The New BMW 550e xDrive One Take | Best 5 Series yet? | Hybrid

[@johngoodwin1710]

The seats look like they’re from a base 1-series

[@Remigijus86]

And they look horrible. With that double tone.

[@dertobi257]

They're insanely comfortable though

[@Karonball]

@@dertobi257 Sit in E60 or F10 comforts. G30 are also very good. The G60 are dogsh*t

[@rare6499]

It’s just a complete aesthetic mess IMO. Lots of gloss black of the exterior (why?!) looks awful. It’s lost its soul IMO. Interior looks like a cheap nightclub. Wheels look like the kind of thing you used to buy aftermarket from a brand you never heard of. Honestly I really dislike this modern BMW era. They used to make beautiful subtle luxury cars with a nod towards the driver. Now it looks like an expensive mess.

[@uldons]

Agree! No doubt that there is some good engineering in this car, but the looks in and out and the price for it all? Nah, this is not the BMW I love.

[@captainblack1021]

looks like it was vomited out at the design stage

[@jellyd4889]

You never sat in one then. Sounds like you just sit at home with videos. In the flesh it is impressive. It is a taste thing.

[@captainblack1021]

@@jellyd4889 I saw one and opened the door at a dealership whilst waiting for a service. M5 version looks the part (didn’t see that in the flesh) but I’m not a fan of models sporting lots of gloss black external trim. Saw a RRS white with gloss black trim on the fake vents and other areas, just looks cheap. I also drive a car with the b58 engine, excellent engine. I’ve owned many cars, and also run a Range Rover 4.4 tvd8.

[@dobrelaurentiu6091]

​@@jellyd4889that concept of yours over someone standing home with videos in fact mirrors its target back to the launcher

[@bensullivan5414]

They need to put this power train in the 3 series and make an M350e

[@MrQuashu]

This would be an absolutely amazing car, with a bit smaller battery.

[@kakadots]

They probably will for the next gen 3 series

[@NewHandle_]

Would make the M3 lose sales IMO

[@torentmonkey]

Do you want a 2 ton 3 series ? Mcpherson strusts up front cant handle that weight if you want to drive a bit more spirited.

[@aksone5243]

@@torentmonkey Well there's a 2.3 ton 4 series

[@Island_Monkey66]

You nailed it with the comment about soul. Electric cars, while fast and fun to drive depending on the model, they lack that special something. Like that feeling that you get when you meet someone and they have something about them. That special something is the engine. It gives life to the car. It gives them personality.

[@samly1762]

Profoundly right

[@newtonshiggers]

So an EV would be like a sex robot then?

[@jimmychen5746]

The 5 series chassis does a great job of hiding its weight. I rented a 530i xdrive for a road trip in the US not long ago. Given the size and weight, the car is really good on a twisty road. It feels light on its feet, the body motion is very well controlled and the suspension is also smooth and compliant. I guess BMW engineered the chassis to accommodate the heavy hybrid setup. So the car feels so effortless when there is only a four cylinder.

[@usmclongrangebrainsurgeon]

m550i 2023 was the last of the best -no electric BS- luxury sedan.

[@dlb44]

Stevie wonder working magic in that BMW design department

[@JoSe-pb1yo]

Stevie wonder was just chillin

[@iancraven1363]

Joe, I think you need to call out the pricing more on some of these new cars. The new 5 just doesn’t have the quality of material or design to justify an £80k price tag. Of course they’ll be bought on finance but even the monthlies are going to be off the scale.

[@impolitebrit2386]

I optioned a 550e and the price came out at £93k. It drove pretty brilliantly but the look (and I've had four 5 series on the trot) and the interior quality meant I just couldn't justify the price. I'm currently with my 540i and wondering if I even need to change. As others have said, the interior quality is a major drop from the previous generation and the less said about the exterior design the better...

[@crocus9905]

​@@impolitebrit2386you need a Honda jazz from 2011 and not a whole lot else

[@w210source-uv5lc]

The interior is such a downgrade from previous 5ers. Where's the full leather, ergonomic seats, premium audio upgrade, soft close, massaging seats, etc etc?? No reason to get a 5er over a 3er these days.

[@NoCommentaryGamer]

What 5-series in the past had a soft-close?

