What's New in the 2019 BMW M550i xDrive?
Advanced driver aids like forward-collision mitigation with automatic braking, blind spot monitoring and lane-departure alerts are now standard throughout the range. Previously a $300 option, Apple CarPlay is available through a free 12-month subscription. Front and rear parking sensors are also standard, while options bundles receive a shake-up. For example, the LED fog lamps have been removed from the standard equipment list and are now part of the M Sport package.
Which M550i xDrive is the Best?
Ideally (and people with a BMW 5 Series on their list of possibles can probably afford to make many things ideal), the 540i with the extra driver-assistance features and the Bowers & Wilkins audio system would make a great choice. However, we also commend BMW for not charging extra for the 530e plug-in hybrid, whose fuel economy and power output bring a best-of-both-worlds proposition. Find a BMW 5 Series for sale
How Much Does a 2019 BMW M550i xDrive Cost?
The 2019 BMW 5 Series comes in 530i, 530e iPerformance, 540i and M550i xDrive forms. Where it's optional, AWD is an extra $2,300.
The 530i ($54,395) has 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, all-LED exterior lighting with adaptive headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated/self-dimming/power-folding side mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, 16-way power-adjustable front seats with driver's-side memory settings, a power-adjustable tilt-telescopic steering column, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, simulated leather upholstery, LED ambient cabin lighting, selectable driving modes, driver-fatigue and focus alert, driver aids (forward-collision mitigation, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning), iDrive infotainment interface with a 10.3-in screen, Bluetooth, navigation, Apple CarPlay, a 12-speaker/205-watt audio system, an HD radio, two USB ports, 20 GB of music storage and an auxiliary audio input.
The 530e iPerformance ($54,395) has the plug-in hybrid powertrain and a few dedicated gauges but is otherwise equipped in a similar manner to the 530i.
The 540i ($59,945) has its own engine, plus leather upholstery, but otherwise follows the formula above.
The M550i xDrive ($75,445) comes with 19-in alloy wheels, a more powerful engine and specific chassis modifications for a sportier driving experience, plus several features that are optional in the lower models.
The Convenience options bundle includes satellite radio, a powered trunk lid and heated front seats.
The Premium package has been revised to include automatic parallel parking, head-up display, Wi-Fi, wireless smartphone charging, gesture control and keyless entry/ignition. The Executive package includes the Premium bundle then adds automatic high beams, parking assistant plus, soft-close doors, a 360-degree camera system and an 8.8-in configurable driver information display.
An optional M Sport package comes with 19-in wheels, LED fog lights and a lowered, sportier suspension. Add this to the 540i, and 20-in wheels become available. A Dynamic Handling package includes an adaptive suspension, stronger brakes and rear-wheel steering.
Advanced safety features come in the Driving Assistance Plus package (see the Safety section below).
There's a choice of audio system upgrades: A 16-speaker/600-watt Harman Kardon Surround Sound setup or a 16-speaker/1,400-watt system from Bowers & Wilkins. Other options include a heated steering wheel, a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, night vision with pedestrian detection and 20-way adjustable multi-contour front seats with massaging and ventilation functions.
Trunk space is 18.7 cu ft. Assuming one set of golf clubs is around 4 cu ft., there's room for four sets. Except in the 530e, whose battery pack reduces cargo area to 15 cu ft.