X5 vs 550ix
 

I have a 2011 X5 50i spec'd out that is waiting to be put into the order system for a September build, but the 550ix has recently caught my attention.

In many ways these two vehicles are apples and oranges, but when I look at my "profile" I'm wondering if the 550ix may be a better choice.

As a little background, my wife and I are in our 40s, no kids. Lead a pretty active lifestyle e.g. head up to Lake Tahoe numerous times during the winter.

I do like the ride height provided by the X5, and I think I prefer how it looks over the new 5er - It just seems to be more youthful vs the 5 being more staid, but I admit this is totally a personal feeling. I definitely like the better fuel efficiency of the 5, as well I think some of interior elements such as the instrument cluster and steering wheel (looks like you can control adaptive cruise from the steering) etc are more up to date.

Obviously these are two great choices, and I don't think there is a wrong or a right here, but I am definitely feeling a little torn (though I am leaning more towards the X at this point)

As an aside, I'm not a fan of the GT.

I was wondering what other folks on the board thought about the two vehicles and if anyone else has been having the same dilemma

Take the versatility of the E70, great vehicle and loads of different options to play around with. If you've enjoyed the 4.8L, you'll enjoy the new one. The updated I-Drive is pleasure & my dogs loved the truck too. Since then I have changed to the E71 - equally as great.

Cheers,

I had an E53, and enjoyed it, but when it came time to replace it I wanted more handling performance, without having to pay to keep a Z4 in the garage for sunny days. The E70 design went the wrong way IMO, as it was larger and heavier than the E53. I went for the E60 535i, and am very happy with it. Mine has a manual transmission, M Sport package (which is what the last 550 had as standard), better fuel consumption, and far better handling. The X5 has great handling for an SUV, but a car will beat an SUV any time. I didn't want the penalties associated with the 535xi (handling, weight, fuel consumption) so I bought the best snow tires I could for regular winter trips through the mountains. The 535 rwd with Dunlop Wintersport M3 tires did better in winter conditions than our X3 with Pirelli Scorpions (not the dedicated Ice version).

I don't need a new 5 series, but I really like what they have done with it. Mine would be a 535, not a 550, though.

I had a chance to drive the new 5... the lesser weight makes a big difference. I personally like the everyday feel of an SUV though. Sedans just don't do it for me for whatever reason. And looking in the 5er backseat space, it looked pretty small... nothing like the X.

I think you might guess what my answer would be if you wanted a 4 door sedan........;)

I would be shocked if it didn't start with a P and end in an A!

The new 5 is nice. But if I had an Aston Martin Vantage in the garage already, I'd go with the X5 50i. I like variety, apples and oranges. :)

As a previous resident of the Tahoe area, I can definitely say the ground clearance of the X5 came in handy on more than a few occasions. You know how the snow can get there...measured in feet per hour. It's a lot tougher to get through foot-tall snow drifts in a sedan than it is in the X5, and the next time you're in that situation you'll be happy you're in an X5. Add to that the cargo space and the added safety factor of being higher up, and I think the X5 is the way to go.

My 2 cents.

Wow Tahoe both you and OP have an Aston Martin Vantage and an x5 4.8i

Nice.

Yeah I noticed that...same color for both, too, and until 8 months ago we lived in the same general area. Weird.

Speaking of the Vantage...TheX5...any mods on yours yet?

My thoughts exactly. A little variety is nice.

I'll throw in another youthful conundrum for ya...have you test driven the E71? No kids (pets?)...drove the V8TT and it sent me right back to the drawing board :D

I really like the new 5 series. If I wasn't so tall I would own one. Like another poster mentioned, I would do the 535, it's plenty quick and has excellent gas mileage.

I drove the 5 GT a few times and didn't care for it at all.

The only work of caution is that first year BMWs can be trouble while they work out the kinks.

Similar thoughts of f10 vs new e70 are crossing my mind currently. For me its more about just a change of pace. I also find the fit and finish of the f10 to be noticeably higher. With that said I fit better in the truck, being 6'4. Also I have other needs that the x delivers on. I am sure you will enjoy either vehicle, good luck.

I was originally wanting to do the new 535xi, but didn't really end up liking the new design. And was surprised to find the X5 is actually a bit cheaper, and really happy to have the diesel option (why no 535xd?). I also like having the extra cargo space, road clearance for snow, etc.

