2018 X5M or 2021 X5 Xdrive 40i

DPelletier · 02-01-2021, 12:29 PM

I realize I may get biased responses in this forum but I need help deciding;

My wife is replacing her 2017 GLC43AMG. We were considering a new X5 40i but found a 2018 X5M with 7,700 miles on it and she loves the paint and interior color. It's absolutely mint and has never been used in the winter. She also likes the wheels, brakes, M seats, Full leather.....it has the executive packaage, full leather, carbon accents and black 21" wheels. ....she doesn't need 567 hp but... Fuel economy isn't a big deal to us though I've heard the tank is small so the 2018 would have limited range.

Any big issues to worry about with the 4.4 M motor? anything else to think about other than the ridiculously expensive tires?

Thanks
Dave

mtr3s · 02-01-2021, 12:32 PM

A 43AMG is equivalent to an M sport. It depends if you want a newer car with updated features or want an M car and do not mind small wear and tear and outdated tech.

If your wife had a 63, I would say go M.

Keep in mind, the X5 is a much bigger car than the GLC so it will not drive as zippy. The X3 is a better size comparison to the GLC as the GLC is built off the C sedan platform.

Thinking about all of this, an X3 M40i may make alot of sense.

DPelletier · 02-01-2021, 01:36 PM

Thanks; yes we know that the GLC43AMG is equivalent to an X3M40i but she is interested in moving up a bit in size and frankly the X3M40i seemed like a bit of a step down in terms of interior quality/finishes, etc......not so with the X5M. Small wear and tear on this particular X5M seems to be virtually non-existant; it really looks like it's been driven in nice weather only and there isn't a mark I could find on it anywhere.

Yes the question is whether the newer X5 is that much better of a platform vs. the 2018 and if the tech is night and day better.....and whether the F85 has any known issues to be aware of.

As far as "zippy" goes, the 567hp is brutally fast - far more than she needs. The X5 M40i may not be as quick as the GLC43AMG due to the extra heft but it would be plenty for her. If we buy the X5M, I will have to take it out for "exercise" solo ever once in a while as she won't give it more than 1/2 throttle in comfort mode

Thanks

Dave

DgjoX6M2016 · 02-01-2021, 02:45 PM

We have both so here goes understanding spousal preferences will differ (I take no responsibility if you get in trouble!):

-My wife hates my f86. Hates the brutality of the power, transmission, seats, sound, brake squeal, stiff ride, all the good stuff!
-She is in absolute love with her Phytonic Blue 40 M-Sport. Her favorite car ever so far. And she has had a LOT of SUVS...Mercedes, Cadillac, Audi, etc...

What she loves about the 40:
-Interior is unreal. Kids call it the Maybach
-Seats ( we have multi contour with merino)
-Glass controls
-Tech system
-Panoramic lit sunroof
-Smooth engine
-Rear clamshell hatch
-Back up assistant.

She Dislikes:
-Chrome front grill.

What I like:
-Perfect engine for the car. Fast enough and butter smooth.
-Laser lights.
-Interior lighting is mesmerizing.
-22"s.
-M-sport brembos (4 pot)
-Details like lit up sills, semi autonomous driving.

Don't know if that was at all helpful, but for my wife, the 40 was the right call.

You sure you don't want the f85

DPelletier · 02-01-2021, 03:38 PM

Thanks; I think the new X5M40i would easily have all the performance she needs. ......yes I love the M; it's a beast......but not too bad if you go easy on the throttle in comfort mode. I do worry about her long term enjoyment of the stiffer suspension/sport tires/brakes, etc. .....it didn't seem bad but.... Her 3rd option is a Range Rover Sport but I found it boring to drive (V6) and it's very pricey.

Do you X5/6M guys feel that your rides are harsh in comfort mode? suspension/shifting/?

Dave

Blue By You · 02-01-2021, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DPelletier

Thanks; I think the new X5M40i would easily have all the performance she needs. ......yes I love the M; it's a beast......but not too bad if you go easy on the throttle in comfort mode. I do worry about her long term enjoyment of the stiffer suspension/sport tires/brakes, etc. .....it didn't seem bad but.... Her 3rd option is a Range Rover Sport but I found it boring to drive (V6) and it's very pricey.

Do you X5/6M guys feel that your rides are harsh in comfort mode? suspension/shifting/?

