BMW M550i xDrive review

Who would choose to spend another £30,500 to upgrade from the M550i to the full-fat M5? This M Performance model (that epithet indicates a junior M-car) looks subtler and to me more handsome than the M5, and with its radar pointing more towards comfort that outright sportiness, it’s a more effective everyday and long distance machine. With the M5 you get an additional 93bhp, a shade more cornering grip, an angrier soundtrack and faster gearshifts.

The point where any of those things could realistically be described as improvements has become but a spec in our rear view mirrors, such is the size and weight of these hulking brutes nowadays. And I find that what I want from a 5 Series-sized four-door with an ungodly amount of power isn’t razor sharp responses, but crushing performance, a sumptuous cabin, discreet styling and the kind of cushioned ride quality that might gently rock you to sleep. The M550i has it all.

As a sporting car it is agile enough, but once you get over the hyper-alert steering response (that way because of optional rear-steer) you realise the front axle is just a bit vague when you really lean on it. There’ll be no tyre smoking antics despite the M Sport differential at the rear – the four-wheel drive system always pulls the car straight. But for covering vast distances at speed and in great comfort, there is no better car for the money.

BMW M550i xDrive
Engine: 4395cc, V8, twin-turbo
Transmission: 8-speed auto, 4WD
Power: 523bhp @ 5500-6000rpm
Torque: 553lb ft @ 1800-4600rpm
Weight: 1990kg
Power-to-weight: 263bhp/tonne
0-62mph: 3.8 seconds
Top speed: 155mph
Fuel economy: 27mpg
Price: £67,595
Ti rating 8/10