BMW M5 vs BMW M550i comparison - the V8 performance duel!

This is our in-depth comparison review of the BMW M5 vs BMW M550i. We're taking a look at Exterior, Interior and the driving experience.
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00:00 First sound check
00:35 Exterior comparison M550i vs M5
01:45 Exhaust note comparison
02:00 V8 Engine
03:04 Key fob and colors
03:56 Rear comparison
05:06 Side with wheels and technology
06:54 Trunk
07:17 Interior BMW M550i
10:18 Rear seats
10:36 Interior BMW M5
12:51 Autobahn driving M5 with acceleration
19:06 Dynamic driving M5 with RWD test
21:37 Autobahn driving BMW M550i with acceleration
27:01 Dynamic driving BMW M550i
29:20 Which one to take home?
#BMW #BMWM5 #BMWM550i
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[@autogefuehl]

►Follow us on Instagram @autogefuehl and @thomas.letsgo ►Subscribe here: kzbin.info ►Compare the BMW M550i vs 540i: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKTXe2Ntd9drmdE ►Compare the Audi RS7: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n37JnHmmhMx4a6s 00:00 First sound check 00:35 Exterior comparison M550i vs M5 01:45 Exhaust note comparison 02:00 V8 Engine 03:04 Key fob and colors 03:56 Rear comparison 05:06 Side with wheels and technology 06:54 Trunk 07:17 Interior BMW M550i 10:18 Rear seats 10:36 Interior BMW M5 12:51 Autobahn driving M5 with acceleration 19:06 Dynamic driving M5 with RWD test 21:37 Autobahn driving BMW M550i with acceleration 27:01 Dynamic driving BMW M550i 29:20 Which one to take home? #BMW #BMWM5 #BMWM550i Transparency note: Autogefühl videos are independent and free from editorial influence on opinion and rating. But since manufacturers enable us to do the reviews in the first place, for legal reasons this video is marked as _advertisement_.

[@mike03a3]

I went for the M550i. I'll never track it, but I will (and already have) take it on longer trips. I went the extra mile with a full Merino leather interior. I totally love it.

[@duosable]

Would you take the M5 comp for the msrp price of the M550i? I am facing the choice now THX :)

[@EastWood2004]

Are they same price? M550i is way cheaper

[@BlackBirds93]

Which year model did you buy? 2018 or 2021?

[@jadeplantm8400]

Good idea not to track it. M550 is a near 4500lb fast cruiser, not a sports car.

[@M1903a4]

@@BlackBirds93 My M550 is a 2022. I bought it for comfort, hence getting it as an Individual Manufactur car with full merino leather. I couldn't be happier.

[@long_fellow]

the last generation of good-looking BMWs

[@SinaBagheri]

true. chances are they are going to ruin the next gen 5 series with an oversized grill too.

[@Arhey]

Will be also the last generation of petrol engines. I doubt that they will bring out another petrol version.

[@itguru2037]

@@Arhey why do people keep saying that? It’s going to be decades before petrol ⛽️ engines are subsumed.

[@Arhey]

@@itguru2037 Well it is known, that there wont be pure petrol engine anymore. Might be hybrid or pure electric. It is also what the manufacturers already told on multiple occasions. Also they told mostly, that they wont develop new engines, so there wont be something hugely different anymore.

[@392Low]

2018 and before is the best

[@gregs8685]

The M550i has more than enough for anyone in the US. In fact the 540i is plenty quick! I have driven all of them and price no object, the non-Competition M5 would be my choice, it rides very well with amazing handling. The 540i sport is the smart choice, plenty of speed with great fuel economy.

[@phrouleau]

Bought a 2 years old M550i with 25000 km on it. Half the price of the M5, with confort in mind and all the performance on the road. Since we drive more often in traffic or on long journeys, confort is necessary, which the M5 cannot offer. I can always tune my M550i if I want more power anyway!

[@The_North0]

Yes more power but it’s not a M5 plus M5 holds value better.