Dave

I'm new to my X5M, just bought a 2017. As much as I love the handling, it throws me around even on some of our back roads and in all comfort/efficient settings.

I'm fine with it, probably lowering it too in a couple of weeks because I want it all. But it's not for everyone and I would think that most wives would be all set with the harsh ride all the time. (My wife is cool and she'll pretty much go along with anything, but I can imagine her disliking driving my car long-term.)

640ijims · 02-01-2021, 04:12 PM

Can only respond for '18 X5///M. In efficient engine, standard ride and steering and trans in std mode extremely comfortable docile. Put way down or fast and it will go and growl

DPelletier · 02-01-2021, 05:18 PM

Thanks Guys; I really like the X5M but the wife just drove up in a 2021 Range Rover Sport P525 and has a big grin on her face.....I may lose this decision. Oh well, her car her choice

Dave

FCX5 · 02-01-2021, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DPelletier

Thanks Guys; I really like the X5M but the wife just drove up in a 2021 Range Rover Sport P525 and has a big grin on her face.....I may lose this decision. Oh well, her car her choice

Dave

Yeah. My wife would make the exact same decision unfortunately. If it were up to me today, I might get the new Alfa Stelvio QV. Drove it and I can’t get it off my mind. what an amazing SUV for driving.

DPelletier · 02-01-2021, 06:08 PM

It is a lease return. Guy apparently didn't drive it in the winter and kept it in the garage - with 7,700 miles, it looks as new.....nothing I could see made it look like it was driven particularly hard; no rubber on the underside and the stock tires still have good tread on them. It is CPO.

Dave

DgjoX6M2016 · 02-01-2021, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DPelletier

It is a lease return. Guy apparently didn't drive it in the winter and kept it in the garage - with 7,700 miles, it looks as new.....nothing I could see made it look like it was driven particularly hard; no rubber on the underside and the stock tires still have good tread on them. It is CPO.

Dave

We also have a RR sport but diesel variant. Beast of an engine. Great power WOT but gets a bit wheezy like a diesel tends to do...but my f86 handles that per of the equation. 30mpg no BS. Very impressive SUV. Great ride. Very good looking interior and exterior. Legit off roader if you need it. All aluminum so actually fairly light curb weight. The p525 will zip.

X5MNY · 02-01-2021, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DPelletier

Thanks Guys; I really like the X5M but the wife just drove up in a 2021 Range Rover Sport P525 and has a big grin on her face.....I may lose this decision. Oh well, her car her choice

Dave

I would get wifey a new range. Many lady friends I know wants either a white range or a white porsche. I love my X5M, but my wife dislikes this car. Car can feel rough in crappy roads with 21s winter/summer setup. New ranges should have newer tech and ride is much more comfortable.. but a boat lolz. GL

DLM155 · 02-01-2021, 07:12 PM

Not sure if you have made the decision yet, but since this is your wife's car, I would NOT get the X5M. I have a 2017 and I believe it may be the best thing on this planet, but every time my wife drives it (2021 Q5 is her car, mine has no mods yet) she complains about the features that we all like. "It's too jumpy, hard to turn, the suspension is too bumpy, brakes squeal, etc."

I think if you told her to test drive both, the newer 40i would be the easy decision (at least for my wife). She does still ask to borrow my car from time to time to impress male co-workers

m3fuz · 02-01-2021, 07:26 PM

To comment on an earlier post, OP, the X5M in standard mode (efficient engine, comfort suspension/steering) is a far cry from driving in Sport+ all the time. My wife hates Sport+ but is perfectly content in “normal” mode.

I don’t think it’s too much of a car for anyone that respects its power.

jab23 · 02-02-2021, 07:59 AM

Interesting choices given your wife doesn't seem to be too concerned with power or performance. I really enjoy my 2017 X5M, but it is definitely a firm ride even in comfort mode. Especially with the 21in summer wheels and tires. The shift map in comfort is butter smooth though. Brake squeal is easily rectified. The shifter itself is wonky with no park button. Sounds like you found a great example. Curious on the color combo.

I shopped new RR Sports before I decided on my pre-owned X5. Drove the pre-525 V8 and loved it. The sound is incredible and that's important to me (something the X5M lacks from the inside). Then I fell in love with the styling/options of the 6 cylinder HST. Lacked power and sound. Interior is super nice. You can get the same look of the HST (except the awesome HST 22in wheels) in the Autobiograhy V8 for $30k more. Wasn't worth it at the time.

