[ezmaass]

I'm at about 2.5 years of ownership on my '14 550xi, and I'm contemplating what might be next. My 550xi is very well loaded (was about $86k) and has about 16k miles on it now. The car has had zero issues (minus terrible runflat tires). I'm considering a few options right now:

1. New 5

I won't know how realistic this option is until it's fully unveiled and I can judge its looks. From the spy shots and renderings, it looks decent enough. The upgrade here would really be about the new technology, though - I'd certainly load a new 550xi.

2. 650xi GC

This is currently my "I feel like a new BMW but may not like the new 5" option. I really love the looks of the 6GC. I test drove the pre-LCI a while back and wasn't terribly impressed, though. With the LCI, including the recent '17 iDrive updates, it would be back on my list of considerations. Even still, it wouldn't be much different from my 550xi as far as features/tech/drivetrain. To some extent, that's fine since I really do love the car otherwise. But ideally it would be nice to get a bigger bump in tech change.

3. Stick with my 550xi.

The car is still young - only has 16k miles right now. But it'll be 3 years in service come December. I've kept previous BMWs much longer, but I also had a lot more confidence in their powerplants. V8's are not the bread-and-butter of BMW, and even though the N63TU is a step in the right direction, I'm still not sure I'd keep it beyond the 4 year warranty mark.

4. Other?

The 4th option here might be leaving the BMW brand for my DD altogether. None of the other cars in the BMW line-up really do much for me (wish I liked the new 7 styling, but I don't). I've had BMW DD's for 15+ years now and for good reason - so ideally I'd like to stick with the brand, but there have admittedly been some things that have drove me crazy lately... top on the list being the terrible tire experience of this F10. Problem is, nothing is really striking me as a "must have" from other brands right now either. The Panamera has grown on me a lot. The A8, perhaps if I decided on a land yacht.

My DD is really about periodic business trips - in which I want comfort, technology, and power (largely highway driving).

Ideas welcome.

[The Beast]

Stick with your 550 and wait to see what the new 5 is like, I would want the next generation technology and design language

Based upon your requirements for business trips I take it a Tesla would be out of the equation? They are starting to grow on me, a pretty exclusive car here in the UK that would work for my needs...

[DDD31]

I'd probably steer clear of the new 5 series for awhile. I'm sure the new 5 series will have a much more luxurious interior and technology when it comes out but first year models of BMW seem to have their fair share of new model problems. Also, if you don't like the looks of the new 7 series, it looks like the new 5 series will have similar design themes so you might be disappointed.

I'm not sure if you're interested in a coupe, but the Mercedes S class coupe would be very high on my list. Both the interior and exterior of this car are a work of art IMHO.

If you need a 4 door, I'm partial to the 6GC. I think it's one of the best looking 4 door car around and has a beautiful interior and with the new idrive system it has pretty up-to-date technology.

[ezmaass]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I took the new 17 650xi GC out for a test drive today. It's a very, very sweet car. Power delivery feels on par with the 550xi, but that part was expected. The interior is nothing short of amazing. This is, without a doubt, BMW's nicest interior in my opinion. It's sporty but extremely luxurious. The leather is like butter, and there's oodles of it covering every surface. The new iDrive 5.0 looks interesting... but I'm honestly not sure how much has changed since my '14, other than it looks different graphically.

I drove the car largely in sport mode, and I didn't push it too hard... but I certainly got the impression that it handles as well, if not better, than the 5. This wasn't my initial impression when I first test drove a 6 GC back in the day. Granted, that one was missing adaptive drive. They've since made the dynamic dampers standard, and adaptive drive (largely the remaining ARS) has remained an option.

The 6GC isn't much longer, but the hood length feels considerably longer than the 5. That's something to get used to, for sure. The car also feels wider and lower, giving it a bit more of a planted feel. The RFTs are as bad as the 5's, however, and would need to immediately be changed out.

The way I spec'd it, the MSRP would be about $111k - so it'll be something to stew on.

As for the new 5, the dealer confirmed that production is starting in July, but it wouldn't be until after the new year until we start seeing anything. 550's aren't showing in their system yet, so perhaps those would trail. I'd love the new tech of the 7, but I'm admittedly not loving the design language - and if the 5 looks like a mini 7 when launched, I doubt I'll fall in love with it.

Right now, I'm leaning towards a GC. But the fiscal conservative in me would also love to just "be happy" with my current car and save six figures.

[DDD31]

The 6GC is definitely a beautiful car both inside and out.

Are you looking to get the M-Sport package because that's a must have on this car?

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by ezmaass

But the fiscal conservative in me would also love to just "be happy" with my current car and save six figures.

If it's my money, this one gets my vote.

Could be because I personally am not completely sold on the looks of 650.
You already have one amazing and one great car that you like. F10 design in my opinion is aging great, does not and will not look outdated soon. Spending large sum of money for car that's better but (what I got from your description) not "drastically" better isn't something I'd do. Of course there's always "want" and "need" in these decisions, and once you start test driving.... well, you know how that goes.