[@jadeplantm8400]

The problem with the M550 is not power. That’s why a Mercedes e43 feels a lot more like a sports car even though it’s not as fast. Taking out the back seats might help reduce that 4500lb weight though😊

[@AlexKazakovaxkazakov]

@@The_North0 I don't know about that...a family member just bought a 2013 M5 (F10) with a stage 2 tune for $15K on Facebook marketplace. Even late teens M4s (F80) are going for $20-30K right now. Not much for holding their "value" lol

[@The_North0]

@@AlexKazakovaxkazakov yes to holding value on m cars. Regular bmw will likely end up at junkyard but most m cars won’t.

[@j.shussain7528]

Smart decision.

[@Davidicus13]

When you need the goods, Thomas always delivers - more than anyone else on KZbin.

[@lt.seantopperharley6369]

550i for me! Much cooler in my opinion. Plus a little extra cash for a few special options.

[@skillz1855]

I got mine a while back, love it.

[@user-nu5df6nv4g]

m5 is m5 550 is 550 good but m5 is different level

[@bahriboy]

Which options?

[@skillz1855]

I have the fully loaded M-Sport. Black /with all features aluminum accents, driver assist, dry carbon outside

[@jonathanfleurencois9282]

@@skillz1855 Where you work to afford that

[@nelsonhorsley1976]

I love my '21 550i. A pure pleasure to drive. Always leave the exhaust sound in sport. I have the adaptive handling package which is great. More than enough power unless you are going road racing. For the money it is the best of the best and so beautiful! If at all possible take delivery at the BMW Performance School so you can see what the car will really do if needed. A great experience.

[@___._.__._._._._..__.._]

Liked a lot this new style of delivering the info. A bit less formal and more direct and vibrant, less image stabilization and 60 fps - awesome. Thank you Autogefühl

[@richardsmith273]

I had an M5 Comp for a while and loved it but it couldn’t help thinking it was too harsh and compromised for an everyday driver. If I had the choice between these two cars I’d take the M550i everyday and twice on Sunday. It’s the perfect all-round performance saloon.

[@christmasisawesome9348]

The normal M5 is a better choice than the comp for everyday driving. Seating in the rear seat of the comp made me hate the car. The constant vibration of the exhaust is ok-ish. The real enemy is the harsh suspension. I've heard that the kw v4 made things better. As well as a set of lighter wheels for less unsprung weight should help.

[@Hisamuran]

Shame that we don't get the non competition M5 in the UK (not sure why really). Otherwise M550i all the way (being in the UK)

[@Jacksonpt99]

I too had an M5. Had it for about a week and decided that I wasn’t going to be able to tolerate the ride as a daily driver. I felt EVERY small bump in the road. I also wasn’t a fan of the seats, particularly the thigh boosters. They were too thick and non-adjustable. I traded it in for a m550i and couldn’t be happier. With a $2k tune, it’s now just as a fast, or maybe even a little faster, than the M5! It’s the perfect combo of fast and comfort, at least for me it is.

[@christmasisawesome9348]

@@Jacksonpt99 M550i is definitely better as a DD. M5 needs an aftermarket suspension and lighter wheels to soften it up.

[@carlosbrazao6039]

@@Jacksonpt99 A Little bit faster? LOL

[@drstevej2527]

Once the upped the HP to 523 it was a no brainer! I never thought I’d say it but we have reached the point where new cars are too fast for daly driving in this context. My M550 with the Dynamic Handling package makes it an M5 or at least as close as you need in a daily driver. After all what % of people actually track either car? Buy the M550 with the DHP and buy your wife a fully loaded CX5 with the money you saved.

[@ae6905]

Exactly the video I’ve been looking for!

[@autogefuehl]

Welcome and please share!

[@bahriboy]

Subscribed after 50secs as soon as he started dissecting the lights like that.. what a channel!

[@autogefuehl]

Welcome 🙏!!!

