The iDrive system, whose interface and controls were revised a couple of years ago, is now an intuitive gizmo, although accessing music in specific folders on a USB key is a little complicated. The system also picks up my incoming emails through my smartphone and reads them out while I'm driving with very astute text-to-speech software.
I wouldn't mind skipping the $3,000 Technology Package, though, since I'm not a big fan of blind-spot monitors and lane-departure warnings. The $2,500 Night Vision camera works beautifully, displaying a black-and-white view of the road ahead on the multimedia screen; it effectively lights up pedestrians and car mufflers, but I really wonder how many times I would actually use it.
While front-seat accommodations are fine, the rear bench is clearly biased for two adults, not three. A kid could sit in the middle, but grown-ups would scrape their head on the ceiling and must endure a large transmission tunnel.
The 550i's xDrive system is a strong performer, and combined with the traction and stability control systems, not to mention a good set of winter tires, the car can easily tackle any snowstorm Mother Nature is feeling like ticking you off with. Flip the console-mounted rocker switch to Sport+ mode, and you'll enjoy power-sliding across the company parking lot, like the responsible CEO you are.
The 32-valve, twin-turbo V8 cranks out 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, allowing you to hit 60 mph or 100 km/h in about 5.5 seconds. The 8-speed automatic bangs off seamless gear shifts, unless of course you've got the pedal to the floor in Sport mode.
If there's one aspect where the V8 is disappointing, it's regarding the noise. The 4.4-litre engine emits a decently-mean burble, but you just don't hear enough of it; the cabin's sound insulation is so good that it also filters out the good stuff. A V8 wailing at full throttle is good stuff in my books. Since you can't hear it all that much, I wouldn't mind saving a few thousand bucks and choosing the 300-horsepower 535i instead.
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| The rear bench is clearly biased for two adults, not three. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |
I wouldn't mind skipping the $3,000 Technology Package, though, since I'm not a big fan of blind-spot monitors and lane-departure warnings. The $2,500 Night Vision camera works beautifully, displaying a black-and-white view of the road ahead on the multimedia screen; it effectively lights up pedestrians and car mufflers, but I really wonder how many times I would actually use it.
While front-seat accommodations are fine, the rear bench is clearly biased for two adults, not three. A kid could sit in the middle, but grown-ups would scrape their head on the ceiling and must endure a large transmission tunnel.
The 550i's xDrive system is a strong performer, and combined with the traction and stability control systems, not to mention a good set of winter tires, the car can easily tackle any snowstorm Mother Nature is feeling like ticking you off with. Flip the console-mounted rocker switch to Sport+ mode, and you'll enjoy power-sliding across the company parking lot, like the responsible CEO you are.
The 32-valve, twin-turbo V8 cranks out 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque, allowing you to hit 60 mph or 100 km/h in about 5.5 seconds. The 8-speed automatic bangs off seamless gear shifts, unless of course you've got the pedal to the floor in Sport mode.
If there's one aspect where the V8 is disappointing, it's regarding the noise. The 4.4-litre engine emits a decently-mean burble, but you just don't hear enough of it; the cabin's sound insulation is so good that it also filters out the good stuff. A V8 wailing at full throttle is good stuff in my books. Since you can't hear it all that much, I wouldn't mind saving a few thousand bucks and choosing the 300-horsepower 535i instead.
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| The 4.4-litre, twin-turbo V8 cranks out 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Matthieu Lambert/Auto123.com) |