In all, the tester’s cabin beautifully blended luxury and technology like no machine your writer has ever experienced-- even if all the controls are somewhat overwhelming at first.
Very comfortable, slightly complicated
A one-of-a-kind driving experience backs up the one-of-a-kind cabin. With a reputation as one of the world’s foremost sports sedans, the 550i has some big proverbial shoes to fill where driving dynamics are concerned-- though engineers seem to have dialled it in beautifully once again.
The new electric power steering system can deliver a variety of ‘feelings’ in terms of weight and effort, depending on the selected Dynamic Drive mode. Dialled into its sportier settings, the hefty German brute feels like it weighs 9 tonnes until drivers ask it to steer, brake or accelerate. Handling defines the ‘on rails’ feeling referenced in car reviews, and the steering gives drivers a sense of the weight, stability and cornering potential at their fingertips.
The 550i has handling capabilities beyond what most drivers will exploit, and those so inclined to try should be impressed.
Of course, during gentle driving, long-haul comfort is exceptional. Cruising, only small licks of exterior noise make their way into the cabin-- and they’re easily drowned out by the magnificent stereo.
8 cylinders, 8 gears, 2 turbochargers
The 550i moves along courtesy of a 4.4 litre, direct-injected, twin-turbo V8 with 400 horsepower. Smaller six-cylinder engines are available, too-- but the boosted V8 employs numerous tweaks to simultaneously increase power output and reduce fuel consumption.
The engine’s near-silent, head-pinning acceleration blends with the locked-down handling and heavy, planted ride for an overall feeling that’s less like a car and more like a high-speed electric monorail train.
Thanks in part to the engine tweaks and 8-speed automatic (yes, 8!) highway cruising saw mileage hover around 10L / 100km-- which is decent indeed considering the size and capabilities at work.
Very comfortable, slightly complicated
A one-of-a-kind driving experience backs up the one-of-a-kind cabin. With a reputation as one of the world’s foremost sports sedans, the 550i has some big proverbial shoes to fill where driving dynamics are concerned-- though engineers seem to have dialled it in beautifully once again.
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| The new electric power steering system can deliver a variety of ‘feelings’ in terms of weight and effort, depending on the selected Dynamic Drive mode. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
The new electric power steering system can deliver a variety of ‘feelings’ in terms of weight and effort, depending on the selected Dynamic Drive mode. Dialled into its sportier settings, the hefty German brute feels like it weighs 9 tonnes until drivers ask it to steer, brake or accelerate. Handling defines the ‘on rails’ feeling referenced in car reviews, and the steering gives drivers a sense of the weight, stability and cornering potential at their fingertips.
The 550i has handling capabilities beyond what most drivers will exploit, and those so inclined to try should be impressed.
Of course, during gentle driving, long-haul comfort is exceptional. Cruising, only small licks of exterior noise make their way into the cabin-- and they’re easily drowned out by the magnificent stereo.
8 cylinders, 8 gears, 2 turbochargers
The 550i moves along courtesy of a 4.4 litre, direct-injected, twin-turbo V8 with 400 horsepower. Smaller six-cylinder engines are available, too-- but the boosted V8 employs numerous tweaks to simultaneously increase power output and reduce fuel consumption.
The engine’s near-silent, head-pinning acceleration blends with the locked-down handling and heavy, planted ride for an overall feeling that’s less like a car and more like a high-speed electric monorail train.
Thanks in part to the engine tweaks and 8-speed automatic (yes, 8!) highway cruising saw mileage hover around 10L / 100km-- which is decent indeed considering the size and capabilities at work.
 |
| The 550i moves along courtesy of a 4.4 litre, direct-injected, twin-turbo V8 with 400 horsepower. (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |