Better than an M5! BMW M550i LCI 2021 review | Chasing Cars

Do you really need to spend $100k more on an M5? We don’t think so. We test BMW’s M550i.
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The BMW M550i is a lot like the old E39 M5. It’s supple, rides well, is extremely refined - and it packs serious heat from a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. These days, the full-fat BMW M5 is a much harder-edged beast than it ever was before. Don’t get us wrong: the M5 is a phenomenal beast. But if you want your V8-powered BMW 5 Series with the kind of rounded liveability an M5 once had, you’ll want the M550i.
But should you buy the 2021 M550i instead of an Audi S6 or Mercedes-AMG E53?
What do you think of this car? Leave a comment below.
While you’re there, please consider subscribing and joining our Chasing Cars community.
Time codes:
0:00 - What is the M550i?
1:12 - 4.4-litre V8 engine
1:52 - Interior
5:11 - Back seats
6:38 - Boot space
8:07 - Running costs
9:20 - V8 engine, handling, suspension
20:50 - Should you buy the M550i LCI?

[@chasingcars]

Do you prefer the more subtle M550i or the full-fat M5?

[@oshogweikekhai5499]

Chasing car, what's your opinion about a 1998 6mt 540i, is it a good car as of today's standard, in terms of power/acceleration and handling? Nice video👍🏼

[@chasingcars]

If you find a tidy E39 that has been maintained meticulously - buy it! Great cars. No, they don’t handle as well as modern 5ers - that’s a product of suspension and tyre development - but they are still a benchmark for ride and steering feel. I am after one myself!

[@Fudgemicon]

I’m in the UK now but I recently bought an M550i for most of the reasons you noted in your report. That and the fact that I can’t afford a full fat M5. In all honesty, it’s too much power. For me personally, the 300-400hp range is ideal for this size of car. If I weren’t dead set on owning one of the last V8s, I would have got a size smaller B3 Alpina. To date, that is the best sorted suspension I have ever driven.

[@nc8444]

@@Fudgemicon Too much power! I test drove a 2019 m550 with "only" 456HP and had a similar feeling. I'm not sure I'm mature enough to have access to so much power. That being said I have a custom order 2021 m550i on a boat headed my way right now :P

[@maxthemaltesedog3597]

@@chasingcars I used to own the e39 540i for 10 years . A lot of electrical problems and the timing chain was a major problem . A lot of fun to drive but a lot of maintenance believe it or not .

[@malsmith2012]

Great stuff Tom.. My new dream car.. Looking forward to this one!

[@LolithaBasnayake]

Great content Tom. Nicely presented. I’m having mine delivered next week. It’s Bernina Amber effect with blacked out grills. Can’t wait.

[@stephenhunt6673]

Great in-depth review again! Love the sound of the V8. As I've suggested in your other reviews, you need to.have some of the exhaust noise from the outside & the car passing the camera 'at speed' instead of your slo-mos to give the viewer more of a sense of the experience.

[@michaelh4484]

Nice review and model too. One of the good things with BMW is the short cut buttons (1-8) that you can assign to anything like a contact, a place, etc and when you touch them the screen tells you what it is so you don't have to remember what you've saved. Dakota leather isn't that great so it's good to see they have the other leather options available. It's a relative bargain. The two BMW's i have had have been bullet proof. When i tested the 5 series though, i found the lane keep assist tracking left and right in the lane. Maybe it's fixed in the LCI. Thanks Tom.

[@davidmorello6031]

I really enjoyed your take on the LCI M550i which is what I drive and I love it.

[@williamclark2730]

I appreciate your review, I use to race, and review these cars in Germany back in the 80's and 90's. I'm thinking of a nice playful retirement car,and a family car,the 6gt. I have subscribed, thank you, keep it up

[@nedcoburn6421]

Great review, thank you.

[@scottstewart5784]

I had a 2013 550GT - heavier and with the same engine, but with only 400 hp. That car was fast. I conclude that going from 400 to 523 hp and being lighter will work nicely.

