Used 2020 BMW M550i Base for sale 

The BMW M550i has been placed on pedestals in a single trim. The ride comes only in an xDrive configuration, so you’ve been also exempted from the option of choosing the drivetrain for your ride. However, many of the trademark M Sport features such as the M Sport Steering Wheel, M Spec brake calipers, aerodynamic kit, etc. are offered as standard on the BMW M550i.

We recommend:

Since the ride is available only in a single trim and a single drivetrain, we’d also single-handedly recommend you to go for this trim (as if we/you have any other option!). The M550i comes fitted with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a ride of this range. However, there are a number of optional extras which you can equip on your M550i, but they do cost (a lot) extra. 

The BMW M550i is all suited up for the year 2020, carrying major changes underneath its hood. The 2020 BMW M550i receives an updated version of the 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 engine under its hood. This powertrain upgrade enhances the car’s power production big-time. The V8 engine inside the 2020 BMW M550i magnifies the power figures to 523 horsepower, from the 456 hp in the 2019 BMW M550i. The 2020 BMW M550i torque figures also get baked up to 553 lb.-ft. from 480 lb.-ft. in 2019. 

Effortless, effective, efficient, these are the terms that give the account of the 2020 BMW M550i’s transmission in brief. The 8-speed sport automatic transmission found on the BMW M550i shifts impulsively and instinctively, utilizing those 553 ponies to the fullest.

The 2020 BMW M550i is the ride that houses the biggest and the mightiest engine of the segment. The power figures for the M550i is also the greatest, followed up by the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio with 505 ponies. The Mercedes Benz C63 S makes a close chase with 503 hp and finally ranks the Lexus LS 500 which happens to be the only car in the segment which gets a below the 500 hp mark power figure. 

How fast is the BMW 550i?

The bump in power does the 2020 BMW M550i acceleration figures a great gratification as the 0-60 figure drops to 3.6 seconds, as compared to 3.9 seconds for the 2019 BMW M550i. The top speed for the 2020 BMW M550i is electronically capped at 130 mph. The motor is peppy, powerful, and there is not a hint of any turbo lag. 

The 2020 BMW M550i clocks the quarter of a mile lap in a span of 12.3 seconds, at a speed of 115 mph. The quarter-mile sprint figures ave also improved significantly over the 2019 model, as the current-gen of the BMW M550i packs much more grunt and punch than the preceding 

The 4.4L V8 engine of the BMW M550i makes it one of the fastest cars in this segment to cover the 0-60 dash. The Alfa Rome Giulia has the same 0-60 figures as the Bimmer but outruns it in the quarter-mile fixture. Similar is the case with the Mercedes Benz AMG C63 S, with a 0-60 time of 3.7 seconds, and a quarter-mile figure of 11.9 seconds. The Lexus LS 500, posts a 0-60 acceleration time of 13.8 seconds, thus coming out as the slowest car of the lot. 

What about the braking performance of the BMW M550i?

All the 4 wheels of the BMW M550i carry the M Sport brakes that consist of ventilated disc brakes. The ride also gets dynamic brake control and cornering brake control with 4 wheel ABS as a standard highlight that can make the M550i depreciate from 60 mph to 0 in a distance of just 106 feet. 

The brake pedal feels firm and the M Sport brakes do a fine job in panic brake testings. The dynamic traction control and the dynamic stability control keep a check on fishtailing under hard braking and inspire confidence in dodgy conditions as well.

The BMW M550i though gets one of the smallest brake rotors in the comparison, yet does a fine halting job. However, the ride that posts absolutely stunning braking performance is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio The ride can come to a standstill from 60 mph in a distance of just 101 ft. The Mercedes Benz AMG C63 S rakes in the second position with a stopping distance of 104 ft.

What about its driving dynamics?

The BMW 5 series has always been a zenith for perfectly balanced rides that have honed their performance perspectives without ever letting the comfort proportions down. Come 2020 the performance aspect has been further intensified with a V8 making its place behind those kidney grilles. This power-mill alteration has amplified the experience of driving an M550i even more.

The xDrive system works perfectly in tandem with the engine to generate the right balance between handling and performance. The double-wishbone multi-link aluminum front suspension and the integral-V multi-link aluminum rear suspension setup with electronically controlled dampers ensure that the Bimmer carves corners with authority. Speed bumps are well-taken care of and it is only at high speeds when you can really feel those bump impact transmit to the cabin. 

