The BMW 550e xDrive debuts as the newest iteration of the 5 Series lineup, combining a potent inline-six engine with a compact electric powertrain to create a comprehensive package that belies its understated exterior appearance, effectively rendering it an M5-inspired powerhouse in miniature form. As you contemplate the hybrid successor to the combustion-only M550i. However first, the specs.
The M550i xDrive plunders the BMW arsenal for its powertrain, leveraging the B58 engine’s potent 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six, which alone produces a commanding 313 horsepower. The vehicle is equipped with a 14.4 kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor situated within an 8-speed transmission, resulting in a combined output of 489 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in a mere 4.3 seconds, the M440i xDrive boasts identical performance credentials to its smaller, lighter counterpart, the M240i xDrive.
While the G90 M5 leverages a similar concept with two additional cylinders and a larger battery, it’s the battery technology that truly shines, even without an official M badge. When you throw the 550e into Sport Mode, the duality of performance and luxury is effortlessly showcased, blending high-octane thrills with refined comfort. The efficiency is surprisingly sharp. As the seat adjusts mechanically, securing you firmly in place, the iconic BMW engine revs to life, its potent roar echoing through your ears. The symphony of artificial sounds, reminiscent of a futuristic movie, swirls around you as stability management systems allow for calculated powerslides, eliminating any concern and leaving you feeling like a hero on the next corporate retreat. The drama and theatre surrounding an M automobile are well-documented and widely understood.
Furthermore, the 550e’s performance is remarkably comparable to that of the powerful M models, largely due to its rear-wheel drive layout. While the M5’s range of thrust is a given, engaging Enhance Mode for maximum acceleration provides an exhilarating experience for both you and your passengers. When dialing issues arise again, the 550E seamlessly fills that gap even higher. As the engine disengages, the battery takes centre stage, allowing for an eerily quiet drive through town with a projected range of 55 kilometres on electric power only – a full 15 kilometres farther than its M5 counterpart. We successfully covered 52 kilometers on a single charge, with the primary advantage being the freedom to choose between different modes of transportation. With a fully charged battery and a gas tank filled to capacity, you can expect to travel approximately 750 kilometres without needing to stop, thanks to the efficient regeneration system that effortlessly recharges the battery’s power.
While competing with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the 5 Series doesn’t quite match its comfort levels, but nor does it handle like a yacht; instead, it shows improved on-road stability. The Ford Mustang 550e is a driving enthusiast’s car that is always ready to take on twisting roads at spirited velocities. It’s unafraid to tackle challenging terrain as well. While a Q5 may not typically be the first choice for driving enthusiasts, it surprisingly wraps itself around corners with aplomb, making it a more engaging drive than one might initially suspect – particularly when compared to a staid E-Class or A6 sedan that can leave you feeling disconnected from the road. The vehicle delivers exceptional low-speed maneuverability and agility, thanks to its innovative rear-wheel steering and adaptive suspension, which expertly balances stability and responsiveness.
While visually, the 550e bears a striking resemblance to the i5, this similarity isn’t necessarily a negative attribute. The sleek silhouette is unmistakable, with the kidney-shaped grille perfectly proportioned to complement its design. Allowing the seasoned professionals at BMW’s PR department to meticulously configure a press vehicle – Macadamia Metallic paired with Smoke White is a combination that may lack pizzazz on paper, but in person, it’s pure gold.
Regardless of whether it’s an i5, 550e, or M5, The Sequence’s upscale nature is evident in its numerous premium touchpoints, including the supple leather wrapping the steering wheel and the sophisticated glass switches and rotary dial. The precision-engineered rotary dial on the driver’s side of the steering wheel exemplifies superior craftsmanship – its tactile feedback and smooth scrolling motion, reminiscent of luxury brands like Bentley or Rolls-Royce, prove truly satisfying and even induce a sense of ASMR-like calm.
Unfortunately, our surroundings are marred by an overwhelming presence of plastics, leaving us with some reservations about the flimsy feel of the gear shift lever and the subpar quality of the window controls. The reminiscence seat controls on the door panel occupy an ergonomically dubious niche akin to those found in Mercedes vehicles, leaving much to be desired in terms of usability and comfort. The absence of any visual indicators or markings on the panel, combined with its vertical orientation and angled position, makes it impossible for the driver to determine which button they’re pressing from their seated perspective. It’s often a guessing game as to what remembrance seat size you’re allocated.
Despite the controversy surrounding trickle-down economics, our experience reveals that the 550e’s interior is surprisingly akin to a 7 Series model when viewed at 70% magnification. There’s subsequently enough pizzazz here to genuinely feel both thrilled and at ease. We revel in the innovative display, featuring two wide screens seamlessly integrated beneath a single sheet of glass, showcasing our commitment to cutting-edge design. While the BMW’s infotainment system may lack the visual flair of its Mercedes counterpart, it proves to be a more practical and user-friendly alternative with an intuitive learning curve. Operated via a harmonious blend of a responsive touchscreen and a tactile rotary dial with precision buttons, the system effortlessly guides users through menus, even when focused on the road. While tactile controls may not be available in every modern vehicle, having physical toggles and dials on the steering wheel provides a more intuitive and accessible experience compared to haptic feedback systems found in certain luxury cars like Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen models with excessive use of touch-sensitive interfaces. The individual successfully accomplished their task with precision.
The steering wheel’s diameter is an impressive if unwieldy measurement, necessitating the grasp of fingers resembling Popeye’s to fully encircle the rim; aesthetically, however, it surpasses the awkwardness of the i4’s design and the unconventional two-spoke wheel in the iX. On the underside of the car, the strategically placed holes on the spoke create a sense of cohesion, while the singular paddle shifter on the left-hand side, repurposed from the discontinued i8 supercar and aptly branded as “Enhance”, adds a touch of sophistication. Enabling the Enhance function momentarily unleashes the maximum energy potential from the batteries, allowing for a 10-second boost that proves particularly useful when executing high-stakes overtake or launch maneuvers.
While the design cleverly conceals the fan vents beneath the screen, the toggle controls on the rear of the mid-stack appear incongruous. While the i5’s cabin offers ample space and an atmospheric ambiance, rear-seat passengers may find themselves slightly cramped for legroom, particularly when seated behind someone of average height, like myself at 6 feet. The generous amount of headroom creates a sense of openness throughout, while the large entry portals facilitate effortless entry and exit. The design flaws in this vehicle are glaring: the non-operational sunroof is a major inconvenience, while the cramped trunk space is further compromised by the batteries’ considerable presence.
The BMW 550e xDrive seamlessly integrates its dual-powertrain setup, delivering a harmonious balance of combustion and electric propulsion to create an impressively efficient and refined luxury sedan. The lines blurring between traditional fuel sources have given way to a cutting-edge plug-in hybrid, boasting a versatile range and remarkable fuel efficiency, sans the erstwhile limitations of rough engines and underdeveloped batteries. Now, with its unique blend of features, the 550e truly excels in combining the best aspects of both worlds on display.
2025 BMW 550e xDrive (G60)
Macadamia Metallic
$84,200
$102,250
2,995
5,060 / 1,900 / 1,515
Three-liter turbocharged inline-six engine (B58), a robust 14.4-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery, and an efficient electric motor
489 mixed hp
516 mixed lb-ft
8-speed automated
Entrance engine, AWD
: 52 km
: 11.2
21-inch