[@mickcohen4099]

Good review, well done!

[@simoncouch1523]

A wicked review thank you!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidperry3531]

Tom, this is a great review from one who really appreciates what BMWs are all about. I too had a new 2000 E46 323i manual and that was a great car for its time. This 550i 'Pure' makes a lot of sense and if people want one and can afford it, buy now before this type of car disappears forever, then hang onto it and watch it appreciate in value over time. The fact that the 540i has disappeared from the price list is almost criminal.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, the lack of a 540i is absolutely bizarre - but I think it's a reflection of many current BMW buyers not being that invested in the brand. A straight six is the classic engine for a 5er, but I only ever seem to see base models, 530ds (as police cars), and the V8s. Even when the 540i was on sale you'd see one very rarely.

[@4syth]

9:09 Doesn't matter, in my experience, BMW has been excellent with aftersales care and warranty whereas I have been absolutely shafted by MB in the past, they've lost me.

[@manofsesame3024]

I heard MB may need to visit the shop more often than a BMW but the repair bill is not too bad

[@aaronbrown8011]

Cheers Tom, great timing I'm test driving one this weekend.

[@chasingcars]

Enjoy!

[@AndrewThomson888]

How was the test drive?

[@boblydecker]

Agree with you Tom. I’ve owned the E28M5, E46M3, and the E60 M5. This is my second M550Xi, 18 and now 21 with all-wheel steering which is amazing and transformative.

[@williamclark2730]

Hello, I am looking at this model now are the years 18 and 21 the same or a noticable difference I an a purest also. Having raced many models.

[@holidayusa098]

Great review

[@chasingcars]

Thanks Tunge!

[@andrelima5124]

This is spec is perfect, spot on !

[@malsmith2012]

Yep.. I want one... Badly! Awesome review Tom! 👍

[@chasingcars]

You and me both!

[@krugmeup2162]

Nice review and I agree with you. Buying a v8 sedan is getting harder if you don’t want a boy racer hard as nails car. I think Alpina announced this year that they aren’t bringing in the B5 anymore? I like your watch. What is it if you don’t mind?

[@drk2803]

I had an e39 530i and now a G30 540i and this car gives me the same driving pleasure as the e39. Not so for the two previous models. The 4 cyl models don’t feel right, but the 6 and 8, well, just get one you will love your drive to work and back every time. Also don’t skip the Bowers&Wilkins, worth every $$.

[@PavloRiabchuk]

Great review, but 2 things are not right: 1. M550 The engine, N63, is not the same as in M5 (S63). S63 torque is the same but on different RPM ranges. S63 engine keeps torque at much higher rmp - hence more power. 2. N63 engine in the M550 does not require 98 octane fuel. It can take it, but it can run on 95 (RON 92) as official manual specifies. I am personally using 95 in my M550.

[@camh7788]

Tom, thanks for one of your best ever car reviews .. It’s great to see you actually enjoying the car your driving! I’ve got a G-30 530d, it’s so, so much better than any SUV. And the V8 550i update is my dream car. It looks strong , understated and sublime BMW.

[@camh7788]

Was it fitted with the outstanding Bowers and Wilkins 1500 w sound system??

[@hugeindapants4life]

Which variant of the E46 do you have Tom?

[@smithjohn2416]

I appreciate this very well in-depth talk about this 5 Series model. Do you reckon it is the best optioned sedan on the market for comfort/luxury and high performance? I really despise an uncomfortable and jarring ride. The interior options for this model in specific are very nice, it looks a real luxury cruiser. You can choose to not have all of the fiddly looking carbon-fibre, which in my opinion destroys a luxury car, and have wood-grain and full leather seats. The power is also what draws me towards this car, it is NO slouch. What do you honestly think of the suspension/comfortability? I wouldn't really expect a "cloud" like ride from this car, but something that will be smooth and not jarring like the true M models.

[@AP-cc1uw]

I could be wrong, but I don't think those sport seats are available Canada. I've been disappointed in the lack of bolstering in the M550is I've test driven.