The 2020 BMW M550i feels planted and stable even at a speed of 200 mph, with minimum cabin noise and vibrations. The Bimmer accounts for an easy and calm drive even at this speed and feels super firm even during dynamic lane changes. The steering mounted shifting pedals take the fun factor up a notch as they are easy and intriguing to use. 

Also Read:

Is the 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63S Cabriolet worth it?

How reliable is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio?

The BMW M550i churns out 18 mpg in city spins and 25 mpg in highway cruising. Though not an absolutely amazing performer yet the figures seem somewhat satisfactory for a ride housing a V8. 

The BMW M550i has a fuel tank that can stow up to 18 gallons of that spirit, which is a respectable figure in this league. A fuel tank of 18 gallons and the mpg figures provide the ride a range of 324 miles in the city and 450 miles on the expressways. 

The 2020 BMW M550i’s mpg figures seem pretty competitive in the segment with most of the rides secreting around 20/21 miles per gallon only. However, the Lexus LS 500 offers a combined mpg figure of 23, accrediting to the small engine and low power production. 

Open the door and the 2020 BMW M550i’s interiors greet you with utmost warmth. Take a seat, close the door, and you’ll be applauded by a solid door closing sound, that automatically sets you in the mood of driving this hyper beast. 

One thing that we really liked is that the Bavarians have really worked on the build quality of their cars, and the 2020 BMW M550i is the perfect epitome for it. Most of the surfaces present inside the M550i feels great, looks great, yet some surfaces lack the plush vibe you’d expect from a ride of this price range. The seats are well-bolstered and stuffed with cushioning. The ride provides a classic sedan seating position, providing great front and rear visibility to you at all times. Moreover, the seats offer a variety of adjustments, accompanied by the steering column’s electronic tilt and reach adjusters, allows the drivers of all sizes find their sweet driving position. 

The BMW 550i provides decent space in all directions, making the front and rear occupants feel at ease at all times. However, what the ride lacks is the under-seat toe room, which can make the rear seat passengers a bit antsy. 

Does it come loaded with tech inside?

All the BMW 5 series equip a 10.2-inch high-resolution display, which can be controlled either by the touchscreen, or the BMW iDrive rotary knob or just by the voice commands (in case you are too lazy). The screen beams all the information in a horizontal layout, with crisp graphics and is super rapid at reactions. The 2020 550i offers Apple CarPlay free for a year, and after that, it is a subscription-based service, including a fee of $80/year. In case you were reading this account with hopes of finding Android Auto on the feature’s list, we are so sorry to disappoint you, as the Bavarians do not seem in any mood of doing this favor to us.

Some of the most prominent features of the 2020 BMW M550i’s infotainment panel are:

• 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system
• HD Radio with “multicast” FM station reception
• Sirius XM 
• 10.25-inch high-resolution touchscreen infotainment display
• 12.3-inch Live Cockpit Professional instrument cluster
• iDrive touchpad controller
• Navigation 
• Bluetooth Support
• 2 USB Ports

Creature comforts on offer in the BMW M550i

Performance cars are often associated with discomfort, but such is not the case with the 2020 BMW M550i. The ride comes put as a balanced mix of performance and comfort, and packs in several comfort features. Some of the most prominent 2020 BMW M550i comfort features are: 

• Comfort Access keyless entry with multi-function remote control
• Automatic climate control with separate left/right temperature and air distribution controls, with automatic air recirculation
• Hands-free trunk-lid opening/closing
• 2-way power glass moonroof with "one-touch" operation and power interior sunshade
• Ground-illuminating lights in the exterior door handle
• Universal garage-door opener
• Power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with automatic tilt-up for easy entry and exit
• Memory settings for seats; recently used climate-control temperature and air-distribution settings

What about utility?

With a superabundant trunk capacity in a long layout, the BMW M550i has got all your storage needs taken care of. The boot offers a space of 18.7 cu.ft. with all the seats in place. What furthers amps up space is the split-folding 40/20/40 that flat folds for when you need some more space in the cabin.

The ride also does a pretty decent job of providing storage slots inside the cabin. There are water bottle pockets present on all-doors, in the alignment of the gear lever, is a retractable lid that houses slots for wireless phone charging.

