Best Luxury SUV? | 2020 BMW X5 M50i

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

SQ8/SQ7/GLE 53/GLE 580? Yes, you may obviously be cross shopping them with the X5 M50i, but the rather unexpected bump in performance for the M50i means that all of them are notably slower 0-60. The GLE 53 is 1.3 seconds slower to 60, the SQ7 3/10ths slower. The SQ7 is a big and rather front heavy 3-row CUV that Audi thinks is more of an X7 M50i competitor and I'd agree with that. The RSQ8 and GLE 63 are bat-*-craxy for sure, but they are X5M competition.

[@alliejr]

How can fail to compare this with either the Porsche Cayenne or Macan?

[@nickmorisset2880]

SQ7 tested 0-60 in 3.6 seconds by motortrend

[@robertduklus6555]

@@alliejr macan case, size

[@ae7459]

Recent review by Autotrader UK timed the petrol SQ8 0-62mph in 3.9 sec. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoGyip-GapaJj8U

[@markplott4820]

ALEX - the TESLA model X is the ULTIMATE SUV at any Price. its the SAFEST SUV ever made and the Fastest on the Road today, it can SMOKE American Muscle cars and Supercars.

[@Liplip40]

After owning my X5 M50i for a few months now, I have to say this is probably the most accurate review I’ve watched.

[@brianmoeller3539]

I've watched well over 15 reviews on this model and yours is by far the best. I have a X3 35i with the M package. There is a used M50i just around the corner with almost the exact same setup as this vehicle. Hearing you say that it handles nearly as light as the X3 caught my attention. That's one thing I've really enjoyed about the X3 is the light, snappy driving characteristics. I'm still on the fence about upgrading for numerous personal reasons, but this is one hell of a car!

[@JhKimble]

This is the best car review I have watched in a very, very long time.

[@lucyslovon6776]

Great review, thank you! I took delivery of a custom-built 2021 X5 M50i in October with all the bells and whistles and absolutely love it. It is a perfect mix of luxury and sports vehicles, so much fun to drive without being stuck in the always ”on” stiffer M version. I've been a fan of the X5, having had the V8 version of the 2008, 2011, 2015, 2018, and now the 2021 M50i. Even after test driving the Audi, Mercedes, Porche, and Range Rover, I keep returning to the X5.

[@ImYoutubing247]

If you’re looking to spend $80-$100k on an SUV... Nope not me. But I’ll keep watching

[@sprague49]

What a waste of horsepower. A rich man's barge that'll barely tow a poor man's boat.

[@JT-sl3ui]

Me either. I just bought my wife a 2020 Hyundai Palisade for 48k and it’s an absolutely astonishing vehicle for that price!

[@kromahj]

You are not alone, Kia telluride better, that 2 Kia telluride

[@martinshelton1247]

More then that how about 140 thousands fully loaded BMW.

[@martinshelton1247]

J T not a BMW.

[@long_fellow]

8:19 *When Alex gives a 10/10 for the car seats, I buy*

[@pankajtayal4433]

Best looking suv,best performing,best quality inside and outside . Truly a luxury best suv in its class .

[@deeproc]

Hey Alex. Great review. I actually own an M50i but have the air suspension option, 4wheel steering , luggage trunk and bowers and Wilkins diamond surround. I can honestly say that a better combination of comfort and performance cannot be found. I drove them all prior to my choice. Good review.

[@orangemarley5086]

I appreciate Alex because he spends time critiquing the ride. What I want to know is how firm is firm. For instance, I hate the ride on my 2020 Honda Accord, it rides rough as hell and crashes into bumps. The suspension is very unsophisticated.

[@jseichhorn]

We drove several of the same competitors (base powertrains) and ended up with the X5 40i. It felt like a more special vehicle from interior quality to the powertrain, the I6 turbo is magnificent. The X5 also has a tendency to feel smaller and lighter than it is when you start driving it.

[@dailyrant4068]

Same here. The X40i is the best value proposition out of the German luxury brands. The GLE and Q7 both have embarrassing 4-cylinder as base engines (albeit for a few grand less). I don't get why they push those engines into these giant vehicles. If you look at Q7 fuel economy numbers it's a total joke to even have the 4-cylinder. The GLE is the same case... a $60K performance-oriented German brand has a 7 second 0-60, that's slower than a V6 camry. I'm not suggesting we all need these V8s but I'd expect SOME standards. AMG models are hot and I fully respect them but the GLE 350 is pretty lame.

[@josecotto7940]

I was just researching this BMW this morning!