[@ZGdebeli]

Just receive my 2021 M550i and it's the best car I ever had, had several Audi RS models.....but this car, for public road, for taking kids to school, for daily...is the BEST!

[@nc8444]

Great to hear that. My 21 M550i should be here in a couple weeks

[@idanielbot]

If Thomas is so impressed, I can only imagine what it feels to drive these beasts!

[@rolfytumeric6048]

I have a 2019 M550i with a Dinan S1 upgrade. It offers 600 hp and exhaust along with better performance. It is similar to the M5 without the harshness.

[@bjlopez]

@@AI-qd4vb Is it because it's .02 secs slower in the Nurburging?

[@aviana009]

A I drives a 2010 accord.

[@frankrosado1916]

Who did the upgrade(tuning)? Thx

[@rolfytumeric6048]

@@frankrosado1916 BMW of Cleveland At the time, they were an authorized Dinan Dealer

[@markbrix9385]

M5 is super fun of course, but the M550i is by far the better deal, no question.

[@junebug6686]

Absolute best, car reviewer. i can’t tell you how many times ive seen bland, boring and uninteresting car reviews, and nonstop you don’t fail to amaze me and bring interest with the tests, angels, and quality content. I am within a 6 month period so thank you for the information in my search. Frieden und Liebe

[@paulraftis7063]

Thanks for doing that, I have 2022 M550 coming in September, cannot wait! Great explanations about the comparables!

[@SQRWL]

GREAT test! Keep going like this.

[@alexnekrasov8205]

Such a nice comparison video, thanks for that! Looking forward to the similar one but for LCI X3 / X3M.

[@auchen888dolly8]

The finest review of both cars side by side I have ver seen Thomas once again you smash 💥 it out of the park

[@rcp2bTube]

In the USA I've heard the M5 holds it's value MUCH better, so the actual ownership costs (maintenance aside) aren't that different after a few years of ownership. So therefore, M5 wins.

[@Veyronp87]

yes depreciation isn't considered enough. the M550i is a better value new but its also going to tank in value compared to the m5.

[@DaGoook]

@@Veyronp87 So the answer is getting an M550i used, they're not that much more than a comparable 540i now if you get 2018-2019

[@persuadertron6454]

I went from an M2 Og LCI to a 2021 m550xi. It already had a ac schnitzer exhaut and i immediately upgraded the mid exhaust section to a dinan xpipe. The combination IS INCREDIBLE. I had people giving me thumbs up on the sound of the og M2 once a month. The sound of my current setup gets compliments DAILY! the thing is. I have the best of Both worlds. I can set ot to performance mode with exhaust set to normal and it has a panther like growl that honestly sounds better than any car on the road. And then when i turn on the performance individual mode. Now i have explosions to accompany my ride. Its incredible. I thought i was going to hold onto my M2 for ever. But i always wanted that v8 sound. I always loved the way a V10 m5 sounded with an eisenmann exhaust. But honestly now. I feel like im driving the absolute pinnacle of sound, technology and comfort. I whenever i pull up to an M5 . The drivers look at me with absolute jealousy..the thing is hands down the best sounding car on the road short of an LF-A. If you are looking for "that last" gasoline powered car because you think thst the current trend of fake ass sound and electric/hybrid is going the wrong direction. You make good money, gas prices don't scare you (this thing is pretty efficient on long journeys fyi) and you want a comfortable but powerful car that be your daily and at the same time give you a shot of adrenaline. This is THE BEST CAR ON THE ROAD RIGHT NOW. it's sexy, its upscale. It has everything you could possibly want in terms of tech snd comfort - but if you want to tune it up and get a little edgier - this thing delivers.. absolutely everyone that gets in my car, remembers the experience.

[@M2_mutua]

Loved the reveiw. I’ve learned something new🙌🏾

[@alexc6946]

‘Choice of power’: Perfect 👍🏼

[@milanhamos5597]

I was looking for this kind of video back in March/April ... then I decided to go for M850i GC and I'm very happy :) Anyway, great video like always.