[@Hansen999]

@@NoCommentaryGamer My E61 LCI 530xD had soft close

[@NoCommentaryGamer]

@@Hansen999 ah ok , nice to know then.

[@impolitebrit2386]

You can get the B&W system at a lower price than the previous generation, but you are 100% correct that the full merino leather is not as it was in previous generations...still lots of black plastic where there used to be leather (and lower quality materials used in other areas too)

[@vytautasminalga3905]

@@NoCommentaryGamer e60 f10 and g30 had soft close as option but not the latest model.

[@simonbradshaw3708]

I've got a BMW G12 hybrid with a 2 litre petrol engine. I love the car but what I do find is once lithium ion batteries are flat you are left with an underpowered petrol engine down over 100hp on the claimed figure. For general cruising it's fine but if you need that burst of power it won't be there, so the better option would be to have the 3 litre engine.

[@speedsociety9177]

Visually this gen is just a mess IMO

[@laurapalmerTDGE]

It is. I'm X5 F15 driver since 10 year and all I can say about the new X3 and X1 and 5 series and 7 series is just terrible. The only good looking is the 3 series.

[@Naardvark]

no is beautiful beauty is eye of beholder u need more tolerance why u no like foreiggner u bad we come take everything issa good thank u

[@BenjaminMukwaira]

It seems their more focused on Asian markets in terms of design. I will always miss the pure German bmw era

[@owenmcdonald5922]

I agree 100%, a 530D would be awesome.

[@mcphersonjohnathon]

The gloss black exterior skirts are hideous and the new seats look way cheaper then a y previous models.

[@markrhoden68]

If you want a big comfortable performance saloon be it for personal or business use then I believe this is a winner. Better this than any fully electric saloon if only for the B58 reminding us that cars can still have a souk and be relatively economical 👍

[@rare6499]

@@markrhoden68 would rather have a 3 series saloon, much better looking. This 5 series doesn’t really bring many benefits except ‘bigger’ and even then, it doesn’t have overly generous rear leg room.

[@markrhoden68]

@rare6499 I believe there's a badge snobbery issue, too. A 3 series in the car park or a 5 🤔 nether are my things you understand, but I see why others might

[@adampetrus2204]

@@rare6499 That's not true, I was in the market and compared the 3 vs 5. Bought 550e and I'm really happy. The 3 is just a 3, meanwhile the 5 has 7er F01-G11 feel and it's so much more limousine-like car.

[@alessandrolupi03]

Hi joe, they did the 540d, which is the old 530d, 292hp 3 liter diesel, best five series for sure

[@geoffchaplin2123]

Nice review Joe, i can’t believe how much it costs! 2019 you get a great 520d sub 40k, pay 45k for a 530. How can a manufacturer like BMW become more efficient and charge between 50 and 100% more. It’s madness, i fear for legacy auto makers futures. How much did you pay for your last 7 series which was filled with ultimate luxury?

[@raiiiar]

An amazing review starts with - don't buy this completely overpriced car.

[@jostv.2726]

It surprises me to hear that the comfort seats aren´t that good, other people stated these seats are quit good. For a person like me, that have problems with the back, the sport seats are usually too hard and rigid. I hope to have a 5 series one day, love the G30 and G60 :D

[@andrewgreen8388]

I have the comfort seats on my G60 i5 M60. They look nothing like the seats in this video

[@jonfrank2566]

I drove this car at a similar even there a few weeks ago. Maybe I had it in the wrong settings, but it did feel a bit ponderous and heavy. Interior was also nothing special. Never felt like an £80K car, never mind £100k.... Buy a second hand M5 CS. You will have a far better time and save yourself a fortune in depreciation.

[@kingkoomy]

lol you’re saying buy a second hand M5 CS like it’s easy to see one.

[@JohnGuidetti751]

Why do the new generation of BMW’s 7 series, 5 series, X3 ,only have a fixed roof not sliding anymore?

[@mrv6159]

The comfort seats used to be exceptional as well, are you sure these aren't the base seats?

[@jh4892]

Looks like they were inspired by the design of a Prius

[@kevincockburn7805]

Yes, although I have to say the new Prius looks pretty good compared to all the previous Prius generations.

[@xatarskoftespie8844]

Is it the camera or the reflections or is the entire screen setup moving while driving?

