RE: 2024 BMW 550e xDrive M Sport Pro | PH Review

[Rob 131 Sport]

I’ve liked every incarnation of the 5 Series since inception. I’ve been fortunate enough to own one ex demo E60 520d a new E60 525i and an ex demo G30 530d.

Unfortunately however I will not be purchasing one of this model. It’s just far too high and heavy. I actually quite like the shape it’s just the proportions are all wrong to me. I hope the next generation of 3/4 Series are will not be going the same way.

[herebebeasties]

It's presumably so tall to be able to fit the battery pack under the floor for the i5 version. The black valence/skirts don't do a great job of hiding the slab-sidedness and the mahoosive grille just draws attention to the height.

While I get BMW's desire to hedge its bets and have a single platform for both ICE and EV, it doesn't half look inelegant compared to the previous model. The rear is an absolute shambles.

I know the age-old new vs. old debate is moot, but I'd buy a very nearly new (but older model) Alpina B5 instead. Or a slightly older B7, even.

[Rob 131 Sport]

Looking at how the BMW M2 Course Car corners at the Oulton Park BSB today, I’m having one of those.

[Gigamoons]

You can say what you like about its looks, but the fact is that is one ugly car.

I’m sure it’s a useful tool, but even if your employer offered you one to get around you’d still politely ask for the full company car list to see what else you could get.

[CG2020UK]

Rob 131 Sport said:

Looking at how the BMW M2 Course Car corners at the Oulton Park BSB today, I’m having one of those.

I own a M2 and a 330e.

You’re going to be absolutely heartbroken unfortunately if you think normal BMWs cars go round a corner anywhere near the level of a proper M cars.

It’s a whole different world!

[Rob 131 Sport]

CG2020UK said:

Rob 131 Sport said:

Looking at how the BMW M2 Course Car corners at the Oulton Park BSB today, I’m having one of those.

I own a M2 and a 330e.

You’re going to be absolutely heartbroken unfortunately if you think normal BMWs cars go round a corner anywhere near the level of a proper M cars.

It’s a whole different world!

I meant I’d have an M2, not just any BMW.

[PistonTim]

numtumfutunch said:

CG2020UK said:

DaveyBoyWonder said:

One hundred grand. For that. Wow...

Need your head checked to pay that.

Be a £500-600 a month lease job.

If it was £500 Id be in as my decently optioned £420/month 530d needs to be moved on in September

Im probably their target customer but doubt I will see the monthly cost as reasonable when deals are published

Cheers

For the base model with no options Tusker are showing £1,095 NET for this on a 48 / 80,000 lease.

Extremely expensive for the P11D.

[Court_S]

That’s not a good look at at all; the proportions are very odd.

It’s also very expensive and very heavy. No tah.

[JackJarvis]

What's with the black plastic side skirts and lower rear bumper, it reminds me of a poverty spec car from the 90s.

[CrgT16]

I like it, if you look at the offer in that type of segment the Mercedes is over blindly, the Audi just dull. The BMW sits in between.

It’s not a great design but not offensive and does the job well. A car to buy with your own money and keep? Off course not but most of this are either leased and have a life of 4 years before they hit the used car market.

I ordered an I5 which will be just right for what I need from it but no way I would buy it with my own money or as a long term keeper. It’s not that interesting but lovely place to be on long trips and relaxing to drive.

[CG2020UK]

Rob 131 Sport said:

I meant I’d have an M2, not just any BMW.

I’m an idiot sorry!

[Motormatt]

theicemario said:

Ah yes, an M Sport BMW in matte grey on some st diamond cut wheels and a claustrophobic interior. What a sore sight

Had a play with the configurator, it would appear you can spec the i5 without the M Sport trim, some nice colours and silver wheels free of charge as well. That’s more like it. Not that anyone will ever spec one like that. Oh well

Everyone in Europe will order them like that. Here in the UK, in order to extract maximum performance on our poorly surfaced & pot-hole riddled roads we like our German cars specified with the least amount of sidewall possible, combined with extra firm 'sporty' suspension.

[CrgT16]

Motormatt said:

Everyone in Europe will order them like that. Here in the UK, in order to extract maximum performance on our poorly surfaced & pot-hole riddled roads we like our German cars specified with the least amount of sidewall possible, combined with extra firm 'sporty' suspension.

Interesting all your BMWs where M Sport trim…. Just saying…

[WPA]

Gigamoons said:

You can say what you like about its looks, but the fact is that is one ugly car.

I’m sure it’s a useful tool, but even if your employer offered you one to get around you’d still politely ask for the full company car list to see what else you could get.

Agreed

[CrgT16]

Agree in part. I like the design compared to the alternatives. But that’s all very subjective. The interior is really nice for my tastes and with my options it’s not sombre.

Anyway horses for courses.

[DragonflyTrumpeter]

Gigamoons said:

You can say what you like about its looks, but the fact is that is one ugly car.

I’m sure it’s a useful tool, but even if your employer offered you one to get around you’d still politely ask for the full company car list to see what else you could get.

Just got a 550e as a company car. Bev and (a few) phev only on the list and a bev does not fit my use. The G60 is definitely not a stunner to look at but that is way down my priorities. It is not what I expected for such a heavy car, drives and handles very well with the active 4 wheel steering / adaptive suspension and feels surprisingly light and agile on the road. It has a lot of kit as standard and the seats are excellent so it is a very decent place to be in both comfort mode for cruising or sport when required. It goes like st, the 489hp is always available with the cracking drivetrain, has plenty space and the full size boot is a bonus for a hybrid. Too much tech in it like most modern cars though and it is a big at 5m long.

Dealer discounts were good so employer was happy. Would I pay £70k of my own for it? I think not. But with all private fuel provided and my total motoring costs being only £65 per week in bik, unlike you I politely said it will do fine.

[Rob 131 Sport]

Motormatt said:

theicemario said:

Ah yes, an M Sport BMW in matte grey on some st diamond cut wheels and a claustrophobic interior. What a sore sight

Had a play with the configurator, it would appear you can spec the i5 without the M Sport trim, some nice colours and silver wheels free of charge as well. That’s more like it. Not that anyone will ever spec one like that. Oh well

Everyone in Europe will order them like that. Here in the UK, in order to extract maximum performance on our poorly surfaced & pot-hole riddled roads we like our German cars specified with the least amount of sidewall possible, combined with extra firm 'sporty' suspension.

I had a 19 plate G30 530d M Sport that rode superbly. Firm yet comfortable. My current M440d has Adaptive Dampers and is sublimely comfortable.

[nismo48]

WPA said:

Gigamoons said:

You can say what you like about its looks, but the fact is that is one ugly car.

I’m sure it’s a useful tool, but even if your employer offered you one to get around you’d still politely ask for the full company car list to see what else you could get.

Agreed

A bit harsh but true