[@autogefuehl]

Thanks 😊

[@alexanderstyazhkov5707]

Vielen Dank!!! Zwei echte Kunststücke! 👌👌👌👌

[@user-hb6ms3mb4t]

Very engaging review. As always! Many thanks. G.

[@autogefuehl]

thanks stay with us!

[@markscars1069]

M550i all day long for me. I’ve had two M5s (now awaiting the delivery of my M340i) and they were lovely, but the ‘cooking’ versions are more discreet whilst being barely any slower or less capable.

[@minigiant8998]

ive an m550i and waiting for my m3 comp allocation

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

Very good explanation of the difference between M Performance and full on M. That’s has been my experience of driving MP and M versions. M are more track focused, for sure and always have the ’let’s go’ feeling, while M Performance versions have arguably a broader range of abilities; they do the duality of comfortable daily yet also sporty weekend blaster better. I personally went for an M Performance 240i as apposed to a M2 for that very reason and I probably would in this case too, or maybe even the 540i if it’s much cheaper still, as it’s probably more than fast enough for public roads. Obviously if you want the ultimate though, I can’t deny M is what you want and ultimately better at on the limit driving.

[@autogefuehl]

👍👍

[@RayQ101]

Or you could get the Non-Competiton Base M5 that offers a more compliant suspension and better feeling transmission.

[@n52gremlin15]

@@RayQ101 some countries don’t get the non-Comp anymore

[@agear2]

Great detailed review

[@autogefuehl]

Thanks please recommend 😎

[@-Munditimum-]

Thanks Tomas as always for the beautiful quality and auto content. M550i is definitely for me. Would actually love to see M550i vs 750i and M5 vs M8. Cheers!

[@tilensuhadolnik6936]

Great video Thomas 👍👍👍

[@autogefuehl]

🙏🙏

[@denizesen80]

i got me the M550i, sadly you forget to mention the difference between the Normal and Sport Mode of the Suspension: you can put the gear lever to the left where it says S/M and the gearbox is always one gear lower than in Normal D and it switches different, keeps the lower gear longer if not give full gas

[@johnspence2630]

M5 is nice, but at this point, I'll take the m550. It's better for everyday use, so it would suit me much better. Both cars are great and the review is stellar. 👍 Thanks

[@nyhammer1]

As an 550i owner: on the motorway set up your Sport Individual mode for steering and suspension in Sport and rest in Comfort. This gives a car that is very accurate in steering while you cruise along in 160 km/h, but does not feel agressive in any way.

[@autogefuehl]

good advice!

[@TimeisReel]

Thomas, keep up the great content...👍

[@autogefuehl]

🙏🙏🙏

[@phila6188]

If I had to chose one based on what you just showed in the video personally I would take the M550i. Then again I took delivery of a new 911 C2 in June and I love the car.

[@TJTVI]

I can’t wait till you get your hands on a Model S Plaid. You literally do the best reviews on all of KZbin. So entertaining, so informative, so varied. Well done!

[@autogefuehl]

Cheers m8 keep recommending!

[@autogefuehl]

Tesla Model S plaid review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5fJc2drfriCb68 Tesla Model X plaid review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKOQgq2bf8qXeMU

[@rishahid]

Got F90 in Alpine White with Aragon Brown leather. All the optional packs there without Competetion pack. I simply love my M5! ❤️

[@stuartsmith5308]

Wanting a luxurious comfortable fast saloon, i would take the M550I. And i would forget about the 00.00.5 of a second acceleration difference the M5 has.

[@rajeevchhaya489]

Thank you mate for your brilliant video and advice. Based on your video I have chosen the BMW X550i for price and comfort rather than "attack".🎈👏👌

[@hardchemist]

Great review! I like the M3 manual, can't wait to get one on order here in the USA!

[@autogefuehl]

thanks stay with us!