The BMW M550i offers you the greatest cargo capacity among all the competitors. The Lexus LS 500 ranks second with 17.0 cu.ft. of trunk space. The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrofoglio and the Mercedes Benz AMG C63 S rank last with 13.0 and 12.6 cu.ft. of space respectively. 

Also Read:

How spacious is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio?

How good is the Lexus LS500 F Sport from the inside?

The 2020 BMW M550i has the looks of a classic sedan that appear pretty humble, but that’s where it rolls-up its sleeves and simply demolishes the competition with that humongous power. The front of the ride is dominated by huge double kidney grilles that go through the headlights making the front look more combined and collected as compared to the previous generations 5 series, which had more of a divided front look. The LED headlights, which the BMW fondly calls the Select Beam stretches along the width of the front bonnet. 

Below those headlights are the air intakes, which have been expanded for the 2020 BMW M550i, considering the mammoth power generated inside that engine bay. The bottom bumper, which now sits even a bit lower appears stronger than before and is characterized by matte grey styling accents. 

The rear end of the M550i carries a typical Bimmer sedan profile with a subtle look, not catching too much of the road attention. On top of that trunk hood is a small integrated wing that enhances the aerodynamic capabilities for the ride. The 2020 M550i gets a quad-exhaust system and finally an xDrive badge. 

What are those eye-catching features?

Some of the most noteworthy exterior features for the 2020 BMW M550i are: 

• 19" M Double-spoke wheels
• Power-folding, heated side mirrors
• Black Chrome exhaust tips
• Aerodynamic kit
• Cerium Gray accent finishers
• Illuminated door-sill finishers with M550i designation
• M Rear spoiler

Apart from the robust build quality, the German manufacturer has stuffed a lot of advanced safety features in the sedan that actively work together to ensure the safety of the occupants. Some of such features found in the M550i are:

• Programmable LED Daytime Running Lights
• Automatic high beams
• Front and rear Head Protection System
• Rear-view Camera
• Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with advanced technology: dual-threshold, dual-stage deployment; and front-passenger-seat sensors designed to prevent unnecessary airbag deployment
• 4 wheel ABS
• Dynamic Traction Control with brake Fade Compensation
• Electro-mechanical Parking brake

BMW M550i vs. Lexus LS 500

We find the Lexus LS 500 as the most overpriced vehicle of this segment. Priced at $75,450 the Lexus LS 200 bears a 3.5L V6 which churns out the least power figures in this segment. The LS 500 is a laggy crawler among the hoard of these rapid sprinters, trying to make its way to the finishing line but is just too slow to get there. Apart from the performance factor, there are certain other aspects as well that give the BMW M550i a clear upper hand, such as the complex infotainment, and the rear seats which are just too adamant to fold down for the sake of supplementary cargo space.

BMW M550i vs. Alfa Rome Giulia Quadrifoglio

The Italians have always had their way of making fast cars and they are pretty good at it too. Just another specimen of this speed exoticism is the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. The Giulia houses the smallest engine in this league, which is a 2.9L V6, fabricating 505 horses and 443 lb.-ft. Of torque. However, the catch here is, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is the fastest going car among all of its competitors, doing a 0-60 in just 3.6 seconds, and a quarter-mile lap in just 12.1 seconds. Moreover, the Italian Ecstacy sprinkled upon this ride’s body is sure to attract more eyeballs than the humble-looking M550i.

BMW M550i vs. Mercedes Benz AMG C63 S

The Three-pointed Star and the Bavarians have always had their fair share of rivalry, and the feud between BMW enthusiasts and Mercedes Knacks doesn’t seem to end anytime soon. Priced competitively, the BMW M550i and the Mercedes Benz AMG C63 S, carry the strife forward with similar performance figures. However, BMW takes an upper edge in the utilitarian aspect with the best in class cargo capacity and cabin roominess. Whereas, on the other hand, the Mercedes knocks the Bimmer out with its extravagant interior and striking styling. 

If you are looking for a performance sedan that does all jobs well, from dropping kids to school to setting the expressways ablaze, the 2020 BMW M550i is the ideal value for your buck. BMW has done a splendid job in offering the customers the feel of driving an M5 but with the comfort levels similar to that of a standard 5 series. The M550i offers terrific handling, is built like a tank and is economical to live with on a daily basis.