	3992
Length(in)	195.4	194.4	194.6	195.5
Width(in)	73.5	73.8	73.2	72.2
Height(in)	58.2	56.8	57	57.2
Ground clearance(in)	5.1	4.57	4.5	5.1
Wheelbase(in)	117.1	114.8	115.7	114.6
Track width(in) F/R	63/63.9	63.6/63.2	64.1/62.9	61.4/61.7

The other V8 car, Audi S6, being the heaviest of the lot at close to 4500 pounds. The CTS-V sport is the longest in size but by an insignificant margin. It also has over 5 inches of ground clearance, quite good for the segment.

The M550i Xdrive is fully loaded with safety features which is a welcome reassurance given its stature as one of the leading sports cum luxury sedans in the segment. Here are some standout features:

• Adaptive Brake lights
• Programmable LED Daytime Running Lights
• Front and rear Head Protection System (HPS)
• Driver’s and passenger’s front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS)
• Dual-threshold, dual-stage deployment; and front-passenger-seat sensors designed to prevent unnecessary airbag deployment
• 3-point safety belts with force limiters and head restraints at all seating positions
• Seat-mounted front side-impact airbags
• Acoustic safety-belt warning
• LATCH attachments for child-restraint safety installation
• Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on all passenger-seat safety belts
• Impact sensor that activates Battery Safety Terminal disconnect of alternator, fuel pump and starter from battery;
• Central locking system on driver and front passenger doors
• Anti-theft alarm system
• BMW Assist eCall includes Emergency Request (SOS button) and Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification
• BMW Remote Services includes Stolen Vehicle Recovery, Remote Door Unlock, and BMW Connected app
• BMW’s Active Protection System

NHTSA and IIHS ratings are unavailable for the car.

BMW M550i vs Audi S6

Just like the M550i Xdrive, the Audi A6 gets you the finest in German engineering, but it costs a few thousand dollars less. It has one of the nicest interiors among luxury midsize cars and outstanding performance. Additionally, it has a few more standard features than the BMW, including heated front seats and leather upholstery.

The Audi’s ride can occasionally feel jarring over rough pavement, but it’s mostly smooth. The engine designs are similar with both sporting 4L V8’s and both delivering similar figures of power and torque. The major differences between the two are pretty much design based.

BMW M550i vs Mercedes E43 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has a posh interior and a plethora of advanced safety technology, with available near-self-driving features. The M550i Xdrive and the E43 are similarly priced. Still, the 5 Series is the better value. It delivers better all-around driving performance and rates higher for predicted reliability.

Engine and general performance wise the BMW is ahead with its Turbocharged V8 in comparison to the Mercedes’ V6. One simply has to choose between sportiness and luxury when it comes down to these two.

BMW M550i vs Cadillac CTS V-Sport

The Cadillac CTS V-Sport is a substantial $10,000 cheaper than then BMW M550i Xdrive yet it has a respectable power and torque delivery. Its edgy and aerodynamic looks are a good competitor to the BMW’s repetitive exteriors. The Cadillac uses a V6 engine compared to the BMW’s V8.

An engine control system that can shut down half of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CTS V6’s fuel efficiency. The 5 Series Sedan doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Whether you are driving or being driven, the 2018 BMW M550i Xdrive is a delight. Its engaging performance adds flavour to the chore of everyday driving. With its 4.4L V8 engine being the standout feature, it surely delivers the “ultimate driving experience”. Inside, the cabin is replete with first-class materials and user-friendly technology, treating travellers to a quiet, comfortable ride.

The starting price is higher than most in its segment, but it is nothing short of a bargain when compared to a dedicated sports model. Under six figures even when fully packed with add-ons, this automobile is worth every penny.