[@whosaysitmatters]

Thomas, you seem really well, a lot happier than you used to be. I am pleased.

[@autogefuehl]

☺️

[@tbg3004]

Great video! Do a review on the Alpina B5 next if you can!

[@lt.scheisskopf3712]

I live in the mountains with fairly smooth and relatively fast roads, the M5 would be my pick 🏁

[@D_relle]

I'm in the U.S. and I just upgraded to a 2021 M550i and its worth every penny!

[@rcauthen324]

Great review, I've upgraded from a M550 which, is a great car to a M5 Comp which is simply a breast! To me a better comparison would have been a M550 vs standard or non competition M5 from a cost and ride quality perspective. The M5 Comp was made for the track in mind; therefore, the ride quality and cost will be more. By the way, the new LCI M5 Comp suspension has been tweaked for '21 (taken from the M8) and rides much smoother than the pre LCI M5 Comp.

[@Engineer20201]

You mean a beast?

[@mattbodle]

@@Engineer20201 nah breast, if your a mother you know breast is best

[@KeesZoutzeling-fv5us]

I‘m driving a Stelvio QV and would like to change back to something non SUV and with similar performance, so I‘m thinking a m550i, I test drove one and think that upshifts are great, comfort is great but on downshifts is nowhere near so exciting… Can you tell if on the M5 that is „remedied“?

[@rcauthen324]

@@KeesZoutzeling-fv5us The M550 is focus more on the luxury/comfort side while the M5 is focus on sport/ performance. The up and down shifts are quicker on the M5 for this reason. PS If you are going for a M550; I recommend getting one now since M550 has been discontinued. Going forward, only the M5 will have a V8 (hybrid).

[@soulfultaste]

absolutely beautiful comparion! please do one for bmw f10 550i vs f10 m5 estate

[@krane15]

I can appreciate the exclusiveness of a matte paint scheme but I would never chose one. I feel the same way about stripes and decals.

[@erack1]

Super review! Genau was ich brauchte. Ich muss mal sehen ob wir hier in der US diese M performance sitze bestellen können für der M550i. Die sind echt cool! Sehen auch bequem aus 😊! Danke Thomas!!

[@autogefuehl]

Thanks =)

[@minigiant8998]

i have the m550i and after 3.5 years i finally heard a nice deep engine rumble the other day when i had my windows down. that was the first time. shame i have to lower the windows to hear that v8.

[@De132an]

Hi Thomas, very nice comparison for the 2 BMW V8s, thank you. But I must say the advertisements were a bit to many.

[@michaelliemann187]

Danke für das Video

[@autogefuehl]

👍

[@scringe1]

This man is on point with explaining both cars. 👌 Well done.

[@autogefuehl]

cheers keep tuning in !

[@sillybirdy1994]

I plan on buying a 2020 M550i in a year or so after depreciation brings it down a little more. I like the exhaust note more than the M5, plus I actually think the M550i is more true to the idea of what the M5 is supposed to be. A perfect comfortable daily driver, that absolutely kills it on the autobahn and back roads. The M5 is a bit too harsh for daily driving, and the M550i makes the same level or torque, so with so much as a cell phone tune, the M550i is just as fast while being easier to drive around town, and with an easier to use interface. Seems the clear choice, plus of course, its not as expensive haha

[@adlengooner4410]

550i all the way, power difference in noticeable only on track unlike comfort that you notice everyday. 550i has the Perfect compromise imo.

[@Binkaroo]

As somebody whose had my m550i for a little over a year the only reasons I would get an m5 is the awd/rwd button and sportier interior. Sound wise the m550i is better imo and everybody knows how easy it is to speed up a bmw nowadays

[@jirimarek8089]

for budget buyers: lookup 2016 or 2017 with like 50k miles, fully loaded, tons of features and for like 50K and smooth ass ride that's amazing.