[@chaitanyakumarsamardhi2176]

Tom, in case you end up seeing my question I’m looking to buy the 530d LCI and I have this for about May be $10k more (pure) The 530d is going to be so much more economical and may have better resale. I have not driven either yet (have a tubed Golf R, so not new to pace) and I wanted to check how you would compare the 530d to the 550i.

[@malcolmscott4150]

I have loved the 5 series from E12 and whilst I admire the hardcore cars higher up a 520i luxury line in a metallic non grey with a tan interior does it for me every time as my ideal car and despite still missing their small inline six engines- I’d also cope with the 320i in similar spec - yes I’m older but an M2 would be first on the list then well you get it :) Great review T man :)

[@chasingcars]

Absolutely nothing wrong with the four bangers - as long as you option adaptive dampers. Crucial on all CLAR BMWs. Sad they don’t offer the classic straight six petrol on the 5 Series anymore - in Australia at least.

[@EzzaLeo]

This is such a magnificent car, I'm so glad it's still in existence. How much of an upgrade is this from the previous 650i Gran Coupe, and how much more might you get with an Alpina B5?

[@chasingcars]

Not much more from the Alpina other than exclusivity, the choice of a wagon, and a slightly softer damper setup (but still a firm ride over bumps given the licorice sidewalls). Both very cool. As for the previous 650i, the new CLAR platform is definitely a step up in terms of combining stiffness with supple bump absorption. You’d notice a difference.

[@EzzaLeo]

@@chasingcars Thank you very much. Aspirationally I desire a full fat M car finally, but I'm starting to realise that if I want a proper driver's GT car, the M550i just has to be it. The fact that I'd save over a hundred kay, or even more second hand, makes it that much easier a decision. I really love my 650i but it just isn't sorted on bumpy stuff, so to hear your notes about how improved the new platform is in this regard is very compelling indeed.

[@blazinmark1]

I am coming out of an f10 550i, and wanted a change. However, after driving both vehicles I quickly realized the E53 is NOT a comparison to the M550i. I chose with my pocket, and went with a 2021 LCI M550i in Tanzanite Blue with Blk Nappa. I’ve owned my M550i now for about 4 months and I can say that this was def the right choice for me. Living in NYC with one of the worse pot-holed roads in the States, this car puts a smile on my face every time I get into it. I am a BMW 5 series driver for life!

[@Good_Luck11]

yoo did u buy the 21? or leasE:

[@blazinmark1]

@@Good_Luck11 Lease, (it’s hard enough owning something for 3 years, I only lease my vehicles)

[@Good_Luck11]

@@blazinmark1 is it horrible idea to buy one? like a 18?

[@nc8444]

Great review, I still haven't seen one in person. My custom order is on a boat right now, about 3 weeks away! Alpine White with Ivory Nappa.

[@omara5079]

You must not have young children! I would kill to be able to have the white interior. In several years I guess my kids will be able to not make a mess

[@nc8444]

@@omara5079 ha, I actually do but there's going to be a strict policy. Nothing allowed in the car, MAYBE exceptions for water on longer trips. Still haven't decided on shoe covers haha. No pens, no crayons, nothing like that. They're not in car seats anymore so that's good for the seats too.

[@franka1621]

Your reviews go from great and improve from there… Just a couple of observations and a query: a grand tourer in Australia without a full size spare (or even a space-saver) is something that does detract - One rainy Sunday afternoon waiting for the NRMA is all it takes to put a dampener on the entire ownership experience, for such a car. Also, do you know whether this engine is afflicted with some of the issues that seem to have plagued recent BMW V8’s? There is no doubt this car is a visual and aural stunner. Beautifully designed and considered in almost every respect.

[@camh7788]

I got myself a spare wheel for those longer, remote trips

[@jasoncousar9391]

Fortunate to have landed and new job where I can afford a m5 but wondering if I should be more conservative and just get the 550i

[@chriswright5198]

Great review Tom. Appreciate also the passing comparison to the E46/E39. It might be 22 years and 300,000km old but I still enjoy an E39 535i V8 as my daily. Good to know there’s a worthy successor to BMWs 1990s classics.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Chris. I am envious of your E39.