Anyway....just babbling here. The V8 RR is a great combo of power, luxury, and styling. Think you and your wife would love it, especially if comfort is important. I know my wife was pushing me in that direction. If money were no object, the 525 or SVR would have been my choice last year. Will likely revisit after 2 years of driving the X5.

DPelletier · 02-02-2021, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jab23

Curious on the color combo.

Donington Grey with Silverstone full Marino leather and 612M 21" black wheels

Dave

Klienfeld303 · 02-02-2021, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DPelletier

Quote:

Originally Posted by jab23

Curious on the color combo.

Donington Grey with Silverstone full Marino leather and 612M 21" black wheels

Dave

My wife loves that I'm happy with our 18' X5M but every time we go to bear mountain up here she's always banging her head on the passenger side window. She's just playing but her jokes do have some validity. This car is too tough for her. Too tight and bouncy and too aggressive on throttle especially on my m settings.

Just my two cents.

DgjoX6M2016 · 02-03-2021, 06:01 PM

You can always upgrade the lighting in the F85/6

.

Lighting.Grey · 02-03-2021, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DgjoX6M2016

You can always upgrade the lighting in the F85/6

.

Nice.

clubspec330i · 02-08-2021, 08:45 AM

When I got '18 X6M for my wife, she didn't care for it much. After 2.5 years, it is her favorite car. We have taken it from Southern California to Northern California and from Southern California to Telluride, CO. She always drives in the Comfort mode. To put things into context, she is 42 and drives my two teenagers around in the back. Mind you, my 16 years old son told me how mom "ripped that thing from time to time."

Our lease on M550i was up and we just purchased CPO '20 X2 M35i to replace it. She likes to drive that little car as well. Though, she likes being higher off the ground and see further away.

That being said, I think your wife will be fine with '18 X5M and you will not regret the money spent.

X5MNY · 02-08-2021, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clubspec330i

When I got '18 X6M for my wife, she didn't care for it much. After 2.5 years, it is her favorite car. We have taken it from Southern California to Northern California and from Southern California to Telluride, CO. She always drives in the Comfort mode. To put things into context, she is 42 and drives my two teenagers around in the back. Mind you, my 16 years old son told me how mom "ripped that thing from time to time."

Our lease on M550i was up and we just purchased CPO '20 X2 M35i to replace it. She likes to drive that little car as well. Though, she likes being higher off the ground and see further away.

That being said, I think your wife will be fine with '18 X5M and you will not regret the money spent.

If she rips it from time to time, heck yes it's worth it.

DPelletier · 03-02-2021, 03:09 PM

Just an update, though I'm sure I may catch some flack here about it! LOL....we decided to let the X5M go; beautiful car but too much power and a bit of a harsh ride for my wife. We ended up trying the MB GLE450, X5 Xdrive40i and the Range Rover Sport HST P400. Ultimately she wanted the Range Rover. We also tried the RR P525 V8 but it was more power than she was comfortable with so since she'd never push it anyhow we saved some money (and fuel) and went with the RRS P400 HST.

Thanks everyone for your help.

Cheers,
Dave

ps. Weather is getting better so hopefully the Z4 can emerge from hibernation soon!