[@basilem7909]

Great review Thomas! M550i for me

[@autogefuehl]

😁

[@RobertLeBlancPhoto]

I've always liked the models one step down from the fastest version. More of the power and capability is usable in real world driving, usually a smoother and more compliant ride, quieter, but still very sporty when you want it to be. Also less fuel and insurance costs as well as lower sticker price. I like my Audi S3, and I think my next vehicle will be an M340i.

[@lt.seantopperharley6369]

They also tend to be more reliable since the manufacturer isn't squeezing every last hp out of it.

[@krane15]

@@lt.seantopperharley6369 On the other hand, its the maximum configuration so it will require the maximum care and focus.

[@krane15]

That's my motto too except with major purchases. When it comes to cars, I always choose the top-of-the-line. I always felt it better to have a fully spec'ed S4 than an entry level A6.

[@lt.seantopperharley6369]

@@krane15 Agree with that mindset.

[@RayQ101]

Wrong, usually the M models have fully forged components and better cooling leading to a more robust engine.

[@nnr3]

Are the front fenders wider on the M5 than the normal 5 series? Is there actually a difference to the width of the whole car if we don't include the side mirrors?

[@dinojgershon9714]

Hi Thomas, could could please give a standard equipment list when you review a car . Your channel lover's suggestion😁

[@fartamplifer]

I was looking at the M550i and M5 a little while ago. When the M550i was first introduced there was a large HP gap between it and M5. However, with the updated N63 now with 523HP the gap has considerably narrowed. With similar styling (compared to the new M3 vs the M340i) the M5 now seems to be reserved for those who simply want the top of the line model. The M5 also has the more advanced MxDrive, but for daily driving (which is what 99.99% of these cars will be used for) "regular" xDrive is more than sufficient. The only thing that's really missing from the M550i are the M5's sport seats. If you really need more power, a tune will bring the M550i up to M5 levels at considerably less cost.

[@erich1308]

But it won't handle like the M5 and can't really keep up with the M5.

[@wszystkojedno696]

M5's sport seats are available as an option in M550i, just like in every 5er with Mpack.

[@user-rl6uw3rk9k]

​@@erich1308why?

[@fartamplifer]

@@erich1308 I don't track my cars so this isn't a concern for me.

[@fartamplifer]

@@wszystkojedno696 Not in North America. The M Sport Seats are a Europe only option.

[@adamglus1075]

Very good video 😁😃🚗👍

[@quickhandz79]

Nice video, have you ever changed your transmission fluid yet?

[@emalov98]

I'm seeing this M5 every single day it's a beast of a car! It sounds way better when you hear it in person:D

[@krane15]

Well with today's movement to electric cars that exhaust note will soon become obsolete. That growl is no longer the de facto indicator of power or speed.

[@Tiger1016.]

@@krane15 Wanted to have a little friendly fun here. Gotta think a little more practically about the future. A powerful exhaust note will continue to reign supreme, but in a different way. While the charging stations are jam packed with droves of people waiting their turn for a 30+ minute recharge session, the blasting exhaust notes from cars like this zooming by will be haunting reminders of the freedom that EV buyers have sacrificed. Freedom and flexibility = power too, just using the term different from how you were using it. I say this as a prospective EV buyer that wanted to find a way to make one work. But I have to do too many 300 mile drives for work, I also love to travel for fun, and I recently moved to a new living situation that will not permit a nightly charging solution (bye bye house, hello high rise condo, with the dreaded parking garage trade off). Those are all three strikes that are deal killers in their own right, and I would venture to guess they are prevalent to enough of a degree for the large majority of vehicle buyers, which is why we are seeing trends of EV buyers trading in to go back to petrol powered options and an decrease in rate of adoption of EVs after the ambitious early adopters have started to dry up. EV's will hopefully get there with regards to wide scale adoption, at some point, but the timing will be much longer than everyone seems to expect. But you are also correct. EV performance is going to have the technical capabilities to outperform petrol, and that is undeniable. Just be careful to not run more than like 2x 1/4 mile runs because you might not be able to make it back to a charging station afterwards. And then you'll have a 30+ minute charging session to just get half charged for another run. All the while all of the petrol friends are running all the laps they can get in before having to get back to reality and go pick up the kids then hit the grocery store, all without having to refuel/recharge. If only we could get a notably improved energy storage option, that has higher capacity, recharges faster, will not lose significant capacity after too short of a period of time, is more environmentaly friendly to mine and produce, and is more sustainable from an availability of resources perspective. Until then these powerful exhaust notes will still reign supreme from a an all encompassing, bigger picture perspective.

