Anybody went with an X5 after considering X5M?

[socialpro]

Anybody on here went with an X5 over an X5M? Besides obvious differences such as price, difference in power etc, was there anything that swayed you away from the X5M? Do you regret your decision? I know the cars are supposedly 'completely' different but are there any pros to X5 vs the M version?

Looking at picking up an SUV but dont know if I need all that power on daily basis as I have a nice 500+hp (gallardo) toy for the weekends. Would consider diesel, 35i or 50i in the X5.

Priority for me is quiet ride / cabin and great freeway manners, and somewhat fun to drive. Suggestions / input?

Im coming from a 2013 S4 that I have as a daily.

[lilthrift]

primal,

I was considering a X5M but decided on the X5 50i. The price difference was the biggest reason for me at the time. I was already around $83k with my 50i and options. As far as speed and handling the 50i is great. It is super fast and the inside ride is so smooth. I have had many cars in my lifetime and this is my first BMW and I am wowed everyday by the car. I drove all 3 types; 35i, 50i and and M. The M version is nice but I am completely satisfied with my V-8 TT on my 50i.

Good luck!

[jugdish]

My boss leased an X5M and was glad he did so, as the M would have stood for "Money." He's a certified Porsche instructor as well so he drove his M pretty hard. That being said, he regularly had a loaner from the dealership as his M was constantly having mechanical issues. But I guess that's what happens when you put a race car engine in an SUV...

[CrEsT]

If I could afford the X5M here in Australia I'd do it without any hesitation.

$200k for an SUV is a bit steep though

[patrick1]

Currently have both. Both are overpowered for everyday use. I would recommend DHP if you go non-M. BMW M vehicles are special and a step up. The X5 5.0 is not far behind and is less ostentatious-which I think is a positive. GL

[Roundown]

Originally Posted by patrick1

Currently have both. Both are overpowered for everyday use. I would recommend DHP if you go non-M. BMW M vehicles are special and a step up. The X5 5.0 is not far behind and is less ostentatious-which I think is a positive. GL

This is 100% correct. More than any other feature/option, DHP dramatically improves the ride quality/precision of the X5. I know they're rare as demos, but no one (with the means) should hesitate to check this option.

I had considered a loaded X5 5.0i and ultimately decided on the X5M. Besides the obvious improvement in chassis and drivetrain dynamics, I find the M version much easier on the eyes (smaller rear bumper, more purposeful front bumper, lower ride height, etc.).

[beammeupscottie]

Originally Posted by primal574

Anybody on here went with an X5 over an X5M? Besides obvious differences such as price, difference in power etc, was there anything that swayed you away from the X5M? Do you regret your decision? I know the cars are supposedly 'completely' different but are there any pros to X5 vs the M version?

Looking at picking up an SUV but dont know if I need all that power on daily basis as I have a nice 500+hp (gallardo) toy for the weekends. Would consider diesel, 35i or 50i in the X5.

Priority for me is quiet ride / cabin and great freeway manners, and somewhat fun to drive. Suggestions / input?

Im coming from a 2013 S4 that I have as a daily.

I was on the fence between X5M and X5 5.0i xDrive - decided to go 5.0i because we went with an M5 in addition to the X5. Just figured if we wanted full performance vehicle why not just get the sedan - it's lower center of gravity and we got the competition package - the price did get out of control could not justify the price vs a 5.0i which has plenty of power for an SAV - just my 2 cents -

[Kzang]

An M is not just about more power but more importantly the driving dynamics and handling.
If you don't care about that get a 50i and fit a piggyback and your good to go.

[cy07]

Originally Posted by Kzang

An M is not just about more power but more importantly the driving dynamics and handling.
If you don't care about that get a 50i and fit a piggyback and your good to go.

No matter what driving dynamic you are talking about, it's still a hulking SUV. Personally I prefer M3 (or even M2) for all the fun stuff.

To the OP, I was in the same boat when I was choosing between different X5s, but luckily I have settled on 50i since x5M would require another half year+ wait. I am glad that I did and got the M3 afterward for the fun track event. 50i is plenty fast to drive around in comfort and DHP sweetens the deal a lot if you willing to fork out the extra $$. Given how rare I get to push the 50i on the freeway I just don't see the point of x5M unless it's my only vehicle.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by cy07

No matter what driving dynamic you are talking about, it's still a hulking SUV. Personally I prefer M3 (or even M2) for all the fun stuff.

You're just saying that because you recently got one .. I'm comparing a 50i and X5M.. there are worlds difference with Driving Dynamics and handling..

[taxjoc]

I went with the 50i over the M. I took delivery of my X5 on November 18, 2015. I ordered it and the MSRP was $96,945 and included M sport, cold weather, driver assistance plus, ACC Stop and Go, Dynamic Handling Package, Executive Package, Lighting Package, Mocha interior, 20" M wheels, adaptive M suspension (which, of course, is required with DHP), active steering, Bang and Olufsen and a few other options.

Here is why I did not go for the M5:
My wife refused to allow me to pay more than $100,000 for a motor vehicle
You cannot get ACC Stop and Go with M5
The M5 has the image of a younger man. At 52, it just looked too aggressive for my age.
I did not care for the style of the seats in the M5 (but I sure wish I could have ordered red in my X5 - I really like the red).
My X5 has more power than I can use. My X5 just feels like it is ready to be unleashed. Sadly, I find myself using eco pro mode frequently as a challenge to see how high I can get my average MPG.

