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2018 BMW M550 review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

BMW M550 highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Powerful engine
  • Quiet, comfortable interior
  • Tech integration

Cons

  • Not mpg-focused
  • Conservative styling
  • Not all tech is useful

Mileage (EPA estimate)

16 city, 25 highway, 19 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year

Fast and comfortable

Spending time on a long drive in a fast sports sedan should be enjoyable. That's why the top-of-the-range 2018 M550 is a good choice if you love to drive. It's fast and comfortable, blending impressive performance with all the luxuries you would expect in a BMW sedan. Under the hood, it has a turbocharged 4.4L V8, making a whopping 456 horsepower, and all-wheel-drive is standard. The M550 has all of the standard stuff from the lower trim levels of the 5-Series and adds upgraded suspension, brakes, and a host of exterior and interior trim updates specific to the M version.

All BMW M550 years

2018 BMW M550 trims

Curious how BMW M550 trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

I xDrive:

5 reasons to buy the 2018 BMW M550

1. Lots of power 

Whether passing on the highway or navigating an on-ramp, having some extra oomph always helps. The 2018 M550 certainly has it with a turbocharged 4.4L V8 producing 456 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. That will make short work of any situation you find yourself in on the open road. 

2. Standard luxury 

You would expect the top trim in the 5-Series range to be pretty well-equipped, and you would be correct. Naturally, you'll get standard leather upholstery, but you'll also find comfort and convenience features like dual-zone automatic climate control, power-folding and heated mirrors, automatic wipers, a sunroof, a power-adjustable steering wheel, keyless entry, a power trunk lid, and upgraded front sport seats. So the sporty M550 is a great place to spend a long drive. 

3. Impressive standard tech 

The 2018 M550 has a ton of great integrated technology for you to enjoy. Not only do you get BMW's iDrive® infotainment interface, but there is also a large 10.2-inch touchscreen display. You'll also get a standard navigation system, voice controls, Bluetooth®, two USB ports, and a 12-speaker sound system with a CD player. 

4. Performance upgrades 

Having a big engine is great, and the M550 certainly does, but all that power is nothing without control. The "M" stands for "motorsport," and BMW's decades of track experience shine through on the 2018 M550. You'll get an adaptive suspension with electronically controlled dampers, upgraded brakes, aerodynamic bodywork, a rear spoiler, and an M Sport steering wheel. The optional Dynamic Handling package ups the ante with a rear-wheel steering system. 

5. Great upgrades 

There's even more available luxury and convenience tech on the 2018 550. Look out for the Premium package, which adds features like a power trunk, gesture control, and heated front seats. Go with the Executive package, and you'll get things like LED adaptive headlights, soft-close automatic doors, parking sensors, an automatic parking system, a dynamic digital instrument cluster, and a 3-D surround-view camera. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

BMW M550 features and specs

I xDrive 4WD/AWD 4D Sedan

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Adjustable Suspension
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Head Up Display
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Run Flat Tires
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automated Parking
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bowers & Wilkins Audio
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Head Up Display
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Sunshade
  • Seat Massagers
  • Smart Key

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

4.4L

Horsepower

456

Torque (ft-lbs)

480

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

18

Wheelbase

117.1"

Overall length

195.4"

Width

73.5"

Height

57.8"

Leg room

F 41.4"/R 36.5"

Head room

F 38.8"/R 37.5"

Front tires

P245/40YR19

Rear tires

P275/35YR19

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2018 BMW M550 FAQ

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