Go test drive the new 550 - I did, and was underwhelmed. Steering was numb (my E60 felt fantastic in comparison afterwords), power was so smooth as to be boring, and yet shifting was jerky whenever the transmission was caught off guard. Only thing I really liked was the new steering wheel, the thumb scrolling controls are handy.

Very fair points

Hey TahoeM3. Lots of coincidences. Where did you move to?

No modes on the Vantage. I got it on a lease that runs out next July. I'm eyeing the V12, but trying to be good. Also want to see what the new 6 series looks like

I haven't driven it. I was assuming there wouldn't be a big difference between it and the X5 given the common underpinnings. To be honest, I'm not sold on the styling and so have stayed away from it - though I did see one in black that looked pretty hot :D

I have an '08 550i and have debated the '11 550i versus the X6 5.0. The new 5 is a very nice car but it is so isolated from the road, that the X5 is more fun to drive and sounds far better too.

South Florida. I should update that on my profile. I still have a house near Tahoe but I don't spend much time there.

Not to threadjack here...The V12 looks good and sounds good...I still prefer the sound of the V8...and wasn't patient enough to wait for the V12, hence the supercharger. I ended up with a car that's faster than the V12 and it was probably a little cheaper, but no warranty. The tuning on the cars is very lean from the factory, so they respond well to modding...and to boost. I am making 534rwhp, or roughly 630-650 at the crank (vs 307rwhp stock) with only 7psi, and that dyno was done on a 100 degree summer day.

Back on the topic...I've heard a lot of complaints about numb steering in the new 5. Also about the muted exhaust. The 535i ranked third of 3 in the most recent comparo...not a good start. It sounds like they went Lexus-style on this one. Definitely drive it before you decide.

I also test drove the new 550i during the Ultimate Driving event and I just dont like the steering at all...you feel disconnected to the road. I actually like the steering of my wife's X5 better... but nothing compares to the steering on my M3.

Someone mentioned safety and I wanted to point out that the IIHS rated the new 5 series a top pick. I don't think the X5 or X6 were top picks this year.

I would personally rather have the 5 Series. I think it looks great and is going to be one of the best looking 5's ever by the end of it's run. Plus, it is a fresh model. If you are going to buy a new car, why not have it be the new model for years to come? The e70 is going to take a bow soon.

Now, as far as snow is concerned, I think JCL is right. It is all about the tires. You are going to need a winter setup for the X5 anyway. Here is a video of an X6 going off road and in snow from Top Gear. Fast forward to 5:40 for the snow. Off roading is 4:30.



Also, as far as the 5 series ranking 3rd in that magazine comparison is concerned. Another member pointed out that the 5 series tested had active steering. Simply don't order yours with active steering and it should feel better.

OK I saw that Top Gear before and I really question it. I can tell you this from personal experience...I have the 20" style 214 wheels on mine running Toyo Proxes M+S year round (275F, 315R)...and I have taken my car through full on blizzards, on steep inclines, to ski resorts, through deep snow drifts, and over ice, and through deep water, and it gets through them better than anything else I've had...almost never slips and I have never gotten stuck. My friends with 3/5 series -xi models and Audi A4/A6 were getting stuck in snow drifts that I was clearing with ease.

Top Gear does a lot of things for effect so I'm sure they picked an exceptionally icy stretch for that scene at the ski resort. Clearly the car got there on its own, but all they show is that one scene. You have to take anything that Top Gear says with a grain of salt. The one thing you can say the X5/6 is missing is a low-range, but then again it's really not meant to be a true off-roader, but it's still better in those situations than a 5-series would be, IMO.

As for the 5 series steering, you are right...without the active steering it may be a different game. And with snow tires/studs I'm sure it could get around in many if not most snow conditions...as long as it's not in Tahoe in the winter.

:thumbup:

I'll put it this way. I went into my BMW dealer to purchase a 550 and left with an X5 50i.

Hard to argue with the fact that higher ground clearance is a plus with regard to really deep snow or huge drifts, but I am really surprised you are getting results like that out of those tires. Especially in those sizes. You have more experience in the snow than I do for sure, but I wouldn't really want to drive through a blizzard or any significant snow with that set up.

This...

:confused:

Most all-season or M/S tires are notorious for being pretty much worthless in heavy snow. Especially in those steam roller sizes.

Yeah it surprised me, too...doesn't sound like the ideal setup but the thing is a trooper...always sure footed. That's why I call it the mountain goat.

By the way, I still have those same tires on now in Fl, and they do just as well now...keeping me planted doing 60 on 270 degree freeway off ramps. I throw this thing into curves and it handles it with ease.

