[Alan l.]

     Featured on BIMMERPOST.com

Had my M5T for about 3 weeks now. Put close to 350 miles and have a good sense of how it compares to my 2020 F95 X5MC which I absolutely loved for the past 5 years. I was very hesitant to make the switch simply because my X5M was the perfect do it all car for me and my family with two kids. Here are my initial thoughts so far. I'll update this thread once break in is done and I can really drive it like i normally would but right now I am loving this thing.

Interior Space
Size wise its not that different. The X5M has a bit more headroom and slightly wider but overall we don't feel cramped in the M5 one bit. Same with the trunk. I can still fit the usual multiple lawn chairs for my kids sporting events just like did before. The M5 is a BIG car so not surprised here. The one thing the M5 lacks in comparison is storage space. The center console is small, the door pockets are about half the size that was in the X5M. No back seat storage pocket or in the rear seat armrest.

Interior Quality
I'll start by saying my X5M was fully loaded with full leather so that is what i'm rating the M5 against so its no surprise that there are short comings in the M5. The leather doesn't seem as good quality, no leather on the dash or upper/lower door panels. Use of more cheap plastics here and there. No soft close doors. Overall the only thing that bugs me the most is the cheap cover where the side mirrors are, B pillar plastic and the lack of soft close doors. Not having rear door comfort access didn't bother as much as I thought since I have it set that the car unlocks automatically as i approach it. Where I lost in premium look and feel I gained in modern tech. The interior just looks like its 10 years into the future compared to my F95. Another thing worth noting is that while my X5M looked and felt more premium it had a good amount of rattles that I had to chase down. So far the M5 feels really solid and zero creaks to report.

Ride Quality
I don't know how BMW did it but the M5 handles BETTER than my X5M which was lowered on MSS suspension but at the same time have better ride quality. Enough that even my wife and son commented how smooth the M5 felt. Both cars were running the same exact wheel/tire sizes as well. Its night and day difference in this area and i'm very happy with how the M5 handles. Its the perfect daily for me. Firm but not harsh. I do wish the car was .75-1" lower for aesthetics but the stock suspension rides so good i don't want to mess with it and start introducing clunks or bottoming out usually with aftermarket stuff. If someone came out with a good coil-over system with axle lift I would seriously consider that option.

Misc/Performance
I can't really comment on power yet since i'm still in running in period with the M5 but i can tell this thing could move. Acceleration just seem so effortless. I don't even have to kick down a gear and this thing just picks up and goes. I can't imagine when its fully broken in when I try going WOT. One thing to note is I have the Eventuri intake on my X5M and also the M5 and they sound completely different. I'm guessing its a S63 vs S68 thing. The S63 has a louder bassier intake tone where as the S68 has a higher pitch whistle when you let off. The S63 sounds much better here.

Also the transmission feels very different between the two. The X5M is very smooth. Almost too smooth like a normal non performance car smooth where as the M5 has a more rougher feel. It just has an extra thump during gear changes that the X5M didn't have. Not a bad thing as I think BMW engineered it in to make it feel more 'sporty' but just an observation

One thing I wish the M5 had was a larger fuel tank. I’m not sure if it’s due breaking in the engine etc… but I’m only getting 240-260 miles per fillup. Thats significantly less than my X5M that usually gets 300-350mpg

The B&O system is def better in the X5M. I don't listen to music very loud so the M5 system is adequate enough for me but i do notice a more 'tinny' sound when the bass hits. Not sure if something is rattling or what. Need to investigate. The sound in the X5M just sounded fuller and well rounded.

I love the dual nature of the M5 where I can use full EV mode to cruise out of my garage in complete silence but then also fire up the V8 on the demand when I want to have some fun. I've been driving in ICE mode 99% of the time since i want to run in the engine but once that is done i'll start using the EV only function more for those quick around town kid drop offs. I think its awesome that BMW gave us this option.

Lots of plans for this car and most of it is already installed. Waiting to install the PSI X pipe along with secondary IRL downpipes to address the exhaust sound. More goodies on the way

All in all I'm a huge fan of the M5 Touring. It has big shoes to fill because my F95 X5M was such an amazing machine. If I didn't have either car and both the X5M and M5 just came out it would be touch decision for me. At the end i wanted to try something new and didn't want to get into another X5M since I had mine for 5 years already. You really can't go wrong with either one. There's a lot to like about both platforms. X5M is alittle bigger and has a better interior. If you have small kids that still require a stroller then that might be the better car. The M5 is faster, handles better and also more comfortable for everyday use. The EV capability is great for those short trips around town where you would never bring an ICE engine up to temp before you get to your destination. The interior while materials are lacking in comparison gives an overall futuristic vibe that i'm digging at the moment.

Thanks for reading

Alan

Here is a pic of my former X5M (Yes I LOVE Marina Bay Blue )

[Greeney]

Thanks for the post! I have mostly the same thoughts coming from my 2025 F95. Not much change in tech from my end but an overall improvement in daily usability is immediately noticeable.

