xDrive50i or M?

[ieatquinoa]

Happy new year everyone!

I need to make a decision re: 2018 X5 xDrive50i or X5M? Any of you ever been in the same boat? What did you choose? Why? Any regrets?

Priority for me is quiet ride, comfortable, fun to drive - is the additional 20k for the X5M worth it - or is a loaded xDrive50i the better option!

Coming from a '14 v6 Range Rover Sport, will be daily driver.

I know this is subjective, but any suggestions or feedback would be much appreciated!

[Maxx2]

ieatquinoa,

I've had a 2012 E70 X5 xDrive50i, a 2012 E70 X5M, a 2016 F15 X5 xDrive35i and now a 2018 F85 X5M and can say without a doubt that if you have the budget for the X5M and you want the ultimate X5 then there is absolutely nothing to think about.

The xDrive50i is an amazing machine and would be more than enough for anything you intend on using it for, however, if you already think you might want the M then I guarantee you will regret it quickly. Ask me how I know...

The M is definitely more hardcore and the ride is more firm even in softest suspension setting. The experience is a bit more "always on" in the M due to the engine/exhaust sounds and engine/transmission characteristics. The xDrive50i does a better job of being the more comfortable of the two without a doubt. If that is high on your priorities then you should drive them both to appreciate how different they are. Having said that, both can do most of the things you need exceptionally. It really comes down to what you want.

Is the M worth 20K more... probably not when picking up the kids or groceries, but for the times you want to have fun, without a doubt!!

Good Luck!

[onfireX5]

I had a 2016 MSport for 5 months......nice ride but not close in overall performance to my 2016 X5M.

[aparedes]

As Maxx2 suggested I would go and test drive both. I have an X6M and my brother a X5, I rode with him all day and the degree of comfort I believe to be significantly higher on the standard X5 vs the M. The seats are more comfortable and less stiff/rigid, the ride is softer, the cabin is quitter.

Now, I will never trade my M, as it is super fun to drive! You should definitely test drive both and see how you feel.

A

[iconoclast]

I had a heavily optioned 2016 50i MSport with a MSRP of $96k with all the handling options and a bunch of goodies out of the M-Performance parts bin on top of that MSRP.... The vehicle did everything you expect to it and did it well however it did not retain it's value very well because most people do not want an X5 with a price tag that high and those that do go with the X5M. Second time around, I purchased the X5M. The ride is much firmer, the gearing is a bit "jerky" and not as smooth as your RRS but the handling and overall build along with the tech will exceed any and all expectations and will make your RRS look like it was from 2004 not 2014. Lastly, the X5M will depreciate but it will not depreciate as much as a MSRP X5 or an RRS. So if you're not a long term guy and you're already considering the X5M and you have the means... I say the decision has already been made and you're just looking for validation and agreement to move forward. Do it.

[secretariat]

Is it worth 20K more it depends. How far is your commute to work, I assume you'll be driving to work. Is it open road or traffic? The 50i would do a much better job going to the store or any short trip. Do you need an M to travel 2 to 5 miles to the store? No. But if you have open road daily there is nothing like red lining this beast up to 120 mph. Every time I travel more than 50 miles to go see a friend or vacation or whatever I thank God I have the X5M. Also there are many times that I could have been better off in a 50i with short trips.

[Terminator02]

Another reason, though vain, is image. Spend 90k on an X5 or 20k more for thecM that is not only better at X,Y,Zed but has that status appeal.

I am new to bimmer world but this example will translate here as well. I have had numerous of the current gen Jeep Grand Cherokees. First one was the base 4x4 Laredo for 28k in 2012. Sold for 14k on tradein (great price even if itvwas perfect and this was not even close). I had an Altitude when they came out (all show zero go) but it also was great bang for the buck. Once you get into Summit territory around 55-60k I lose any interest. Sure, it is a GREAT truck and loaded up actually holds its own more than credited for around here. HOWEVER, I think a base X5 is better than a loaded 60k Jeep. Brand name, service, and "status" do play some level of role in purchasing. So my current Jeep is a 16 SRT because, outside of air suspension, it has all the bells and whistles of the summit plus a NA 6.4l Hemi V8 that is faster, more fun and better looking for 15k more.

I have no clue what all the different packages and versions of the X5 mean, and I do not care. I want the best X5 for performance because at the end of the day, is that not why we often choose BMW over Mercedes? We believe in the "Ultimate Driving Machine" and M engineering correct? Therefore, if I were to drop 90k on all the stuff to be added to the X5 to make it as close to the M but have luxo suspension, I would feel like I had a confused car and a lot of cognitive dissonance. Grab the M since you can afford it as you ask if it is worth it. Of course. It is an M made product. It is faster, more aggressive looking, wide tires, aggressive shifting and known to anyone who knows BMW as the top dog. For spending nearly 100k, give yourself that honor!

[musa]

Originally Posted by Terminator02

Another reason, though vain, is image. <snip>

Now, you said it! Can't tell you how many times I've found people milling around my F86, peeking inside, and congratulating me - at work, at the stores and even at church. The non-M are a run-of-the-mill...just get the M since you have a choice.