The dedicated M&S Vredesteins 20's on my X5 work perfectly and most recently in a Northeast VT blizzard. Clarkson wouldn't dare throw the summer 20's from the X6 on the Range for that silly comparison :confused:

Exactly. There's a lot of hidden bias in there and a lot of people take it at face value.

I thought the same as well...during the drive, i quickly realized some differences. IMO, it handled more car-like than the sport E53 and E70, more confident...almost like a slightly raised 6er. Experience it for yourself.

The looks have grown on me...or at least, what i envision to do if i end up with one :D

I was just using the video as a visual aid. I saw it last weekend when I was cleaning out my DVR. Video aside, the majority of posts I have read on this forum regarding 19+ inch wheels with all seasons in the snow have been negative. Even worse with wider 20+ inch wheels like TahoeM3 has. That is why I was surprised with his results.

Are your Vreds on 18 inch wheels or smaller? If so, there is a big difference between those and the 20's and it is probably not really fair to compare the two in the snow.

I mentioned that mine are 20's as well. There are more dedicated snows becoming available even in 315/20 now...i know of several that use as winter setups on their X ///M's and no regrets.

No problem, I know you had said 20's earlier, but I couldn't find any all season or M/S rated tires in a 20 inch size on Vredesteins website for SUV's. All I see in Vreds that will fit 20's are summer or winter tires. Just out of curiosity which exact tires do you have? I may consider them next time if they make them in 19's as well.

Wintrac 4 Xtreme

2010 brochure

Pardon the hijack OP :D

:iagree: Completely different ride. ZERO body roll. It amazes me everyday.

I apologize, we were not on the same page. Your Vreds are dedicated winter tires, TahoeM3's tires are all-seasons rated M&S. I am not surprised yours run well in the winter temperatures and snow because they were designed specifically to do so, but I am still surprised that Tahoe's all season Proxes do. Even if they are rated M&S. Especially being all season in that wide of a tire.

I stand by my original comment where I said I have seen a lot of negative posts/comments regarding all season tires, which M&S are. Especially at wider widths and larger sizes such as Tahoe's.

Your Vreds are not M&S. That is where you confused me. They are dedicated winter tires according to their website.

I can't disagree with you, however, i'm seeing and hearing positive reviews as well. The 2010 tires may market "dedicated winter"...but my tire year, 2008, has the M&S stamp. The current year may also have the stamp on there. I've seen some tires marketed as dedicated winters but have the Mud & Snow stamp as well.

My point is that there are tires for different reasons and seasons.

Agreed. :thumbup:

Sorry for the hyjack, TheX5. Back on topic. My vote is still for the 5 series. :rofl:

If I wanted a luxury car, the 550i is great. It has good enough handling for most but just doesn't provide the feed back that many BMWs do.

However I want the extra utility of the X5. It doesn't have a car like feel handling, but still is impressive for an SUV and you get the wonderful exhaust note as a bonus.

My '08 550i lease is almost up so I may be placing an X5 order in a week or so. I am hoping to get a Sept build but get delivery before the end of the month.

Thanks everyone for your feedback and thoughts. The 550 is definitely out. I'm going to test drive the X6 50i on Tuesday to complete my diligence before my X5 order goes in.

I've been warned by a number of folks that once I drive it I'll be sold.

There it is...at very least experience it for yourself. And by all means, don't hold back on the throttle (for testing purposes) :D If you weren't aware, i believe there's an option to have the rear seats converted to fit 3...and there's a well priced factory performance upgrade (7RR) that boosts HP & torque without compromising gas mileage. Member cmyX6go recently received a tuned X6 50i and has written great reviews.

An X6 will handle just as confident during inclement Tahoe weather. A set of all-season M&S rubbers or dedicated M&S winters and you'll forget all about your Vantage...(during winter months of course :D )

Well, since you nixed my first vote, I am now voting X5. I just can't get past the rear of the X6. It looks great from the front and front quarter but then it goes downhill fast, imo.

What was it about the 5 series that killed the deal?

First off, the 5 series is a very nice car - great interior etc. But driving it I realized that I much prefer the higher seating position of the X5. I also just couldn't get excited about it and ended walking away feeling it was a nice car, but that was about it. Obviously more of a personal thing vs anything being wrong with the 5 per se.