[@VARITHMS]

I'd probably lease one, but wouldn't want to own it after the warranty. I have a family member that has one that has aged out of warranty but well under milage.(16,000 miles) She just spent $1500.00 on an airbag. It may have dry rot just from sitting in the garage. Also I'd get the maintenance package to be included if they have one. Aside from that, for a large vehicle it's a blast to drive.

[@corpnupe85]

I own a 2017 X5 sDrive 35i. I want this X5 M50i!

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

The M performance cars are already crazy fast but they are much more comfortable than the full M models. A much better buy imo.

[@istiakhosain5127]

Range rover sport p400e vs x5 50i . Which one is more durable !? Any idea !

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

@@istiakhosain5127 BMW

[@istiakhosain5127]

@@imnotusingmyrealname4566 I love range rovers interior, seats , dash , steering ..but in questions of durability I become mad to select one .

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

@@istiakhosain5127 Yes, sadly.

[@KC-bv9kf]

@@istiakhosain5127 your joking, right?

[@213destiny]

The m50i is currently the best blend of size, practicality, power, and comfort. However, I am surprised how few SQ7 reviews have been published considering the first one was at my dealer back in June. According to the latest tests, the 500HP SQ7 has a 0-60mph time of 4.3 sec or quicker (Motortrend). The SQ7 might be closer to the m50i than originally asserted. Would be nice to get to the bottom of it. Price wise they are direct competitors.

[@Jaymac720]

Clamshell tailgates are easily the best feature that very few cars have. I would have an X5 solely for the tailgate practicality.

[@goetzliedtke]

You need a Honda Element. Clamshell tailgate and very practical.

[@francoisbalavoine1316]

M50i with air suspension for me baby!!

[@fatitigilo825]

BMW kinda hit the sweet spot with this model in my opinion.

[@Threxx]

How is cabin noise a "B" when you said it's one of the quietest in its segment and quieter than the Rolls you just tested?

[@BodhiSurfer1991]

Because it still isn't quieter than the cx9 or xc60

[@bill7481]

Kyle T Alex says whatever he wants when it comes to those scores.

[@jonchicoine]

@@BodhiSurfer1991 the cx9 is like 7 seconds 0-60... it has half the horse power too... not sure they're in the same segment ...

[@bvedant]

Still not as bad as Doug DeMuro with his "DougScore"

[@tre655]

@@BodhiSurfer1991 It's quieter than both.

[@RossP3]

In terms of the M50i vs. the base engine (s/x40i), the issue is not when you are driving around by yourself with no passengers or cargo. Its when you have 4 adults + heavy cargo in the x40i that it really starts to feel anemic and under-powered. Thats what lead me to choose the M50i.

[@dailyrant4068]

But it's not underpowered if you drive normal... why do you want to have 4 adults + heavy cargo and go fast? I mean yea the V8 is really nice but 4 second is not necessary, by any objective standards. In fact I think for most cars 5-6 second is a sweet spot.

[@KC-bv9kf]

@@dailyrant4068 bingo.

[@reubenkincaidband9781]

I own the 2020 X5 M50i. Like you said a few times in this video, it is the best SUV for the price, hands down, no question!!!! I absolutely enjoy every time I drive this thing. 1 mile, 10 miles, 50 miles, every time is just awesome. There is NO other vehicle like the X5 M50i for the price. Good Video man!

[@safetyforge]

Just picked one up a couple of weeks ago...lots of smiles per mile...my wife turns down the radio so she can hear the exhaust.

[@larryrichmond]

We almost had an "exclusive trunk comfort index".

[@brandonfrank1956]

No ventilated seats... Just wow

[@yobi369]

That’s on the option list bro

[@brandonfrank1956]

@@yobi369 it shouldn't be unchecked for 80+k

[@JT-sl3ui]

My wife’s 48k Hyundai Palisade has front and middle row vented seats!

[@jonathanhidalgo4591]

J T your wife’s palisade also doesn’t drive like this.... and guess what your palisade also has a few options that are not standard on some Rolls or Bentleys but you’re not going to be comparing it to those 2 anytime soon... there’s levels and costs to luxury and feel and it doesn’t always show on the options list

[@JT-sl3ui]

Jonathan Hidalgo it drives just fine for my wife. And me too. It’s a great highway vehicle. It’s really an astonishing design, build and engineering. My hat is off to the South Koreans. The Genesis GV80 is quite a build also. But we are completely satisfied with the Palisade and I’d compare it to any automobile no matter who the manufacturer is. They’re all just cars and all have there own issues at times.

[@lexlawless]

Great review. Is the 2020 X5 M50i significantly better in features to the 2019 X5 xDrive50i other than 523 hp vs 456hp?