[@adamy3834]

@@Tiger1016. AMEN!

[@kabir.dhingra]

Purchased a M550i because I am in New York and the M5 Suspension is just too harsh on the terrible New York roads. In the US, we do get crackling and pops on the M550i. I guess eu just has to many regulations.

[@autogefuehl]

Indeed hehe

[@piotrpelczar5958]

The new editing is quick like the M5.

[@autogefuehl]

hehe =)

[@shifty7606]

One of my dream cars, M550i. Im getting one in a couple of years when I can afford it. :P

[@maxthemaltesedog3597]

Love both cars but the m5 for me because of its more sporty appeal . The m550ix however is special because it’s more luxury and still 520hp.

[@othullo]

One of the signature of m cars used to be the wider wheel arch fender, it didn't seem obvious on m5, is it visibly wider than M550i or they just cheaper out with what black plastic rim to cover the wider tires??? If so then it totally kills my desire for m5. Probably will take the cheaper M550i with a sun roof vs the carbon fiber roof if it's not wider n lower

[@hitek3943]

Full extended Merino real authentic leather is the only way to go Thomas in the end!

[@autogefuehl]

Thank you very much for your interest in this topic. As a start, please tune in to what the animal leather industry tried to do here with our channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIHCdKmCocZ5oqs In general, depending on the animal skin grade, the animals are specifically raised for this matter. However even if meat would be the reason no.1 in other cases, the hide remains one of the most profitable body parts. That means: If manufacturers put animal leather in a car and you accept it as a customer, you give your money to an industry that earns money by oppressing humans, animals and destroys the environment, you make them more profitable. Also, if you turn the argument around "meat is the waste of the leather industry" you realize how biased the argument is. After all, would you care for which body part you would murdered? Or imagine someone robs you on the street and beats you to death - would it matter to you if it was for your Smartphone or for your purse? The animal agriculture industry occupies 2/3 of all farm land on this planet which cannot be used for direct human nutrition then. That is extremely inefficient. The no.1 cause for deforestation is the animal industry. It is also one of the biggest contributor to climate change. The amount of land, resources, energy and water being used is beyond imagination. If you are interested in how the animals are being treated and transported in the global leather industry, watch this footage: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpzNdHSjppaSbqc Note that the footage is genuine and was recorded by a highly decorated investigative journalist in Germany I know myself personally. For the alternative, you can either use artificial fabrics which can be made from recyclables (we have already shown a lot of vehicles that use great fabric seats from PET-bottles etc.) or more and more also from plant-based materials (like Pinatex). And even if you would create a seat completely with petroleum without a recycling share, the amount of oil being used for that is nothing in comparing just to once fueling up your car. In practical reasons, fabric or microfibre seats are just more useful. You do not sweat in summer and it is not cold in winter. Not using animal skin on seats is a major issue of animal rights, human rights - and after all just of common sense what is better both for the environment and just more practical and more luxurious for the customer. We cannot change what we have bought in the past (that also counts for ourselves of course!), but with more information and compassion we can change how we decide in the future.

[@TOShorts]

TLDW: M5 is slightly better to drive and more capable, but M550i is very close for a fraction of the price. If you don't care about the M5 badge and non sport seats, go for the M550i

[@snowcountry322]

I have been driving the new M550i for nine months. great car...just a little boring on default mode. Can't wait for the i5 M50!!

