2018 BMW M550i xDrive Review - Is it M5 Good?

The latest G30 BMW 5-Series has been hit with mixed reactions. Today on TheDriveGuyde, I'm testing out the 2018 BMW M550i xDrive. This is part of the new M Performance line of cars that BMW has created to cater to more customers looking for some, but not all, the usual M car flair.

The design and the overall purpose of the BMW 5-Series hasn't changed much over the year and with fierce competition from the likes of the new Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the BMW has a lot riding on its metal shoulders. Starting at $83,000CAD, the press car I'm in has the sticker price of over $96,000CAD. So then, can this M550i justify its price tag?

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[maxlandireviews]

So what do you think of the latest 5-Series and the M550i?

[ARKnapp]

With all do respect I think you are missing the point of the M550. BMW wanted to bridge the gap for those people that wanted more performance, and a comfortable daily driver. BMW added the "M" badge to indicate it's more powerful than the prior 550, with a few improved performance enhancements (but not as much power/enhancements as the M5, yet still more than the prior 550). To get the driving experience you are looking for you need the current or new M5 (which the new M550 actually outperforms the current M5). The $96K on your tester is a fully loaded M550 (it actually starts at $74K). The current M5 starts at $103K with no options. With all the bells and whistles like you have on the M550 you are driving, you are looking right at $120K. Thanks for reading and have a GREAT day!!

[noobymcnoobs]

It sounds like you completely missed the point of this car. It’s not supposed to be a raw monster that makes your ears bleed. It is an executive express that isn’t supposed to be insane and loud, it’s targeted at executives that want to get places in luxury and at a reasonable pace. What you want is an M5 and judging this car as an M5 when that’s not what is is supposed to be is always going to give a bad result.

Do you review the M5 and spend the whole time talking about fuel economy? No because that’s not what the car is for. You need to review in the context of the car.

[ashleyhaine]

Gestures control works trust me. Had 3 cars with it. Luv it

[mohammedabuawada]

Ofcorse it’s not M5 good it’s BETTER it’s the M550i because this car is built for people who wants a luxury beautiful daily drive car yet can have the M badge fun feel too
This has both faces in one this is the face of a luxury family car and the face of your still that guy that wants to have fun on your own with V8 monster
You missed the whole point of this car man

[Davidicus]

"BMW M550i - Is it M5 Good?"

No, it's not M5 Good....because it's not an M5.

[troypower]

Huge V8? It's a 4.4L twin turbo, not huge. Thrust is amazing and in sport mode, nice growl.Fast, rear steer which the M5 does not offer, compelling package, great commuter and fast, brakes are good too. Design, BMW did a nice job, longer wheel base, front end nicely updated, looks great. Given the promotions BMW has been running, a smart buy.

[skillz]

I got mine fully loaded a few weeks ago
Im in love with a car folks

[quaidoralious]

You should re-review the same model with the dinan 600hp tune

[RoyWilkinson]

“If you want a V8, you want a performance car. And if you want a performance car, you want an M5...” ummmm, what? Honestly it sounds like the only car you would give a good review of, at this price and with a V8, is an M5. So your review is just kind of BS...

[clintstuckey]

Spend $5500+/- on the Dinan Stage 1 package, it apparently uncorks the engine all the way up to M5 levels, upgrades the exhaust just enough not to be annoying - but sound a bit better. I get my M550 this Wednesday after it finishes it’s CPO repairs, that’s what I am planning on putting it through. It will be closer to an M5, but have a much more live able suspension for everyday use. Nice review, though it’s not supposed to be or compete with the M5. It fills a niche.

[dwightraine]

Great video well done, I did test drive an M550i, I took it on some curves I really like the power and handling I enjoy the car immensely. I may just buy one however I’m waiting for a Corvette C8.

[bleeckerstblues]

I completely agree with you regarding the lack of flair. In my opinion, most modern cars lack unique styling due to an overwhelming emphasis on utilitarian features such as safety and fuel economy. Maybe what the industry needs is another Virgil Exner - somebody to create designs for the sake of design. I only see this done in exotics like Bugatti's, but these are out of reach for most people. As always, thank you for the great review.

[Schaubnation]

Amazing car but to be clear different engine. N63TU2 in the 2018 M550 or N63R and the S63 motor in the M5.

[ss_make-achange]

True but I'm still getting one I need the 8 cylinder, I might put new bumper on, make it flare out better, I'm not sure, I here what ur saying, for the money yeah should be growling and letting u know ur driving an 8, but yeah there saving it for the m5 I believe so they make more lute, that's why I'm going with 2015-2016. Yes used, also way better price the once I've seen. Good video

[rbhg]

Its a business executive sedan, stop saying howling deafening sound demanded due to M sport please 😀

[thewedge]

it will definitely destroy any previous generation M5, thats for sure. it can probably destroy the new ones too, if you tune it correctly.

[Rob]

Nice car just ordered a 2019 m550i with all the bells and whistles. The 2020 m550 rumored to have a 530 horse power like the m850. I considered the MB C63s but liked the BMW better

[dhruvgarg]

This is an entertaining review ! I like that you call the level of NVH refinement "extraordinary " ! I prefer a quieter cabin, and really like this car. I'll find a way to get rid of the synthetic engine noise piped through the speakers.

[Scitation]

It's an M light with 450hp that roars... how much more do you want? You went out of your way to belabor this point, all while completely missing the point of the car. Its a daily driver, not an M5.