If you've been with us for some time then you may have come across this article, where I drove the BMW 530e. Well now it's time for the big brother. The m550i, with the mad v8. It's a full size BMW sedan with a large motor, but does calling it a baby M5 make it better or bring it down?
Now, unlike the 530e we had, this isn't the M-performance pack version, but rather a full M...and yet, it's not an M car. Confused? We are. There's too many damn M's in this place. Anyways, this is an "M" car, kind of. This may just sit in the right spot between comfort and sport for it to be the winning choice though.
The m550i is not the most efficient of vehicles, the readout displayed just under 15 L/100 km throughout our time together. That's not great, but this is the big, bi-turbo V8 with 523 hp, you should have some fun with it. If this was a concern then you could get the 530e, which is a fantastic car, without that gas pump hurt. But you should get this, as this motor is a good laugh. The acceleration is visceral, accompanied with the sound of thunder (Ed: even if it is piped through the speakers). It is the reason that ICE cars will be so hard to give up. It's not just the acceleration, it's the whole experience; putting your foot down, the dropping of gears, the trumpet call of controlled explosions, the build up and the rush of it all. It's not as instant as an electric motor but there's beauty and art in the process. The m550i delivers this experience, any time you ask it to.
This experience is paired with a luxurious cabin providing you with great comfort whether through explosive acceleration or easy touring drives. The soft, thick leather-wrapped steering wheel warms your hands on those cold drives the north knows all too well. The seats, offering both heating and cooling, are wrapped in a soft leather, with quilted centers and tops, and contrast piping make for a tasteful appearance on top of offering support with adjustable bolsters. The rear passengers have access to privacy screens, though your spoiled kids will have to work their pampered hands as they are manually operated, aside from the rear windscreen. The ride is quiet, though the a-pillars cause a larger blind spot as a result. If you don't want a quiet ride you have either the excellent Harman/Kardon sound system or that lovely v8 to tickle your ear hairs with some premium aural pleasure.
The m550i is an incredible everyday car, a subtle and capable contender for 'if you could only have one car'. The monstrous power provides the Sunday drive entertainment and the lavish comforts and reasonable boot space give it everyday ease of use. It might not have the outright agility of the M5, but without the hardened suspension, the m550i is more livable, and you likely won't notice the areas where the M5's performance triumphs with all that time you're taking it around the track, right? With the m550i starting just under $90k CAD it's a savings close to $30k, that might be a difference you actually feel.
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