[@p.k.7111]

100% the whole screen is shaking 😮what the hell bmw

[@Defectedinthehouse89]

​@@p.k.7111 yep the new curve screen is crap and is cheaper for them to produce. I managed to buy my m440i with older setup and head up display. Much better!! They were trying to convince me to get the new c**rap, no way.

[@MrQuashu]

Thank You Joe for this review, it's potentially my next car after M340d touring ( not fully convinced yet as I don't like this downgrade of interior quality compared to predecessor ). Btw. Love your disgusted face once You are talking about 60i 😁😁 .

[@CL4SSiCS]

Please don't get this, you should just get the G90 5 series instead and their still being sold as old stock runs out

[@adampetrus2204]

Unless you have an Individual full leather in your M340d, the interior feels more premium. I've gone for the same individual as Joe has in his video.

[@markdean3217]

Keep hear the blipping telling you travelling over the limit, cars are going backwards and price is sky rocketing 😌

[@chrisburton4694]

I’ve got a g31 530e currently. Will be changed next year as its company car. Really want the 550e but still very undecided on the looks of the new car. For me it’s a wheel size thing smaller wheels ie the 19s look tiny. Which is crazy to think

[@adampetrus2204]

I have 19s 935M and it's the best option for comfort. Got tanzanite blue one with silver accents and it looks stunning, comfort on level of F01-G11 7 series.

[@mrsteve7175]

Nice review. The new E class is still available with a (brand new) six cylinder diesel engine. See if you can get hold of an E450d and compare it with this car and the old 530d. Maybe that is the new best car of its type. Not that Merc will be keen on selling many of them, which is presumably why there is not a single review of this car anywhere to date.

[@samly1762]

The new E450d is perfect. I wish it had more reviews. Big low down torque, no heavy hybrid bullshit, comfort and very good mpg.....it's a no brainer

[@mrsteve7175]

@@samly1762 Have you seen a review of this anywhere? I can't find anything on KZbin. It does look like the perfect engine for this car. It certainly gets brilliant reviews in the S class.

[@reversoworld5348]

There’s a fantastic option if this is too expensive for you. I have a 545e which is 400bhp combined and very quick with great economy.

[@ct4928]

So it’s slower and less powerful than 2023 550i xdrive and it looks like it just came out of a China shop… Used bm s will start selling like crazy

[@jasonharryphotog]

How long will the tyres last in a van weighing 2.2 tons? What happens if you crash in something like this , at a loss why cars now weight so much when a family saloon weighed 1200kg , high power high weight era

[@MY-mp6bq]

F10 was the last good looking 5 series. Whats with the mercedes paint ? Tail lights ? Why does every model need to look like a sportscar?

[@petripaa]

You've driven also the G90 M5 (at leas somewhat). How does the 550e compare to that? What would be the main difference in feeling? This is very interesting to me because I happen to own 550e, but I'm actually dreaming on purchasing G90 or G99...

[@MiniEggs1999]

It would be good if you could run one of these for a few days to give us a fuller verdict or preferably the 550e touring

[@ferrarifan081000]

Thanks a lot for the review! How does this compare to the old 545e?

[@asimhumayun7428]

In previous generations of 5, the Comfort seats gave you multi adjustable seats with things like split backrest and adjustable side bolsters. The best seats in any car. Looks like BMW have ditched them if these are the new offering. More cost cutting?

[@adampetrus2204]

Not just cost. They went the way that 5 is not that premium as a 7 series which still has those seats. Adjustable side bolsters are still present on the comfort seats on both sides, on sport seats on drivers side only.

[@asimhumayun7428]

@adampetrus2204 Thanks, good to know. However a real shame that BMW have dialled back the quality and luxury of the 5. The Comfort seats option used to give the quality seat of a 7 in a 5. I've had them in every generation since the E60 and they are the best seats you could ever to spend time in. BMW has become a shadow of the company they once were. That's 'progress' I guess??

[@santana9537]

Was really looking forward to the 550e. Would still like to have one after the M3. But seeing the new M5 has got me not even wanting the 550e 😂😂 M5 is just 😍😍😍

[@terrywilliams9697]

What tyre wear is anyone getting from 550e? Mine has sone 8k and i cant see the front tyres doing 10k!