[@chriswright5198]

@@chasingcars cheers! You guys should do an E39 retro review! Could make it an occasional series where you review benchmark vehicles from the past

[@mitchpriehs9354]

Great review of a fantastic car. My 21 M550i is everything I could want in a vehicle and then some. Simple jb4 piggyback and catless downpipe (installed after the break in service🤭) and I now have 626whp and a perfect sleeper sedan . Best daily driver BMW I have ever owned. Well optioned, mine was $89,694.00 msrp. And the dealer gave me 4000 off sticker plus the 3500 rebate so it would up being a bargain super sedan. Anyone who doubts what you say should drive one. This could be the best overall car on the planet 👌

[@kunalpatel8339]

thanks for sharing! why did you choose the catless downpipes as a mod? I was thinking about getting the jb4 also. do you run the stage 2? Cheers

[@mitchpriehs9354]

@@kunalpatel8339 mainly for the sound. Deep and rich exhaust note now without being too loud. And they help the jb4 do its job better. I have ran all 6 maps . Map 2 or 3 is great for just running 93 octane. Huge gains. But map 5 (e40 blend) is just unbelievable. Ill have timeslips on it this weekend and share

[@kunalpatel8339]

@@mitchpriehs9354 Nice to know. Cool Mitch, appreciate you sharing that!

[@hsmedsvik]

@16:10 As a F85 X5M owner I tend to disagree. I used to have the 5 series and be a firm believer in those kind of cars, but I really love the X5M as the big difference from many other SUV’s is that it has amazing grip (325mm rears) doesn’t have a lot of body roll (which has been the issue on other SUV’s I’ve owned). Once you get used to sitting high up with a great overview of the road where I firmly believe it is easier to grab overtaking possibilitites, the extra booth space that I need on a regular basis and as a tall person not having to uncomfortably lift and pull yourself up in a tight sparking spot. Then It really is the car. Only downside is I can’t track it but I honestly don’t have time for another hobby anyway. Very rarely have I felt I needed to go faster around a turn and turns out it is not limited to 250km/hr. I think it’s the perfect compromise except it is a stiff and hard ride as all M cars are.

[@lukesimpson9874]

what option gets the m sport front seats?

[@DukeBen316663]

Great review Tom. How does the ride/handling compare to a VF LS3 SS redline?

[@chasingcars]

Casting my mind back four years to the last VF.2 Redline I drove, I’d say the cars are similar in many ways. It’s in the detail where the M550i is more refined. It’s quieter and stiffer, and better damped, and of course (very rear biased) AWD. But if I had the opportunity to pick up a well looked after VF SS, I would.

[@DukeBen316663]

@@chasingcars Unfortunately lack of garage space and the desire to keep my manual example forever means I can’t entertain any other vehicle options at this stage 😬. First world problems eh?!

[@peterpanousis8458]

@@chasingcars if you want the opulence of the BMW, go the Calais V V8. Awesome grand tourer. And nothing beats the sound of a V8. Nothing.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

Great colour

[@chasingcars]

Very handsome, isn’t it!

[@paulkazzer]

Good value indeed. $120 k less than the M5 and $150 k less than the same setup in the 850i 4 door body which offers less rear room. Great review as always.

[@chasingcars]

Especially the Pure. Amazing engine and depth of engineering for sub-$140k before on-roads

[@BobbyDazzler888]

You simply dont need more power than this in Australia.

[@martinclarke974]

I have the pre-facelift current gen 5 series and I love it. My only gripe whilst small, is the indicator stalk feels quite cheap and clicky - it is not befitting of a $147,000 car (retail) - I certainly didn't pay this.

[@martinclarke974]

Actually I have one other - I want more power than the 30d without sacrificing too much fuel economy. Frustrates me that BMW won't import the larger diesel engines.