Regarding the X6: I have to say that I was firmly in the same camp as you. My first impression was that the rear end looked like a duck's ass. But I have to say that when I looked at it in lighter colors (e.g. Titanium Silver) it started to grow on me to the point that I now think the whole car looks pretty aggressive (no I am not taking hallucinogens). But then again I got the FX45 the first year it came out, so I apparently like odd shaped vehicles :D

I do love my X5, so it is going to be quite hard to get me into the X6 since it is like an old friend. It'll all come down to the test drive.

Test drove the X6 50i today:

minuses:

- Less room than the X5
- Less visibility out the rear than the X5

pluses

- More planted and better cornering than the X5
- More unique (+ve or -ve is a personal opinion :))

Given that we don't have kids (and aren't planning on any), I've decided to go with the X6. It is just so much fun to drive. I love my X5, but a change will be nice, while still staying in the same family

Going from the 4.8i X5 to the 5.0i X6 it's like you're leaving an old girlfriend for a better looking more "fun" younger sister! I'm sure you won't look back on this one, the X6 5.0i is a fun beast.

I like that comparison... not sure my wife will :D

Awesome choice! I would have picked the X6 in a heartbeat (if I didn't have the kid issue).

What is +ve or -ve?

Just test driven a 550i GT and X5 35i back to back.
I understand that GT generates some very polarized response - either you love it or hate it. But it drives pretty well. Though you are aware of its weight, it handles beautifully.

One thing I really love about the GT is the black panel dash and the interior. The dash is completely black apart from 4 partial rings when off. When you open the door, the numbers light up and the rings are completed. The lower part is a high res color TFT display. Really looks great. Wish they had included updating the orange-dot-matrix display in the X5 when doing the facelift.

http://www.xoutpost.com/attachments/...t5-prod-11.jpg

http://www.xoutpost.com/lemansx5/5GT/GT5-prod-90.jpg

+ve = Positive
-ve = negative

Sorry for my geekiness :D

I *really* liked the interior of the GT. The exterior didn't do it for me, and I just didn't need such a large vehicle.

Wonder why they haven't done a x6 35d yet.

Agreed that the interior is fantastic, I love the new steering wheel controls.

So, I guess my '01 e53 with 105K miles that still looks good is like a Cougar. ;)

If you've had her since new you should get her something from China (eBay or electronics?) this year, and something aluminum next year (Dinan or AC Schnitzer?)... just saying. :D

ANNIVERSARY GIFTS

Next year my baby needs something leather accordingly, maybe a shift knob, steering wheel or comfort seats...

Yeah had her since new-our 10 year is coming up in February---let's just hope the aluminum gift isn't something mechanical.

For leather I was thinking some leather chaps-- but yeah if it's for the ride then a leather shift knob.

Tahoe and OP,
What are your thoughts on the Vantage? I've been considering getting one as my next car. Our new X5 is for the wife. I've been looking at the Tesla S, Fisker Karma, and the Aston Martin Vantage. I've always loved the Aston Martin ever since I saw the spy shots of it.

If I have anything to do with chaps it'd better be a hot girl wearing them and only them! (drank with a few tonight that's fit the bill!)

That's why I differentiated "for her" and then car ha.

I love it. Awesome car even in stock form. Well made, fun to drive, looks fantasic. The stock tuning is a bit conservative, but it responds very well to mods...especially boost, in my case. Mine is an '07 with the 380hp 4.3L. I went from 307rwhp to 534rwhp with SC and cats.

I know it's kind of crazy to ask this but what's the reliability and maintenance cost?

The reliability is very good. There are a couple of minor service bulletin things...door lock mechanism, etc, but those are all fixable. The stock clutch is a bit weak and can go early (20-30k miles). I replaced mine wih a heavy duty one when I upgraded the power. The stock cats are very restrictive and mine failed (literally disintegrated) due to the heat from the SC, so I replaced them with high-flow ones, which added about 20hp across the power band.

Maintenance cost isn't unreasonable. Figure about $1500 once a year for standard service at the dealership, less if you go to an outside mechanic that you trust.

AMV8 is a great car. Lots of fun to drive and always elicits lots of ooohs and aaahs. I have the sports shift version and it can be a little jerky when the car is cold, but it smooths out after a couple of minutes.

As far as reliability goes, it has been good so far. One issue with bubbling leather on the dash due to defective adhesive and a squeaking sound that was due to a misadjusted hand break. The car also has a couple of rattles that come and go, but that's a British car for you.

Oh yeah, and nothing beats the sound of the V8 in that car :D

TheX5 and TahoeM3,
Thanks for the info on the AMV8. Very good info!

if you don't mind me asking, how much are you paying for insurance?