[@Avalk9724]

Alex, your review style is so perfectly executed, easy to follow even for non-english viewers. Big thank you for that!

[@vinniedaniels3521]

Great review, especially explaining the “M” variations.

[@tombomombodombo]

I'm still confused!

[@yes8032]

This car is soo good I was thinking about it these last days about how good it’s quality is compared to its competitors idk wether the GLE or X5 is better but I can already say hands down on other rivals this SUV is the best

[@nickmorisset2880]

When are you trying the SQ7? I think it’s a very big contender to this

[@VARITHMS]

I like the little tailgate. The wife always says object may have shifted during the flight before she opens the hatch. Then the groceries fall out as the gate opens. She categorized as a "spirited" driver.

[@calholli]

I wish you would flash a picture of the other models (M5, ect.) when you bring them up and compare. I know it's more editing, but it would pay dividends to the quality of absorbing the information. I keep having to pause and look up the other models that you speak of. Not so fluid.

[@Jbiglin]

Another fantastic review Alex. Don’t forget that the Lincoln Nautilus also has that same available 400 HP TT V6 as the Aviator and handles sharper than the Aviator. It just seems like a closer competitor, given that it is a 2 row luxury crossover.. I know the X5 would be more vault-like and will likely drive better, but it seems like a more direct competitor.

[@tedzhang813]

I have 2021 Q7 and 2022 M50i. I like M50i more. But I do appreciate Q7 ROI and the third row of seats.

[@ThereAreNoHandlesLeft]

How does comfort and road noise compare, particularly over bad pavement?

[@ShafinRehman]

Over $80k USD and no ventilated seats? Highway robbery!

[@OM_42]

Your paying for the privilege of driving a BMW.

[@colinjunior1]

M50i 4.4 V8 & only 0.9s to 60mph faster than the 50d 6cyc quad turbo which does 30+ mpg

[@naveenthemachine]

I’d probably go Jeep track hawk. For the bmw, it’s expected to be fast and that’s kind of deja vu if I’m honest. But to see a Jeep suv that’s not even luxury, be way faster than any European suv in existence, that is surprising

[@dailyrant4068]

It's similar to a corvette. Luxury... think about a Royce Rolls or a Bentley, even with massive V-12 engines they are not as fast because to make it quiet you have to add more sound deadening material which increases the weight. It's actually common sense if you think about it.

[@TD-il6ju]

I mean.. a jeep srt rides surprisingly nice. Seriously. It’s smooth and the V8 has a nice Range Rover rumble but the difference in price is noticeable

[@cyrilthomas9730]

It offers the right amount of performance and luxury, just like the BMW And it's not the full-on AMG. it s the sweet spot of the GLE line up

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

It's kinda crazy that the first X5 had the same tire widths.

[@gustaff.weldon]

I love your reviews. I wish you have reviewed previous gen Cayenne, eg. 2016. Is there a reason there are no Porsche on this channel? I'm in a market for a 5 year old SUV and cars as different as XC90, Q7, X5, Cayenne made it to the list, and I was hoping I can compare those using your reviews. Sadly, Cayenne is left off.

[@aurorajones8481]

Id absolutely chose this M50i. My only gripe is yea i wish it had the MBUX but the rear seats not reclining is a deal breaker. Im actually planning a cross country adventure next year and wanna take a super cruiser. Im thinking the new S class or the GLS 580... i seriously cant decide. I love the idea of the GLE being up high but then the newest and greatest is in the S class and who wouldn't wanna go cross country in a S class?

[@elroz1675]

just wondering - you were quite impressed with X5 M50I handling ... but did your test car have the active anti-roll system? That makes it even better, I've heard.

[@kaloc.4705]

Amazing, comfy and sexy suv, but there is one drawback to it and that is the Audio system... is not bad but the competition did it better

[@11962]

Great vid. The only thing he forgot to mention is the range rover sport v8 or the svr.

[@cyrilthomas9730]

Alex when will you review the Lincoln Aviator? I am eagerly waiting for it!

[@gene978]

I don’t know why the Tach is on the right side and not the left and the Speedo on the right instead. It looks dumb going backwards counter clockwise. I prefer the Star Trek Gauges

[@jlwagon]

Great review, as usual. I would love to see you review the x5 xdrive45e. I've never given the X5 serious consideration as my next vehicle, but the all-electric range, power, and tow rating in the 45e may just change my mind. Cheers!

[@jw6188]

I think the v8s have a special suspension setup (air or m-sport springs) that prevents them from fitting the 3rd row.