[@jaygonsalves9158]

My 2018 and 2022 M550is were the best sedans I've owned (and I've owned some nice ones). Will not get an i60. Maybe I'll get a Blackwing.

[@Tortelli-NL]

Did this car have the (expensive) M adaptive suspension with anti roll? It an option which only seems to be available on the 550e. Looking for this car as a touring, already did a testdrive months ago on the limo; very impressive powertrain! Value for money is pretty good in the Netherlands since there is almost no co2 tax on it. An full optioned 550e is about €20.000 cheaper than the old G30 540i. Price differance between 530e and 550e is around 10k and €8k with same adaptive suspension (standard on 550e).

[@adampetrus2204]

Imo not worth it. The price of M Adaptive Suspension Professional is horrendous, didn't optioned it and I'm happy even without it. G60 is not performance oriented car anyways.

[@Tortelli-NL]

@@adampetrus2204 True about that, 550e demo drove great with stock suspension in my opinion!

[@jostv.2726]

I wished BMW would put leather (or a vegan alternative) on the steering wheels airbag like they did with the previous generation and the new M5. This would give the interior such a "glow up" ^^ Thank you for the video :D

[@adampetrus2204]

my guy :D When I bought one, this was my thought, currently thinking about ordering M5 airbag.

[@hemajo2823]

​@@adampetrus2204 how muck the car

[@cephasmakuzva]

Go for the 530e. In normal driving there's no difference at all for that extra 20k

[@commandertopgun]

STUNNING LOOKING, I TOTALLY ENJOYED THE VIRTUAL DRIVE WOW, LOVE THIS VIDEO REVIEW, WELL DONE, JOE.

[@s23bho38]

If you don’t option the Comfort plus pack you don’t get electric MEMORY seats. Check with BMW should the options have changed. Great one take video JA.

[@rickynguyen9397]

Agree.. absolutely ridiculous for the price they are charging

[@s23bho38]

Can’t believe they are still riding “shortage of semi conductors” yarn in 2024 to justify the outrageous option prices.

[@ryans7097]

I'm confused as to what the comfort seat vs what the sports seats are? From what I can tell on the website (I'm in the US) and there is a luxury seating package option which is available on real or fake leather seats .

[@adampetrus2204]

Luxury seating package includes Comfort Seats that Joe has in his video. Comfort Seats includes more cushioning, adjustable side bolsters on both sides and electric head restraint. Imo comforts are must have, gone for them. Imo2 - you should go for real leather.

[@ryans7097]

@@adampetrus2204 Appreciate the reply. The website doesn't really give much info.

[@kaybe3044]

There is going to be a 540d. So it will be interesting to see how that stack up.

[@christiansrensen6125]

It’s a small catastrophe that the panoramic sunroof cannot be opened. That would be one of the reasons not to buy the new 5-series.

[@TomOKelly-he5js]

Nice video - was looking at the new range at Goodwood FOS. The massive weight and enormous size gains just put me off. OK for Dubai, US and other large road/countries but too big and heavy for UK roads...... I3 starting at approx. 2.6 tons before weighty options, the & series being pretty much 3 tons if you option anything...... Price wise tis all becoming unobtanium....... I know this is as much regulation as BMW - all cars are going this way Back to horse and carriages then..........

[@Birmingham_racing]

5 series were good looking cars what the hell happened? Even the e60 started to look good after a while

[@tomasjonusauskas9487]

Is 550e xdrive touring coming? Who knows?

[@Brandon-kg3pl]

Yes

[@Runawaygeekchannel]

Same B58, weight and only 90hp more than the 545e, but £90k !!!! Go get the 545e, 0-60 in 4.6s, smooth and easy to drive. Second hand for £45k Also the 545e has the G30 LCi Facelift and it's much better looking and non of the crystal awful button stuff in the cab.

[@iamsam8446]

In regards to BMW seats, BMW (proper) doesn't make their own seats. They are manufactured by Lear to BMW spec.

[@marshmule]

I am not a hater but scrolling through it looked like a face lifted 2 series GC

[@anthonyoconnell5508]

they have fairly ruined the 5 series. i have been smaller boats. cant get over the weight of it either.

