[PeterC4]

Has anyone moved from an M550 to the new 550e yet? I had an opportunity to drive a 750e today. I was merely interested in the engine performance. The size and length of the new 7 series makes it difficult to compare the driving experience to the 5. The new 7 is a very big car and steering effort is very modest. The electronics take some getting used to as well.

The engine performance was certainly different from the M550's 4.4 L V8. In normal mode I noticed some throttle lag and despite the recorded horsepower and torque, the performance seemed sluggish. In sport mode, there was a real jerk when you mashed the accelerator pedal and then it seemed to taper off. Granted the 7 is a heavier car, so a real 5 series comparison is required. I did drive it in electric mode and the car was reasonably responsive, but fairly modest in terms of acceleration.

Overall I was disappointed, but I will reserve judgement until I drive the 550e I ordered.

Anyone made this switch yet?

I ordered all of the suspension options including 2VV but I think it's going to be a difficult decision to move from my M550.

[tsbrown]

Haven’t driven a G60 550e but have driven M550i, G60 540iX and own a G30 540i. While the hybrid 550e and M550i share similar nomenclature, I would not expect the performance or driving feel to be comparable. First the M550 has about 50bhp more and 600lbs less weight than the 550e and the published performance is notably worse on the 550e. Second, the G60 540iX feels noticeably less sporty to me (test driven twice) than my G30 540i…almost like the difference in feel between a G20 M340i and a G30 540i. G60 is larger and heavier and it doesn’t hide it as well as a 840i GC of the same size and weight.

[PeterC4]

The step-up for performance from the M550 seems to be the i5M60. Despite encouragement from the dealer, I can't bring myself to do that yet.

[COBodom]

Don't mean to hijack the thread as the OP asks about M550 vs 550e...

However, I am in exactly opposite camp when it comes to g30 540 vs g60 540. G60 feels quicker both from the dig and when passing at highway speeds.

Yes, it's bigger but definitely not slower than my prior two G30s, pre and post LCI. In terms of handling I like the lite steering. Neither g30 nor the g60 are anywhere close to being canyon carvers. G60 excels at being a peppy highway cruiser. It is also much more comfortable than G30 was (both on non RFTs).

All my cars are stock.

[PeterC4]

The very few videos I have seen on the 550e, all seem to promote the fact that the new G60 handles very well despite the size, but I believe those cars were equipped with 2VV Suspension which includes rear wheel steering. But I haven't read or seen a very detailed review of the car, other than referencing the factory claims. The one thing that caught my attention was the cars ability to accelerate once it gets rolling. I understand that from say 40 km/h to 80 kmh as an example, it's quite outstanding, but I have yet to drive one.

Mercedes 2025 E53 Hybrid has better performance on paper, but I am unsure what the price difference between the 550e and the E53 is.

[BMW5151]

Originally Posted by PeterC4

The very few videos I have seen on the 550e, all seem to promote the fact that the new G60 handles very well despite the size, but I believe those cars were equipped with 2VV Suspension which includes rear wheel steering. But I haven't read or seen a very detailed review of the car, other than referencing the factory claims. The one thing that caught my attention was the cars ability to accelerate once it gets rolling. I understand that from say 40 km/h to 80 kmh as an example, it's quite outstanding, but I have yet to drive one.

Mercedes 2025 E53 Hybrid has better performance on paper, but I am unsure what the price difference between the 550e and the E53 is.

The E53 will have its market segment to itself since BMW elected not to offer the M560e which would have been the successor to the M550i. I am in the same boat as the OP, currently driving a M550i, but lease has expired. Ordered the 550e only because I could get the 2VV. Plan to test drive before signing on dotted line. Do I go ahead and downgrade to a potential turkey? Check out the E53 if it is here in US? It is hard to leave a car tuned by M.

[PsychDoc]

Originally Posted by COBodom

Don't mean to hijack the thread as the OP asks about M550 vs 550e...

However, I am in exactly opposite camp when it comes to g30 540 vs g60 540. G60 feels quicker both from the dig and when passing at highway speeds.

Yes, it's bigger but definitely not slower than my prior two G30s, pre and post LCI. In terms of handling I like the lite steering. Neither g30 nor the g60 are anywhere close to being canyon carvers. G60 excels at being a peppy highway cruiser. It is also much more comfortable than G30 was (both on non RFTs).

All my cars are stock.

Agree 100% with every one of your points.

[PeterC4]

Originally Posted by BMW5151

The E53 will have its market segment to itself since BMW elected not to offer the M560e which would have been the successor to the M550i. I am in the same boat as the OP, currently driving a M550i, but lease has expired. Ordered the 550e only because I could get the 2VV. Plan to test drive before signing on dotted line. Do I go ahead and downgrade to a potential turkey? Check out the E53 if it is here in US? It is hard to leave a car tuned by M.

So true. Your story is identical to mine. BMW has left a GAP in the market. Pricing is expected to be announced in the next 30 days from my contacts at Mercedes. Stay tuned.

[PeterC4]

$105K CDN base price for the E53, but well equipped as a base car, including rear wheel steering and various driving aids as standard equipment.

[CiprianS]

Originally Posted by PeterC4

$105K CDN base price for the E53, but well equipped as a base car, including rear wheel steering and various driving aids as standard equipment.

How much is a well-equipped 550e in Canada?

[PeterC4]

Originally Posted by CiprianS

How much is a well-equipped 550e in Canada?

About CDN $105,000 before taxes and PDI, with virtually every option available including the Premium Enhanced Package, Advanced Driver Assistance, MSport Pro, 20 inch wheels, Comfort Seats, 2VV rear wheel steering and 4NB. The corresponding amount for the E53 would be approximately $115,000.