[ajob]

I drove 2011-2014 a E70 50i with the best suspensions, wheels etc. Ride became acceptable after ditching RFT tires fon non-RFT ones. I used the car for towing a big trailer and driving all over Central & South Europe.

When the X5 M was announced, I looked carefully at the specs and traded the E70 for an F85, from 2015 until today.

Personally, I found the F85 ride more confortable, less gelatinous, on any type of road. After 20 k miles I switched the Pirellis on 20" with Michelins on 21", a great improvement. Towing is perfect. Maybe luck, but I enjoyed a zero defect experience and have driven it about 30k miles.

The F85 is a top-of-the-line model that you will never regret choosing and owning. The F15 50i with the best suspension is still perceivably inferior in handling and quite less powerful - and if you want the best you'll likely regret every day not getting the X5 M when you could.

Finally, I found no difference in servicing or driving care - both models are equally tough and simple to keep. Still, I would suggest buying the car with a full multiyear guarantee extension, for peace of mind.

[aas5]

If you lease, the price difference is less meaningful, so I would definitely go with the M. I had both and both are great cars. I don't think the ride is any more comfortable with 5.0. Tires make a big difference. Get the M or you will regret not getting it.

[Terminator02]

Also to add, and I hope this doesnt turn into a flame war, but this SAV exceeds my expectations so much and is so rock solid, I have NO problem enjoying this and waiting awhile on the 2020 model. Usually I really want the next best but this is beyond my already high expectations.

[Mexecutioner]

If you have the money for it, why not? How are you going to regret that?

[AW2015M3]

Don't feel pressured to buy the M because of the above responses ...

I will play devil's advocate here and want to highlight that purchasing the M will come with some speeding tickets (if you are "that" BMW driver" on the highway) and attract unnecessary attention - if this is a grocery getter and a baby mobile and your wife will drive it more than you do then get the X5

I dont agree with the depreciation comment, both vehicles M and non M deprecate at the same rate ...the more expensive the vehicle the higher the depreciation

Understand that the 50i has enough power that you or your wife will ever need

Spending the $20K more, even when you can afford it ....is not a wise decision ..again this is only an assumption because logic dictates that if it didn't matter to you then you wouldn't have asked the question

just my 0.02....

[neonlights]

I just traded in a 2015 F16 X6 for a 2018 F86 X6 M, and there are so many pluses they're hard to list. Just turning the damn thing on makes me grin. I'm crazy in love with the extra power, and there's no doubt that an M is a status symbol. I've been lusting after one for years, now she's mine. Plus, if you find it was a bit much, you can always trade back down at the end of your lease, although chances of that are probably null

[onfireX5]

There are a few that have traded an F15/16 to an F85/86.

I’ve never seen a post that went the other way.

[pachieh]

If you aren't going to drive an M the way it is designed and meant to be driven, then don't get it. Plain and simple.

[iconoclast]

Originally Posted by AW2015M3

I dont agree with the depreciation comment, both vehicles M and non M deprecate at the same rate ...the more expensive the vehicle the higher the depreciation

an x5 average used price will go down with the lowest base product they have available on the market for the same year and motor... an x5m will average down with the a base x5m. so if you have a fully loaded x5 50i m-sport with an msrp of nearly a 100k the used value will be in line with other x5 when you go to trade it or a few shekles more but nothing notable. if you sell privately you may find a buyer willing to pay up but for the most part most people who are shopping an x5 at 90k+ usually just go to the x5m. i am speaking from experience and fact. same happened with an f31 i owned which had an msrp of $60k. most people buying a 3series do not go that high with the build and if they do they just go right over to the m3 which also depreciates less and differently than it's plain jane 3series counterpart.

[cmyx6go]

It is very subjective. I went from a 2013 X6M to a fully optioned 2016 X6 50i M sport. I hated it and only lasted 4 months. It depends what you like. Power aside, the previous generation 50i M sport were pretty much the same as the M as far as suspension, ride, steering feel. I found this generation to be more floaty, even when in sport or sport plus, looser steering feel and disconnected from the road. You have to test drive them both as everyone has different wants and opinions. I prefer stiff suspension, tight steering. You may prefer a softer ride.

Good luck.

[Louv]

M.
More power for towing a trailer.
Or for driving on a racetrack.
Did I mention... More power?

[Stev_chu]

Originally Posted by cmyx6go

It is very subjective. I went from a 2013 X6M to a fully optioned 2016 X6 50i M sport. I hated it and only lasted 4 months. It depends what you like. Power aside, the previous generation 50i M sport were pretty much the same as the M as far as suspension, ride, steering feel. I found this generation to be more floaty, even when in sport or sport plus, looser steering feel and disconnected from the road. You have to test drive them both as everyone has different wants and opinions. I prefer stiff suspension, tight steering. You may prefer a softer ride.

Good luck.

I hate the loose steering..makes the car feels cheesy. I wished they never had changed the stiffness of it

[iconoclast]

side-effect from going to electric steering versus traditional steering components.

[lv42day]

The M version will put a smile on your face every time you drive it..... you actually really enjoy the journey, even if it is just down the road. The experience is amazing, sun or deep snow..