[@graemetaylor629]

why don't car channels review cars that most people can afford £80.000.00 for a car ffs

[@SDK2006b]

Joe already reviewed the cheaper 530e Welcome to 2024 new car prices !

[@andy_xtr3861]

Coming up next week the all new Dacia duster 1.2 😂

[@CrankCyclingChannel]

Carwow have the Dacia Duster review for you.

[@NathanMannin]

Because most people will be doing monthly payments on new cars, rather than paying in full.

[@gullible119]

Has a soul and has some character, but that doesn’t justify the 135k my dealer here is asking for one of these.

[@gullible119]

IT’S MORE EXPENSIVE THAN A FUCKING I7 xDrive60

[@FleetAdmiral215]

Vile Design, Looks like a Hyundai/ Toyota had a baby Great Video Joe

[@davidpegg4516]

£80k base price. Prices have gone nuts.

[@martintokinaga5261]

This car looks so good in photo. But when I actually saw this on the street, I just thought it does not look good at all It seems that the hood is out of proportion so long. Even the previous one does not look so long on the hood. And then they make it a platform for both ICE and EV. Which means the EV version looses out on interior space and higher in weight than necessary. A car of this size should have more interior space. And those seat looks horrible.

[@williampalmer4556]

Still prefer my 535d

[@v12-s65]

what do you mean best 5 series yet? We know you're bmw biased but this is absolutely ridiculous

[@JoeAchilles1]

It was a question, I figured most intelligent people would figure that out... I forget the Internet has stupid viewers too!

[@v12-s65]

@@JoeAchilles1 Where exactly am I supposed to know it's a rhetorical question? Calling out a University Student as stupid doesn't make your head any hairier mate. Don't feel attacked, we all know you got a special deal with your buddies at bmw uk lmao. Can't stand critics or what?

[@pacmanc8103]

@@v12-s65First time I’ve seen this reviewer - agree the comment was unnecessary.

[@MichasTechTV]

As far as i know, the 530d will come. At least in Main Land Europe

[@4ddy23]

2.2t that is crazy

[@51madmitch]

How can they justify a £80k price tag, crazy!!!

[@erezyoal]

Way buy the M5 for 120k Whan you can get the M550 For 80k ? And 300kg lighter ?

[@Allanhyde264]

People need to boycott bmw and send them a message. From retuned engines to plastic interiors to cheap design.

[@PieterVanBraeckel-xt9xt]

I have driven now more than 10000 miles with my 550e and agree completely with your review. It is a fantastic car overall and very frugal (3,5l/100 km considering I drive 2/3 electric). The 550e doesn’t come near the driving pleasure of my alpina D3 biturbo f31 rwd+lsd, which is a car I have difficulty to part with. Being a purist, the nose heavyness ruins it a bit for me in the 550e. I suppose the 530e rwd should be the more dynamic car. You also should option the sports tires or get Ps4s on the 550e. Overall the 5 is a fenomenal comfortable car, certainly with the 2+ autonomous driving option. My advice would be, buy a 530e and spare yourself the money for a fun sportscar like a miata.

[@brettevans3291]

Can they please make a 540d touring and then I’ll trade in my X5 until then I’ll just drive my X5 for the next 5 years. 😂

[@brettevans3291]

Ps. Thanks Joe for all your reviews. 👍

[@AndreiGonzalesDesign]

Needs to be a wagon / touring to be the full package

[@auchen888dolly8]

Going to keep my M5 won’t be selling it to get A 550e they have no massage seats and interior looks worse than the old M550i . Germans have to keep up with Asian manufacturers

[@BullyBoxer]

The only one that thinks this thing looks terrible !? The previous shape far more pretty .

[@truxton1000]

I agree it’s horrible, I just bought a six month old g31 as the new model is hideous. Who will buy these, people with no taste? Probably.

[@peterwhite8424]

😬 I wouldn’t want that thing for free

[@Bazsi-io8yw]

Looks like an octavia from the front

[@berend109]

b58 can easily make 500 whp in other cars, this car can easily become a sleeper.

[@pm512]

Does not do it for me. It is like everybody that is trying to say that that new giant nose on some BMWs is not that bad. It is absolutely horrible. BMW is losing it on the design front in my opinion

[@crocus9905]

What's the point

[@davidbillberg2203]

Well, it's a fast BMW. Not my choice though.