I intend to do some Eidelweiss wheels and maybe a midpipe down the road, otherwise will mostly live with it how it is!

[Silverx88x]

what rims are on the M5T? got more pics?

[T1M3LESS]

Congrats! Your M5T already looks phenomenal. Can't wait to see more pics!

[cfm56d7b]

Marina Bay Blue + M5T = what else could one possibly want. Perhaps the same car in San Marino Blue.

Brilliant build. Enjoy every mile!

[iBleedOrange]

Now get it to Phil at Detailers Domain to get it right! 😉

[Maritime50]

I wish BMW would do a X7 M60 Competition! With the Alpina Xb7 engine 631Hp. That would be the Ultimate Daily driver to drop the kids off in.

[r33_RGSport]

Congrats on the Touring.
Marina Bay Blue FTW!!
I missed mine.

[wheresmy5]

Great comparison and writeup. Beautiful car.

The interior just looks like its 10 years into the future compared to my F95.

To be fair, your pre LCI X5M did have an outdated interior, the LCI changes to the dash screens were pretty profound. Same exact screens as found in the M5. The stack around the gear shift, including the change to the shifter, is terrible. Such low quality 🗑️.

All that said, I’m looking forward to likely making the same change for the performance benefits in a few years.

[THEROK]

Went with a new X5M over the M5 just last week.

It was a considered decision. Ultimately, the no nonsense mild hybrid S68 powertrain won me over though the sensibility of EV mode made it a close call especially with LA gas prices of late.

Enjoy! Great ride. Looks best in all black sedan form imho especially with the full M Performance kit.

[nacs]

As someone driving the 550e I can confidently say you’ll appreciate the electric for the short errands. It’s been a game changer to have the car preconditioned temperature wise in the garage for cold mornings w/ my kids at the bus stop. Appreciate the detailed feedback.

[Fidiman]

Thanks for sharing such beautiful pictures and your experience! Have a good ride with your M5T 😎

[WilcoJunoHotel]

I really like the car but ouch - a 15.9 gal gas tank on a big "Touring Car"? And I thought the 13.7 gal tank on my '25 M2 was small with its 300-320 range (in normal driving). IMO, the M2 should have that 15.9 gal tank and the M5 Touring should have something closer to 20 gal.

[GOLFFRR]

that spec is perfect. enjoy!

[Ex_Stig]

Originally Posted by WilcoJunoHotel

I really like the car but ouch - a 15.9 gal gas tank on a big "Touring Car"? And I thought the 13.7 gal tank on my '25 M2 was small with its 300-320 range (in normal driving). IMO, the M2 should have that 15.9 gal tank and the M5 Touring should have something closer to 20 gal.

100% agree. The small gas tank is definitely a weak point in the car. Especially when I got 4.5mpg on the track. lol

[JMD]

Nice read,...enjoyed it! Even nicer looking BMWs... YOLO!

[FloridaM5]

Looking good!

[bholler]

Blue on alloys looks amazing!

[NSX2M4]

Love that X5. Not sure on the wagon though.

[X3rd Time Is a Charm]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

Had my M5T for about 3 weeks now. Put close to 350 miles and have a good sense of how it compares to my 2020 F95 X5MC which I absolutely loved for the past 5 years. I was very hesitant to make the switch simply because my X5M was the perfect do it all car for me and my family with two kids. Here are my initial thoughts so far. I'll update this thread once break in is done and I can really drive it like i normally would but right now I am loving this thing.

Interior Space
Size wise its not that different. The X5M has a bit more headroom and slightly wider but overall we don't feel cramped in the M5 one bit. Same with the trunk. I can still fit the usual multiple lawn chairs for my kids sporting events just like did before. The M5 is a BIG car so not surprised here. The one thing the M5 lacks in comparison is storage space. The center console is small, the door pockets are about half the size that was in the X5M. No back seat storage pocket or in the rear seat armrest.

Interior Quality
I'll start by saying my X5M was fully loaded with full leather so that is what i'm rating the M5 against so its no surprise that there are short comings in the M5. The leather doesn't seem as good quality, no leather on the dash or upper/lower door panels. Use of more cheap plastics here and there. No soft close doors. Overall the only thing that bugs me the most is the cheap cover where the side mirrors are, B pillar plastic and the lack of soft close doors. Not having rear door comfort access didn't bother as much as I thought since I have it set that [...]

That’s a Beauty !!
Love the color .

[G80BSM]

The wagon looks amazing - Congrats!

P.s; I think I’ve seen that X5M around Tenafly/Englewood a few times.

[Bluex]

Enjoy in good health from one MBB owner to another.

I see you’re in Jersey…..the creaks and rattles will come. It’s only a matter of time.

I mean, that’s been my only complaint about the car (minus the luxury- interior, middling stereo system and overly polite exhaust) so it’s not the worst thing.