[@scorpioM56]

im not a fan of the new drl design, should keep it to the circular leds which look the best on beamers.

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, a return to angel eyes would be cool.

[@lewis72]

1:33 390 kw = 523 bhp 750 N.M = 553 lb.ft M5 460 kw = 617 bhp

[@snowcountry322]

Tyres? Are they Pirellis?

[@Mr2pint]

Lovely car, I just wouldn't trust the N 63 V8 outside of warranty 🤣

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

I'm with you there!

[@owjianbang01]

I concur

[@daytonasayswhat9333]

CPO ext need warranty.

[@IlIlIl0O0O0]

I can ensure you that the n63 has IMPROVED ALOT. Just make sure you get the latest version. 2020+ models.

[@larjkok1184]

I love it. One Powerball.....

[@rynomuncher]

I want one so bad!! What roads were you on today, Tom?

[@chasingcars]

Up around the Hunter. Filmed before the most recent Sydney lockdown - sad face.

[@goran2009]

Ultimate “flex” vehicle 😁

[@FlameMirage]

I think this car is out of my price range haha... I think also the cost of maintanence post-warranty is important to consider. Not everyone changes cars every 5 years, and it's a little bit of a concern that cars like Mercedes, Audi and Volkswagon can have expensive costs after 5 years, especially if parts don't fit well, or are crammed so it requires lots of manual labour, etc. Parts are also $$$ if they break. Just like a Telsa car, with quality control issues.

[@chasingcars]

Well, the warranty should be five years, certainly. Otherwise, the parts and maintenance costs are a consideration, but probably not an overwhelming one. Let’s face it: this is a big, heavy, fast, complex European car. Few will go into it expecting cheap ownership. I’d suggest a lightly used Lexus GS F for those who do - but even a car like that will be much more costly to own than a Corolla or something. This kind of engineering demands upkeep.

[@santillbrezon2161]

I like the look of this grill, but not the other grill.

[@chasingcars]

BMW didn’t mess with this grille too much, which I appreciate.

[@santillbrezon2161]

@@chasingcars Thats right this grill looks good.

[@maxthemaltesedog3597]

This 550im or the m3 sedan .? They are the same price but different motors . I think the m550i for me but you be the judge 😀

[@chasingcars]

I prefer M550i for many reasons, but the new M3 is a good improvement over the last one.

[@myfriendmoses]

BMW simply makes the best interiors, and they have for a long time, just comparing the cars I've owned E39, E46 and F10 to cars from Audi and Mercedes, the BMW interiors are timeless and the others look really outdated from the same period.

[@markbiggart1265]

Spiritual successor design wise to the forever beautiful E38?

[@chasingcars]

Yeah, fair comment given the 7er used to be much smaller!

[@dens6960]

I am buying one of these (ordered from BMW Individual) and I noticed that very few people mention the fact that M550i is much better to drive in a big city with many bad roads than its M counterpart. I live in NYC and drove an M3 for a while - you feel every bump and it just becomes unbearable at some point. The stiffness of the M5 is too much and you would need tire and wheel insurance because you will have to replace them every few months. I rented an M550i for a few days and it is just fine over bumps (with performance tires and 19 inch wheels.. all-season tires are likely to give you an even better road feel)..

[@TankEngine15]

Imagine having a touring version of this. Sublime. Sigh.......

[@hellothere4342]

You can have the 530D Touring after VicPol is done with it hahaha. I'm waiting for it myself personally since the public can't order the LCI from BMW.

[@ashleyhaine3361]

Bought one

[@rakhsiprayogo82]

If that a full size Sedan from the BMW right

[@chasingcars]

Pretty much, the 7er is even bigger

[@rakhsiprayogo82]

@@chasingcars yeah that 5 Series is Full Size The 3 Series is Midsize & 2 Series Gran Coupe is Compact

[@kristians2704]

@@rakhsiprayogo82 the 5 series is midsized and the 3 series is compact

[@rakhsiprayogo82]

@@kristians2704 Lol The 5 Series is Full Size Like Toyota Avalon or Nissan Maxima

[@kristians2704]

@@rakhsiprayogo82 no, the 7 series is full size and the 5 series is midsize. Also, why are you comparing luxury sedans to mainstream ones?