[@wackawacka12345]

There will be a 540d which actually is a 530d under the hood

[@CrankCyclingChannel]

Not in the UK

[@rogermellie689]

BMW are so far away from their roots they might as well be Audi. But then again, the market is being driven by people who don’t like cars. So we get cars designed for people who want their dashboard to be an iPad rather than actual functionality that makes the car better at being a car.

[@alexluke84]

This is better than new M5 that is much overweight

[@arminask]

Why does it look like a Skoda?

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Keep up the good work, Joe, you're keeping trolls beating on their keyboards rather than their kids.

[@steverogers7211]

Wow previous gen G30 looks so amazing compared to this new turd..

[@geemanbmw]

Im disappointed in BMW, the first time in 39 years and for me that's saying a lot. Not only is the styling disappointing, the V8 missing is tragic in my mind. Screw the New Green Deal, it's nothing short of a scam

[@F1Tragic]

I am not taken with the exterior design but would need to see one in person to make an honest assessment. What I cannot get past is the ugly screen on the dash that BMW is using nowadays - to me, it is ugly, cheap and lazy of BMW to offer up something like that in what is supposed to be an upmarket product. Compare that dash to a VW Touareg for example and the BMW looks like some cheap Chinese or Korean knockoff product. BMW needs to do better to win me back.

[@Twinkletoes78]

The look and style is just awful

[@omidnamin9004]

looks awful, interior looks beyond bland and boring. the seats looks cheap... exactly what i would expect from a modern bmw.

[@jamiec4478]

The design keeps growing on me and that’s a lovely colour

[@japjas]

At first I thought it was Serie 1.

[@newbeginnings8566]

I don't like it and as i don't want to spend that amount I dont have to worry ...

[@gaara4667]

Look at the people who aren’t even the target audience hate on something they’ve never seen or been in😂

[@Delvy787]

Who’s the target audience?

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Obviously not trolls.

[@vali69]

No...

[@Superduperloopo]

What a disaster of a design and weight

[@travelmates1]

An EV sounds soo stupid, boring and rubbish. But this BMW is half EV, en half ICE... AND IT STILL SOUNDS COOL!!! (That glorious I-6 sounds are legendary and just epic)

[@JBogevik]

Bmw, what have you done to yourself?

[@sammbaldwin6402]

I don't see the point in this car, either give it the full fat B58 or make it a proper EV with bigger battery, better electric motors and longer range, you have the best of neither but a really high price tag, I'll rather just get either a 540i or a 540d or a full EV

[@Villani_AV]

Definitely a car that piques my interest

[@zaaap0]

Its clearly not the best one yet, but money from BMW have to flow

[@Skyreem2020]

All the miserables in the comments who have never owned a premium car have a lot to say,while BMW breaks record sales. They are leading in sales in Europe & US so clearly they are listening to consumers not random trolls on YT who arent their target market.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

For 60 years now, carmagazine just gave this 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟.

[@pacmanc8103]

Huh? I am most definitely in BMW’s market and find the vehicle hideous. I currently own a 2024 E450 4Matic. An elegant, sophisticated premium car, not a car with an interior or exterior that looks like this. Volkswagen also sells a lot of vehicles - meaningless. Check out Car and Driver’s rating of premium sedans.

[@Skyreem2020]

@@pacmanc8103 Thats fine,everyone has their preferences. I just pointed out that more people in the premium segment are buying BMWs. The sales reflect that. And from 2nd half of 2023 to 1st half of 2024 they have outsold every German manufacturer in that segment and 2nd overall behind VW across all segments.

[@pacmanc8103]

@@Skyreem2020 I know the overall sales figures - I also know that the mix of vehicles sold (and leased) by BMW these days. A very high proportion are not premium luxury cars - everyone knows that. Additionally, BMW (at least in the US) has very good sales and lease promotions throughout the year. Why? Well that’s pretty elementary, too. I simply would not point to ‘sales’ figures as particularly meaningful.

[@Skyreem2020]

@@pacmanc8103 what metric/criterion would you use?

[@Kepler1344]

1:24 B58 without a visible exhaust is a crime.

[@Car-guy307]

Disgusting 😮. Are they trying to compete with Lexus 🤔