[@brenrob7403]

My dream car in my dream colors

[@bikingmoments]

I’d choose XC90 T8. The only aspect this fall behind X5 is handling, which happens not to be my preference.

[@dailyrant4068]

T8 is a very complex powertrain... a supercharger and a turbocharger AND hybrid. Also Volvo is not as good of a brand to most people. They were crappy for a while (but yes I do think current gen is good objectively speaking)

[@huskypup3489]

I like what we find here.

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

In Germany the X5 also doesn't have a third row.

[@markovwms]

Best option only if you’re leasing

[@sudindesai0928]

I will go for Range rover sports SVR 2020

[@tonymanzi1]

You say that Audi does not have a middle ground between the Q8 and the RSQ8 so no direct competitor to the M50i. But that middle vehicle is the SQ8. Both have near identical 0 to 60 times, horsepower, torque and price point. Your thoughts?

[@ashegheaty]

But they are not v8 so you dont get a v8 feeling like the bmw , if you want a v8 you need to bump up to the rsq8 .

[@cyrilthomas9730]

Alex, you forgot the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 ........ It's the true competitor to the BMW X5 M50i

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The GLE 53 is slower than the GLE 580 and much much slower than the X5 M50i

[@cyrilthomas9730]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide ohk....

[@rossroteliuk5838]

Nice review! Many thanks.

[@huskypup3489]

The I6 version is fast enough and will be more reliable in the long run.

[@Kwaminho]

Exactly.

[@dailyrant4068]

It definitely is, 5 second flat is pretty damn good for a 5000 lb SUV.

[@Jdnicks00]

You’re right. But V8 is another game, more fun.

[@edf10000]

Just bought one...sticker was $97,195.Picked it up slightly used for $73K.

[@Mike060504]

Great deal

[@bassandtrebleclef]

Other than the standard white or black paint, the only other standard item for BMWs are their glass jaws. The X5's reputation for electronic and mechanical breakdowns is legendary. BMW acknowledged this by shortening their CPO warranty from 2 yrs to 1 yr. Apparently too many X5 buyers had problems in that 2nd year, costing BMW big time. Now, they hand that sizable repair bill to you, the lucky owner.

[@cyrilthomas9730]

you are right about the GLE 580; buts its faster, so you could compare it to the X5 M50i

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The GLE 580 is much slower than the M50i

[@claytoncoward7116]

3rd row sucks, glad x5 does have it. but I do wish bow would get rid of the low profile run flat tires.

[@brenrob7403]

What about the Audi SQ8? That's a perfect corollary to the M50i!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

As I say in the video, the RSQ8 is an X5M competitor, and as such is is much, much, much more expensive and the SQ8, like the GLE 580 is notably slower. .

[@brenrob7403]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide SQ8 starts at 89k and has 500 HP. Then there's the RSQ8 which starts at $115k and has 590 HP. So the Audi's have slightly higher base prices but pretty close on HP

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

HP does not equal similar performance, because for crazy reasons BMW always lies about their HP numbers and the engine is likely in the 560 HP range at sea level.

[@brenrob7403]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide I'll concede that the BMW is very likely faster, but not by much (1/2 second to 60?) and that the Q8s are more akin to X6 competitors and less practical BUT, on paper at least, M50i & SQ8 are close in HP, price, dimensions, weight, etc. AND they are both aligned as middle-pack offerings with 5 seats and V8 engines but are not the full bore M or RS. Alright I'm done. Keep up the good work!

[@venom5809]

Yeah, there's a guy in town that just got an SQ8 and I would definitely consider it a competitor to the X5 M50i. Really like the SQ8.

[@fredsanke4070]

The last model, you said it so....

[@Saylinaz]

Very nice video! Thank you!

[@har9312]

That SUV is so big, why are the rear seats so SMALL?

[@toh3211]

Audi sq7 ?

[@phillm156]

Thanks for bringing back "Alex in trunk" segment.

[@DieFeuerfront]

As others have mentioned, the Audi SQ7 and SQ8 are now available in the American market. Either might make for a better comparison than the Q8.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The SQ7 is bigger and a 3-row vehicle that's about 1/2 a second slower and the RSQ8 is an X5M competitor. The SQ8 is also about 1/2 a second slower which is a big margin here.

[@tonymanzi1]

Comparison with the Porsche Cayenne S or the Audi SQ8 ?

[@chadreid6893]

What is that color called?

[@venom5809]

I doubt BMW will do an X7M, they never did an M7 and think they will follow the same path for the X7, I always found that strange.

[@jessiejane6259]

Might be fun driving it for a weekend but no thanks to owning or lease it.

