By Matt Bird \/ Wednesday, 22 November 2023 \/ Loading comments<\/p>\n
There can be no doubting the talent of the new BMW i5 M60. It really is BMW at its best; a fast, handsome, luxurious, capable and commanding sports saloon, simply one that\u2019s powered by electricity. It bodes very well both for future electric cars with M badges and the upcoming fast 5 Series – plug-in M5 most importantly. <\/p>\n
The M60 is another very good M car in what currently looks like a formidably strong lineup. Even if the styling of cars like the M2 and M3 might not be to all tastes, they\u2019re fantastic to drive. However, in creating a range of cars with more technology, power and ability than ever, the M cars are now more expensive as well. An M3 is from \u00a381,000, an M2 is from \u00a365k\u2026 even the M240i xDrive, the entry point for six-cylinder M Performance models, is \u00a349,225. And there are nearly new V8 5 Series available for less than that\u2026<\/p>\n
The M550i xDrive launched in Britain in May 2020. Always likely to be a rare beast, the timing could hardly have been worse. It seemed to offer a lot for \u00a368,000, most notably a 530hp version of the 4.4-litre, twin-turbo V8, enough for 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds. There was also an M Sport differential to make the most of the rear-biased xDrive, Adaptive M Suspension with its own spring and damper settings for \u2018superb poise, even when the driver is exploring the upper end of the car\u2019s dynamic repertoire\u2019, plus upgraded M Sport brakes. Previously the sub-M5 5 Series comprised a big engine and not very much more, but the M550i reflected a more thorough approach. <\/p>\n
So much so, in fact, that the only logical rival back in 2020 was the Alpina B5 – watch that video here. However, whereas the special status of Buchloe \u2018bruisers keeps residual values strong, the M Performance BMWs are not afforded the same privilege. To many, they\u2019re just another 5 Series; even to those who know, it\u2019d be hard to deny the appeal of a fully-fledged M car. <\/p>\n
So they\u2019ve depreciated, even in these bizarre times for used car values. For those who like their M cars large, discreet and V8-powered (the love for the E39 M5 would suggest there are a few on PH), this M550i ought to appeal. The light leather brightens up the interior, it\u2019s got the Technology Plus Pack, and it\u2019s for sale with just 6,696 miles – not far off dealer demo mileage, really – for \u00a348,000. \u00a320k off list with not very many miles at all. <\/p>\n
Given the age and mileage, the 5 Series looks essentially brand new. Obviously, it sailed through its first MOT. It should want for nothing. The interior may seem a tad old against the amazing driving environment of an i5, though it still looks more than smart enough. A V8 5 Series that isn\u2019t an M5 will surely depreciate for a while longer yet, though a drop has to be much easier to accept from two-thirds of the original RRP. And then it\u2019ll be the pick of Bargain Barges, for sure\u2026 <\/p>\n