02-01-2021, 12:29 PM	#1
DPelletier Lieutenant 675 Rep 556 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i Join Date: May 2019 Location: Kelowna, B.C. Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Z4 M40i [8.00]	2018 X5M or 2021 X5 Xdrive 40i I realize I may get biased responses in this forum but I need help deciding; My wife is replacing her 2017 GLC43AMG. We were considering a new X5 40i but found a 2018 X5M with 7,700 miles on it and she loves the paint and interior color. It's absolutely mint and has never been used in the winter. She also likes the wheels, brakes, M seats, Full leather.....it has the executive packaage, full leather, carbon accents and black 21" wheels. ....she doesn't need 567 hp but... Fuel economy isn't a big deal to us though I've heard the tank is small so the 2018 would have limited range. Any big issues to worry about with the 4.4 M motor? anything else to think about other than the ridiculously expensive tires? Thanks Dave
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02-01-2021, 12:32 PM	#2
mtr3s Captain 177 Rep 647 Posts Drives: M4 Comp Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Driver iTrader: (11)	A 43AMG is equivalent to an M sport. It depends if you want a newer car with updated features or want an M car and do not mind small wear and tear and outdated tech. If your wife had a 63, I would say go M. Keep in mind, the X5 is a much bigger car than the GLC so it will not drive as zippy. The X3 is a better size comparison to the GLC as the GLC is built off the C sedan platform. Thinking about all of this, an X3 M40i may make alot of sense.
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02-01-2021, 01:36 PM	#3
DPelletier Lieutenant 675 Rep 556 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i Join Date: May 2019 Location: Kelowna, B.C. Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Z4 M40i [8.00]	Thanks; yes we know that the GLC43AMG is equivalent to an X3M40i but she is interested in moving up a bit in size and frankly the X3M40i seemed like a bit of a step down in terms of interior quality/finishes, etc......not so with the X5M. Small wear and tear on this particular X5M seems to be virtually non-existant; it really looks like it's been driven in nice weather only and there isn't a mark I could find on it anywhere. Yes the question is whether the newer X5 is that much better of a platform vs. the 2018 and if the tech is night and day better.....and whether the F85 has any known issues to be aware of. As far as "zippy" goes, the 567hp is brutally fast - far more than she needs. The X5 M40i may not be as quick as the GLC43AMG due to the extra heft but it would be plenty for her. If we buy the X5M, I will have to take it out for "exercise" solo ever once in a while as she won't give it more than 1/2 throttle in comfort mode Thanks Dave
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02-01-2021, 02:45 PM	#4
DgjoX6M2016 F86, G05, E91 455 Rep 778 Posts Drives: F86 X6M Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	We have both so here goes understanding spousal preferences will differ (I take no responsibility if you get in trouble!): -My wife hates my f86. Hates the brutality of the power, transmission, seats, sound, brake squeal, stiff ride, all the good stuff! -She is in absolute love with her Phytonic Blue 40 M-Sport. Her favorite car ever so far. And she has had a LOT of SUVS...Mercedes, Cadillac, Audi, etc... What she loves about the 40: -Interior is unreal. Kids call it the Maybach -Seats ( we have multi contour with merino) -Glass controls -Tech system -Panoramic lit sunroof -Smooth engine -Rear clamshell hatch -Back up assistant. She Dislikes: -Chrome front grill. What I like: -Perfect engine for the car. Fast enough and butter smooth. -Laser lights. -Interior lighting is mesmerizing. -22"s. -M-sport brembos (4 pot) -Details like lit up sills, semi autonomous driving. Don't know if that was at all helpful, but for my wife, the 40 was the right call. You sure you don't want the f85
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02-01-2021, 03:38 PM	#5
DPelletier Lieutenant 675 Rep 556 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i Join Date: May 2019 Location: Kelowna, B.C. Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Z4 M40i [8.00]	Thanks; I think the new X5M40i would easily have all the performance she needs. ......yes I love the M; it's a beast......but not too bad if you go easy on the throttle in comfort mode. I do worry about her long term enjoyment of the stiffer suspension/sport tires/brakes, etc. .....it didn't seem bad but.... Her 3rd option is a Range Rover Sport but I found it boring to drive (V6) and it's very pricey. Do you X5/6M guys feel that your rides are harsh in comfort mode? suspension/shifting/? Dave
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		BMW X5 and X6 Forum (F15/F16) > BMW X5 (F15) and BMW X6 (F16) Forum > BMW X5M (F85) and X6M (F86) Forum
2018 X5M or 2021 X5 Xdrive 40i