[@nateisright]

Now that all the safety systems are standard in most Kia, Hyundai, Ford, Honda, etc models, this game of option package fleecing is becoming a bit too obvious for me.

[@JohnnyErnestoCampino]

Wouldn't the competitors be the GLE 53 and the SQ7?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

As I say in the video, the GLE 53 and GLE 580 are notably slower and the AQ7 is a bigger 3-row vehicle that is more X7 than X5 sized, and its still about 1/2 a second slower.

[@gregs8685]

He doesn’t know about the SQ7. Do some research!

[@brianaustin1328]

Another first place for this vehicle: the fastest depreciating vehicle in North America.

[@JulezWinnfield]

Is this verifiably the fastest depreciating vehicle on the North American continent, or are you just displaying your snarky hyperbole?

[@bassandtrebleclef]

@@JulezWinnfield That's a fair point. The 7 series is the equivalent of an anvil when it comes to depreciation. The X5, by being an SUV, probably depreciates at a slightly slower clip.

[@JulezWinnfield]

@@bassandtrebleclef Show me stats and data.

[@tanjiehjia]

@@JulezWinnfield caredge.com/bmw/x5/depreciation The X5 depreciates pretty fast, especially in the first 3 years. Should expect 26% depreciation in the first year, another 24% the second year, and 19% the third year. The national average for car depreciation is 19% for the first year, 15% for the second and third years. "The BMX X5 ranks 56th out of 70 luxury models for depreciation after five years, and will lose over 60% of its original value."

[@brianaustin1328]

J High this was a fact for the 2019 model year.

[@bigums4795]

A most excellent review!!

[@Realisy]

Sq7 would be a good competitor.. roomier just as fast

[@skylarfiona]

Yeap. I just got one. It is a monster.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It's slower and its a 3 row.

[@benjaminmarks9463]

Motortrend tested the SQ7 @ 3.6 seconds to 60MPH . It’s simply incredible

[@justins7585]

is this the muir woods in northern california?

[@Piketom1]

I love the exterior styling of current BMW. The vehicles look muscular but not too flashy. What kills it for me is the gauge cluster. It looks ugly and does not not have the customizability that Mercedes and Audi offer. It is just the worst of both worlds.

[@cyrilthomas9730]

if someone wants the 3 rows and a 4.4 twin-turbo V8 they need to get the X7 M50i

[@timw2083]

Alex, you put too much focus on 0-60 times in the comments and video. Most buyers are wiling to have tradeoffs.

[@haojianguwm]

,the bmw shown here carries a nj plate. Does it mean Alex is in tri state area? But I believe I saw some videos and Alex was evaluating vehicle in Vancouver .

[@robertduklus6555]

Still with N63 motor? Keep your FICO score high.

[@vietusa74]

There won’t be a X7M, that’s why BMW allows Alpina to sell the XB7. Just like how we have Alpina B7 in the USA because there’s no M7.

[@luck02]

Just wondering if we'll see a x5 45e review in the near-ish future :D

[@michaelgoodman4825]

Thank

[@md8744]

It's suck without recline back seats? Over 80k? Damn crazy.

[@kevinbarry71]

He talks about buying this; very few people buy these things, they are leased. Never ever have one of these things without a warranty. And a good knowledge of the lemon laws in your state

[@ziggy149]

Macan GTS will pull ahead in the twisties

[@nvn2005]

Alex, are you planning on reviewing the new X5 45e?

[@goetzliedtke]

But can you put a milk jug in the center console storage?

[@orangemarley5086]

I don’t know why no one considers Tesla as a legitimate competitor. The Dual Motor Model X is a direct competitor.

[@kromahj]

Cuz it electric

[@CoralSea]

I hate the falcon doors.

[@markplott4820]

@@CoralSea - buy the Model Y then.

[@mohammadfarajzadehtehrani88]

Is not this trim axed for 2021?

[@labjujube]

No lane keeping assist?

[@cyrilthomas9730]

that's my opinion I might be right or wrong

[@kevinbarry71]

At the risk of sounding old; crazy world we live in when over 500 hp is considered powerful, but not really all that powerful.

[@federicomaisch6812]

Good video, thank you!

[@Zreik20]

Doesnt the X6 compete with the Q8?

[@jhhuang8967]

Alex, you forget to compare it to cayenne. Both should be driving dynamic focused.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Yes, but the Cayenne will be about $50K more when equipped to be as fast...

[@dotheroar2524]

I saw a picture of the front of the x5, q8, gle, and rr sport, and the x5 just has a dated look on it even though it is new. The others have something more modern about it.