523 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V-8 is a good start to any conversation. And BMW makes it better by pairing it to a handsome sedan with a strong frame and sophisticated suspension. You get double-wishbones in front and a five-link, multilink set up in back. But you also get adaptive dampers and adaptive anti-roll bars to increase the capability. Strong brakes complete a very compelling package.

In this video, I wax nostalgic about being a young lad getting the chance to drive a E39 chassis M5 and falling in love with the Bavarian brand for the first time. And how this car re-ignites many of those same emotions. I go over its specifications and walk around the vehicle, showing various details. From there, we look inside and also go over the cars five different drive modes.

After all of that, I remote start the car and take you along for a nice drive through the country as I discuss how the M550i xDrive fits in the 5 series line-up as well as the similarities and differences of the M level powertrains, there's a lot more in common than you might think. And, of course, I give you my impressions of what it is like to drive. The snow is melting and things are heating up, come join me!

2021 BMW M550i xDrive sedan
Base Price: $77,795
As Tested Price: $93,735

Engine: Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8
Power: 523 horsepower between 5500-6000 rpm
Torque: 553 lb-ft of torque between 1800-4600 rpm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic transmission
Drive: all-wheel-drive

Fuel Economy
City 17 mpg
Highway 25 mpg
Combined 20 mpg

Dimensions
Length: 195.8 inches
Width: 73.5 inches
Height: 58.4 inches
Wheelbase: 117.1 inches

Weights and Capacities
Curb weight: 4275 lbs
Interior volume: 99 cubic feet (according to fueleconomy.gov)
Cargo volume: 14 cubic feet (according to BMW and fueleconomy.gov)

Calculated weight to power: 8.2 pounds per horsepower
Mfr’s claimed 0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds
Mfr’s claimed Top Speed: 130 or 155 mph, both governed, depends on tire
Government classified size: midsize sedan
Seating: 5

Options: Dynamic handling package, $3600; Bowers & Wilkins sound system, $3400; Executive package, $2150; Aventurin red metallic, $1950; Driving assistance plus, $1700; 20-inch M-wheel, $1100; Parking assistance package, $800; leather dashboard, $700; front and rear heated seats, $350; heated steering wheel, $190.

Recorded
27th of February 2021

Who is Robin Warner? – Brief description and bio

Robin spent five years of his adult life as an engineer. Four years at a Tier One supplier, TRW Automotive (now ZF TRW Auto), working as a traction and stability control calibration engineer, and little over a year as a vehicle dynamics engineers at Ford Motor Company.

Furthermore, he spent 15 years of his adult life holding different editor positions at various magazines, including Associate Technical Editor at Car and Driver, Road Test Editor at Road & Track, and Managing Editor at Autoweek.

Robin also spent several years racing. He started in autocross, then bought a go-kart and then another one. Having a lot of success, including a Great Lakes Sprint Series championship in 2002, he moved to single-seaters, racing in the 2003 Skip-Barber Midwest Championship, the 2003-2004 Skip Barber Southern Championship, and the 2004 Formula Dodge National Championship.

In addition to making videos, Robin hosts a podcast about major road racing series across the globe, with a focus on Formula 1. Find the show at funwithcars.com