[@cs6767]

We got a M550i. We get a lot of looks on the road. I’m glad we didn’t get the M5. It just was too stiff.

[@autogefuehl]

Agree

[@DH-sm7sw]

Wish they had the option of round dials on the digital dash; the numbers round the edges are hard to read.

[@MrLaloman18]

German BMW reviews by a real giant German that knows his shh**t!

[@autogefuehl]

most welcome ;-)

[@andyroberts3619]

Please do a similar comparison between the X5M and X5M550i

[@michaelbodie1970]

Your heart would pick the M5 Your back would pick the M550i 💙😎

[@madpistol]

I think I'd take the M550i. It's cheaper, and it has that wonderful Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde personality where it can be comfortable one moment, and a hoot to drive the next.

[@darius2640]

M5 maybe has more chance to retain its value in the future, but who am I kidding they will both depreciate like a rock falling off a cliff

[@GmanDaGlitcha]

Always buy second hand with only 1-3 years of age. Make sure it has warranty and has relatively low mileage for its age and voila you got to enjoy great car for great price.

[@Chris-yt1nu]

I bought an M550i X Drive and was looking for a 540. I had no idea how powerfully fast this car is. When you step on it in Sport Extra Plus mode you can literally have a heart attack and lose your breath. There is nowhere in the US where you can drive it to its full potential. I got into an M5 once and it rattled my brains with its tiresome suspension where you feel every pebble on the road. I couldn't imagine driving it everyday , it was very nerve wracking and tiring, One more question that this guy didn't bring up was if X Drive makes any difference in handling?

[@davidmorello6031]

For me, I have the M550i but here is my wish list. I'd like to be able to upgrade the interior to the next level with better leather and more of it, like Porsche lets you do.

[@CardiffGiant100]

Same here. Thus, going for the M5.

[@smooovnyc4059]

i love how they know to get out the left lane there

[@sveddish]

Great performance! It will be fun for a few weeks until you realize you should've gone for comfort instead :D

[@tracer073]

I live in nyc, I will never ever use close to half the power of the m5 comp so in that case I would take m550i

[@marcelj2451]

Interesting test. What is the reason BMW does not offer rear axle steering on the M5?

[@autogefuehl]

Thanks! To keep a more purist racing feeling

[@claudiushempstead9893]

I would take the 550i understated as quick as makes no difference.

[@jenGD3]

21:50 I learnt some German today haha

[@lukoh5540]

Manuelle Schaltgasse

[@frankswildyear]

I bought a 530i and I love it…but I’m already looking at the 540 and 550!

[@tremell7559]

Personally going from 540i to M550i...I would do it again. The 540i is responsive and fast eventually. The M550i is still as comfortable with better sound and overtake 95% of everyone else instantly on the rode quickness!

[@lowspark68]

Frozen bluestone color also awesome on the Alpina B7 (costs an additional US$5k! Yikes).

[@ClaireYunFarronXIII]

Thomas, you are reviewing a grey and a blue car...while wearing grey and blue. This...is on another level. God-tier. Nice. 👌😅

[@autogefuehl]

😂🤟

[@daniellippmann7973]

Best choice would be the Alpina B5 👍🏼🥳

[@robertcurry6413]

Can you compare 2018 bmw m550i vs 2020 bmw m340i ?

[@ridley407]

With the facelifted M5 I only see M5 competition model. I haven't seen the regular M5 without the competition package. I guess they don't make those any more. Only the M5 competition

[@shakesnbake]

30:51 "The M5 always says 'Let's go!..." Obviously, the M5 is a Thomas fan too :)

[@autogefuehl]

heheh =)

[@tobyfierce4958]

What is that camera mount called, please?

[@MrMegaMax]

Hey Thomas, if I want to purchase a vehicle would you assist?

[@senitnelav]

In terms of design I prefer the pre-facelift M550i and the new M5's design.