[@jeffl1944]

Hey BMW USA were are these seats we can’t get these lol

[@AdventurousNomad007]

How tall is Tom again? I keep on forgetting.

[@chasingcars]

lel

[@EastWood2004]

This is my favourite car but it is way more expensive than in Korea. M550i is way cheaper than M50i in Korea and it has B&W audio.

[@VINvIN344]

Tom, mate, this is YOUR car. totally you!

[@chasingcars]

Chuck the cognac interior and paint it Oxford Green and I’m in. Lots to like here, not much to dislike. Just need to smash the piggy bank.

[@ashleyhaine3361]

Im buying one. Cheap m5 tuned

[@edwinzcx]

Whose Golf is it parked in the background?

[@chasingcars]

That would be this car: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hl6ZZ5hjqrNlnas

[@edwinzcx]

@@chasingcars Ah yes, Tom is in the exact same outfit.

[@lesliegeisler6]

Chasing Cars drinking game: take a shot every time Tom says "here in Australia"

[@chasingcars]

Two shots of vodka meme plays

[@belal3372]

good review, but you might wanna work on your voice, it's too monotonous and it sounds thin yet low and it gets irritating and distracting

[@samartz]

Some bolt one and put a tune and it will decimate a m5

[@zaamuro8408]

All the car anyone needs. Maybe can be made better with wagon body style.

[@chasingcars]

Which you can do, if you please, with the Alpina B5. Personally I prefer the styling of the BMW M Performance models but the wagon shape is very tempting.

[@zaamuro8408]

@@chasingcars Exactly, but the B5 is a fair bit more expensive?

[@chasingcars]

Oh, yeah. Like $200k.

[@vsboy2577]

What sexy car

[@JeffNuts]

Very cool car. Give it 10 years and I might just be able to afford a flogged one.

[@craigdavid6668]

Give it 18 months😂

[@stefanvlasceanu6261]

Hi! Do you think that in the future cars with gasoline and diesel engines will disappear from their production in the future? I hope this never happens!😂🤣

[@chasingcars]

I'd say that is fairly inevitable, so the time to buy a great ICE is now

[@stefanvlasceanu6261]

@@chasingcars maybe not disappear

[@stephenjones363]

As high quality as it is, a car with a tablet stuck on the dash cannot be considered as having a 'best in class' interior

[@chasingcars]

Yes, it can, if other cars in the class do not have better cabins when weighing up each of the various factors

[@stephenjones363]

@@chasingcars so you would rate this higher than an E class?

[@larjkok1184]

You’ll get over it one day, boomer.

[@chasingcars]

Without any hesitation, I can confirm the 5 Series has a better interior than an E-Class. And that's in many ways. Build quality is considerably better. The technology is more intuitive. The seats are more comfortable.

[@llr3zall151]

Why does the new 3 series interior look more upscale and modern than the new 5 series!!!?

[@simeonreynaud7352]

M5 way better I owned both

[@Blace5]

The vehicle is only missing massage seats!!

[@BobbyDazzler888]

I find their seats too firm

[@chasingcars]

Fair enough, but they are very supportive for long drives. You don’t get tired. It’s also worth noting you can option Comfort Seats for $400 which are softer and have less aggressive bolsters. For $2,300 you can then add nappa leather, as well.

[@BobbyDazzler888]

@@chasingcars thanks.

[@rs3tier]

MIne is due to arrive in about 10 days (sophisto grey wth shadow lines), I ordered it with the multi-function seats but was unable to find much information on them so am not 100% sure what I am actually going to get. Looking at your review, it looked like this car might have had them fitted?

[@louislentes4829]

That body style is outdated 💯

[@chasingcars]

Nah

[@feltonmanor5316]

Boring video! Too much talking. Needs more action. Turned it off early!!