02-01-2021, 04:12 PM	#7
640ijims Lieutenant 193 Rep 592 Posts Drives: 2018 X5M , 14%E2%80%99640i ver Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: East Coast of SC iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 X5///M [7.50] 2018 BMW [0.00]	Can only respond for '18 X5///M. In efficient engine, standard ride and steering and trans in std mode extremely comfortable docile. Put way down or fast and it will go and growl
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02-01-2021, 05:18 PM	#8
DPelletier Lieutenant 675 Rep 556 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i Join Date: May 2019 Location: Kelowna, B.C. Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Z4 M40i [8.00]	Thanks Guys; I really like the X5M but the wife just drove up in a 2021 Range Rover Sport P525 and has a big grin on her face.....I may lose this decision. Oh well, her car her choice Dave
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02-01-2021, 06:08 PM	#10
DPelletier Lieutenant 675 Rep 556 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i Join Date: May 2019 Location: Kelowna, B.C. Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Z4 M40i [8.00]	It is a lease return. Guy apparently didn't drive it in the winter and kept it in the garage - with 7,700 miles, it looks as new.....nothing I could see made it look like it was driven particularly hard; no rubber on the underside and the stock tires still have good tread on them. It is CPO. Dave
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02-01-2021, 07:12 PM	#13
DLM155 New Member 6 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 17 Black/Black X5M Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: GA iTrader: (0)	Not sure if you have made the decision yet, but since this is your wife's car, I would NOT get the X5M. I have a 2017 and I believe it may be the best thing on this planet, but every time my wife drives it (2021 Q5 is her car, mine has no mods yet) she complains about the features that we all like. "It's too jumpy, hard to turn, the suspension is too bumpy, brakes squeal, etc." I think if you told her to test drive both, the newer 40i would be the easy decision (at least for my wife). She does still ask to borrow my car from time to time to impress male co-workers
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02-01-2021, 07:26 PM	#14
m3fuz First Lieutenant 199 Rep 363 Posts Drives: 17 X5M, 19 X3 30i, 03 C4S Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: MetroWest, MA iTrader: (0)	To comment on an earlier post, OP, the X5M in standard mode (efficient engine, comfort suspension/steering) is a far cry from driving in Sport+ all the time. My wife hates Sport+ but is perfectly content in “normal” mode. I don’t think it’s too much of a car for anyone that respects its power. Last edited by m3fuz; 02-02-2021 at 03:23 PM..
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02-02-2021, 07:59 AM	#15
jab23 First Lieutenant 224 Rep 375 Posts Drives: 2017 X5M Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: MA iTrader: (1)	Interesting choices given your wife doesn't seem to be too concerned with power or performance. I really enjoy my 2017 X5M, but it is definitely a firm ride even in comfort mode. Especially with the 21in summer wheels and tires. The shift map in comfort is butter smooth though. Brake squeal is easily rectified. The shifter itself is wonky with no park button. Sounds like you found a great example. Curious on the color combo. I shopped new RR Sports before I decided on my pre-owned X5. Drove the pre-525 V8 and loved it. The sound is incredible and that's important to me (something the X5M lacks from the inside). Then I fell in love with the styling/options of the 6 cylinder HST. Lacked power and sound. Interior is super nice. You can get the same look of the HST (except the awesome HST 22in wheels) in the Autobiograhy V8 for $30k more. Wasn't worth it at the time. Anyway....just babbling here. The V8 RR is a great combo of power, luxury, and styling. Think you and your wife would love it, especially if comfort is important. I know my wife was pushing me in that direction. If money were no object, the 525 or SVR would have been my choice last year. Will likely revisit after 2 years of driving the X5.
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02-03-2021, 06:01 PM	#18
DgjoX6M2016 F86, G05, E91 455 Rep 778 Posts Drives: F86 X6M Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	You can always upgrade the lighting in the F85/6 . Attached Images
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02-08-2021, 08:45 AM	#20
clubspec330i First Lieutenant 71 Rep 396 Posts Drives: MG F39, CB F86, MB 911T Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: So. Cal iTrader: (0)	When I got '18 X6M for my wife, she didn't care for it much. After 2.5 years, it is her favorite car. We have taken it from Southern California to Northern California and from Southern California to Telluride, CO. She always drives in the Comfort mode. To put things into context, she is 42 and drives my two teenagers around in the back. Mind you, my 16 years old son told me how mom "ripped that thing from time to time." Our lease on M550i was up and we just purchased CPO '20 X2 M35i to replace it. She likes to drive that little car as well. Though, she likes being higher off the ground and see further away. That being said, I think your wife will be fine with '18 X5M and you will not regret the money spent.
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03-02-2021, 03:09 PM	#22
DPelletier Lieutenant 675 Rep 556 Posts Drives: 2020 Z4 M40i Join Date: May 2019 Location: Kelowna, B.C. Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2020 Z4 M40i [8.00]	Just an update, though I'm sure I may catch some flack here about it! LOL....we decided to let the X5M go; beautiful car but too much power and a bit of a harsh ride for my wife. We ended up trying the MB GLE450, X5 Xdrive40i and the Range Rover Sport HST P400. Ultimately she wanted the Range Rover. We also tried the RR P525 V8 but it was more power than she was comfortable with so since she'd never push it anyhow we saved some money (and fuel) and went with the RRS P400 HST. Thanks everyone for your help. Cheers, Dave ps. Weather is getting better so hopefully the Z4 can emerge from hibernation soon!
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