[cy07]

Originally Posted by Kzang

You're just saying that because you recently got one .. I'm comparing a 50i and X5M.. there are worlds difference with Driving Dynamics and handling..

I have gotten the M3 for a long while now and it has always been my target if factoring in the wait time.

And for the world difference of driving dynamics and handling, it's purely subjective and x5 with DHP is quite capable to hold its own and nothing to sneer at. Now if you talk about x5m vs 35i now that's a serious difference.

[dubsesd]

i was considering an x5m. decided it just wasn't necessary for a daily driver my wife uses. i drive the x5 on weekends mainly since it our family car, and really happy with everything about it. its a 35i mppk mpe equipped. if it was my daily SUV however, i would have bought the x5m. stock sound, handling were next level

my dad bought a x6 50i and after 5 months of ownership said it actually has to much power for a daily driver. this is coming from someone who owns a Mclaren 650s haha

[Roundown]

Originally Posted by cy07

No matter what driving dynamic you are talking about, it's still a hulking SUV. Personally I prefer M3 (or even M2) for all the fun stuff.

To the OP, I was in the same boat when I was choosing between different X5s, but luckily I have settled on 50i since x5M would require another half year+ wait. I am glad that I did and got the M3 afterward for the fun track event. 50i is plenty fast to drive around in comfort and DHP sweetens the deal a lot if you willing to fork out the extra $$. Given how rare I get to push the 50i on the freeway I just don't see the point of x5M unless it's my only vehicle.

Your highlighting how arbitrary this question is. The utility of an M-car (over a series car) is really an individual judgment (where needs, wants and means must be balanced).

You 'not seeing the point', is much like a 35i-owner 'not seeing the point' of a 50i or an XC90 owner 'not seeing the point' of an X5 or an Acadia owner not seeing the point of an XC90 (and so forth).

Fact is, something <5% of M cars see track time... the remaining 95% are driven by people who appreciate something -- in day-to-day driving -- that they can't get from a series car.

For me- a proper 'drivers car' comes from Stuttgart and is naturally aspirated. Day-to-day, I want a car that's responsive (high output, corners flat, well-dampened, etc.), is well-appointed and able to handle the demands of my growing family. Having test driven an X5 50i, RRS V8 Dynamic and SVR- the X5M was the best balance of the above attributes at its price point.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by cSurf

Your highlighting how arbitrary this question is. The utility of an M-car (over a series car) is really an individual judgment (where needs, wants and means must be balanced).

You 'not seeing the point', is much like a 35i-owner 'not seeing the point' of a 50i or an XC90 owner 'not seeing the point' of an X5 or an Acadia owner not seeing the point of an XC90 (and so forth).

Fact is, something <5% of M cars see track time... the remaining 95% are driven by people who appreciate something -- in day-to-day driving -- that they can't get from a series car.

For me- a proper 'drivers car' comes from Stuttgart and is naturally aspirated. Day-to-day, I want a car that's responsive (high output, corners flat, well-dampened, etc.), is well-appointed and able to handle the demands of my growing family. Having test driven an X5 50i, RRS V8 Dynamic and SVR- the X5M was the best balance of the above attributes at its price point.

Very well put.. thank you.

[kanvas]

Considering that I currently own an M-sport 50i with DHP and thinking of adding an X5M to the stable, I might now reconsider my thoughts...

[Roundown]

Originally Posted by kanvas

Considering that I currently own an M-sport 50i with DHP and thinking of adding an X5M to the stable, I might now reconsider my thoughts...

Test drive one - I suspect the majority commenting in this thread have not.

[dubsesd]

the power may be comaprable, but the ride is quiite different. the new x5m is hands down the best suv on the market IMO

[kanvas]

Originally Posted by cSurf

Test drive one - I suspect the majority commenting in this thread have not.

Yeah, won't skip that. Even Edmunds review said there isn"t much difference between the 50i and X5M in terms of power delivery and performance but nothing beats a real test drive.

[Can Drive 5.0]

I am coming from a Mercedes AMG and I have an appreciation for power and handling, but I chose the 50 over the M mainly because of the ACC not being available in the M. I like the availability of red leather in the M, but I like the multi-contour seats better. I am sure the 50 will have enough power for my needs. I am looking forward to picking up the vehicle, hopefully next month, as it has been on order for almost 24 hours now. Good luck with your decision.

[shodanusmc]

Test drove both. Basically is wifes car. Went with the 50 and Dinan. She is loving it but does not push it. If she is happy, I am Happy.

[ANYC]

Originally Posted by taxjoc

I went with the 50i over the M. I took delivery of my X5 on November 18, 2015. I ordered it and the MSRP was $96,945 and included M sport, cold weather, driver assistance plus, ACC Stop and Go, Dynamic Handling Package, Executive Package, Lighting Package, Mocha interior, 20" M wheels, adaptive M suspension (which, of course, is required with DHP), active steering, Bang and Olufsen and a few other options.

Like you I was considering the X5M but I went with the 50i because of the cost. I have a very similar, fully loaded, build on my X5 50i and love everything about it so much that I recently placed an ED order for an M4.

The reason I didn't go for the X5M was because my previous cars were similar to the X5M in that they tried to bridge the gap between practicality and performance. The X5M is an amazing car. However, the X5 sits too high above the ground to feel confident cornering it hard. Since leasing the X5 I haven't been able to take the longer spirited drives that I know and love. So I decided to buy an M4 to compliment it.

I know this isn't one of the options you presented but perhaps you could lease a 35i and an M4 for about the same as an X5M? This would allow you to own two amazing cars that don't try to do anything more than what they are supposed to do.