[550Reasons]

I wouldnt get the new 5 series right away, Id wait to see any bugs get worked out.
I've always fallen in love with the LCIs 650 GCs, very classy sports car.

[cdmulders]

Originally Posted by ezmaass

Right now, I'm leaning towards a GC. But the fiscal conservative in me would also love to just "be happy" with my current car and save six figures.

Thank you ezmaass for an excellent review of the 6 GC. I hope to have the opportunity to test-drive one at the BMW Welt in the near future. I don't think my wallet can manage the upgrade, but your review has me tempted to find a way. Cheers.

[remmib]

I'd definitely wait to see the new 5 series, G30. But since you like the 6GC, I think the new Panamera looks stunning and would wait for that too. But I assume the Panamera will be more expensive.

[DAYINAZ]

You have an Audi R8 and a 550? And you want a 6GC? You have got some high class issues.

[PJinCA]

I would keep the 550 you have now for a little while longer. The new 5er comes out early next year, it seems it will look pretty good from the spyshots, and more importantly it will be more BMW and less Lexus than the F10. Meaning it gets lighter, by about 200 lbs, and (according to the famous "sources") will have updated suspension to handle more like a BMW should. Having had 2 E60s, and having gotten my F10 in Feb., I can honestly say the F10 is VERY comfortable - but doesn't FEEL as much like a BMW as the E60. My previous E60 550 had about 150 more HP than my F10 535, but it never squatted in the rear on launch like the F10, it also had less body roll in corners (judging both cars on stock M-Sport suspension)

[Bbb34]

Originally Posted by PJinCA

I Having had 2 E60s, and having gotten my F10 in Feb., I can honestly say the F10 is VERY comfortable - but doesn't FEEL as much like a BMW as the E60.

With exception of 2 series and M cars, nothing really "feels as much as BMW" anymore. .

I mean, I know what are you trying to say, but I had a chance to extensively drive fully loaded E90 330i with M sport suspension, and recently, friend of mine who owned this car upgraded to fully loaded 335 with DHP.

Guess which one both of us found sportier and more fun to drive?
There's no denying that newer is faster, bigger, safer??, more comfortable, more practical and overall just better car in every way possible except for "driving involvement" and "fun factor".

[AT LAW]

Originally Posted by Bbb34

If it's my money, this one gets my vote.

Could be because I personally am not completely sold on the looks of 650.

I agree with this.

When the 6 GC's first came out, I was absolutely in love with them and thought I had to have one.

I drove a new 640 GC and liked it, however, it was too low to the ground for me and the headroom was a little tight. Also, the backseat was basically not usable based on the lack of headroom and the limited leg room.

That being said, it is a very nicely finished vehicle, both inside and out. However, I do feel it is getting a little outdated looking and something about it from certain angles just don't look right, IMHO.

I like the more upright stance of the 5 Series and its more classic BMW look.

I've had 4 F/10's over the past 4 years and have been pleased with the design. I am now looking at buying a new M5 and plan on keeping that for some time.

[Chili Palmer]

Originally Posted by AT LAW

When the 6 GC's first came out, I was absolutely in love with them and thought I had to have one.

I drove a new 640 GC and liked it, however, it was too low to the ground for me and the headroom was a little tight. Also, the backseat was basically not usable based on the lack of headroom and the limited leg room.

That being said, it is a very nicely finished vehicle, both inside and out.

I like the more upright stance of the 5 Series and its more classic BMW look.

This is exactly how I feel about the 6 GC - I wanted an M6 GC, but when I drove a 650 GC, as much as I wanted to love it, I just couldn't bond with it. I got back in my F10 550 and felt right at home and my bank account thanked me too.

[Jagu]

Originally Posted by AT LAW

I agree with this.

When the 6 GC's first came out, I was absolutely in love with them and thought I had to have one.

I drove a new 640 GC and liked it, however, it was too low to the ground for me and the headroom was a little tight. Also, the backseat was basically not usable based on the lack of headroom and the limited leg room.

That being said, it is a very nicely finished vehicle, both inside and out. However, I do feel it is getting a little outdated looking and something about it from certain angles just don't look right, IMHO.

I like the more upright stance of the 5 Series and its more classic BMW look.

I've had 4 F/10's over the past 4 years and have been pleased with the design. I am now looking at buying a new M5 and plan on keeping that for some time.

Test drive the M5 extensively before you buy it. If you plan to make it your daily driver, it may be too harsh and cumbersome for that.

[lsturbointeg]

All are good choices! Like mentioned above usually the 1st year models have problems so maybe wait and see. Also I've noticed SOCIAL media wise BMW gets no lovin? You guys watch Head2Head on Netflix? They had horrible reviews on the M4 and they did have good things to say about the 335i Sport which had the N55 motor.

[ezmaass]

OK, so here's the update. In the past few days I've had 4 dealerships bidding on the 650xi GC. The best offer I got (price wise) was about $102k and change - about $9k off of the $111k MSRP as I had it configured. OK, not bad. However, the lease prices (and used market) tell a scary story about this car's depreciation. In a nutshell, the depreciation looks to be 7-series like.

Given that the 6GC's features aren't any different than my 550xi, the justification for the move really only comes down to (a) better looks/style/finishes, and (b) swapping out for something new. If I drove the 6GC for 3 years, it would cost me about $50k easily - hard to justify on just A and B above.

So, I've decided to just keep the 550xi for another few years. As many of your (wisely) suggested, I'm going to check out the new 5 when it's announced, and just give it a bit longer. My 550xi only has 16k miles on the clock now, along with another 1.5 years of warranty, which makes it harder to justify getting rid of it just yet, too.

Thanks for the sound advice, guys!

[Jagu]

Originally Posted by ezmaass

OK, so here's the update. In the past few days I've had 4 dealerships bidding on the 650xi GC. The best offer I got (price wise) was about $102k and change - about $9k off of the $111k MSRP as I had it configured. OK, not bad. However, the lease prices (and used market) tell a scary story about this car's depreciation. In a nutshell, the depreciation looks to be 7-series like.

Given that the 6GC's features aren't any different than my 550xi, the justification for the move really only comes down to (a) better looks/style/finishes, and (b) swapping out for something new. If I drove the 6GC for 3 years, it would cost me about $50k easily - hard to justify on just A and B above.

So, I've decided to just keep the 550xi for another few years. As many of your (wisely) suggested, I'm going to check out the new 5 when it's announced, and just give it a bit longer. My 550xi only has 16k miles on the clock now, along with another 1.5 years of warranty, which makes it harder to justify getting rid of it just yet, too.

Thanks for the sound advice, guys!

Good choice. I had that dilemma too and I went with the 550i after I got rid of the M5.

[lsturbointeg]

Sounds like you made the right choice

[ArchJR]

Good choice to keep the 550i a little longer. In the $100k luxury/sport sedan class, I could not consider anything other than the new Panamera. My only reservation with the Porsche is its increased length, making me ever more hopeful for a smaller Porsche sedan.

[M5Beast_NYC]

Id keep the 550 and the F10 body. dont buy first year production body.. even if its leased.

[JK479]

Originally Posted by ezmaass

I'm at about 2.5 years of ownership on my '14 550xi, and I'm contemplating what might be next. My 550xi is very well loaded (was about $86k) and has about 16k miles on it now. The car has had zero issues (minus terrible runflat tires). I'm considering a few options right now:

1. New 5

I won't know how realistic this option is until it's fully unveiled and I can judge its looks. From the spy shots and renderings, it looks decent enough. The upgrade here would really be about the new technology, though - I'd certainly load a new 550xi.

2. 650xi GC

This is currently my "I feel like a new BMW but may not like the new 5" option. I really love the looks of the 6GC. I test drove the pre-LCI a while back and wasn't terribly impressed, though. With the LCI, including the recent '17 iDrive updates, it would be back on my list of considerations. Even still, it wouldn't be much different from my 550xi as far as features/tech/drivetrain. To some extent, that's fine since I really do love the car otherwise. But ideally it would be nice to get a bigger bump in tech change.

3. Stick with my 550xi.

The car is still young - only has 16k miles right now. But it'll be 3 years in service come December. I've kept previous BMWs much longer, but I also had a lot more confidence in their powerplants. V8's are not the bread-and-butter of BMW, and even though the N63TU is a step in the right direction, I'm still not sure I'd keep it beyond the 4 year warranty mark.

4. Other?

The 4th option here might be leaving the BMW brand for my DD altogether. None of the other cars in the BMW line-up really do much for me (wish I liked the new 7 styling, but I don't). I've had BMW DD's for 15+ years now and for good reason - so ideally I'd like to stick with the brand, but there have admittedly been some things that have drove me crazy lately... top on the list being the terrible tire experience of this F10. Problem is, nothing is really striking me as a "must have" from other brands right now either. The Panamera has grown on me a lot. The A8, perhaps if I decided on a land yacht.

My DD is really about periodic business trips - in which I want comfort, technology, and power (largely highway driving).

Ideas welcome.

New 5 series Platform is going to weight less, incorporate the new design language (headlights, floating Idrive) and... the all wheel drive system will weigh less like the current f10.

I'm in the same category as you... I sold my 14 335x and need a AWD car. I think the new 550xi could be worth the wait. (Im driving an old SUV we had as a backup car).

The 6 series is beautiful, but its also the least demanded car in the BMW lineup for a reason. Way less practical.

Would you "downgrade" to the last f30 for a few years and wait for the 5 series to work their kinks out? the 340X is very quick (pulling equal to your 550x) and weights consideably less.

DO you need AWD? M3 is very tempting. And its elite status on the 3 series. Its a nice engine and you would definitely have a little more fun. I have driven the M3 and its extreamly composed. Not steamboat fast like the 550x, rather its a true burst of speed but its more dialed in.