[SharpPencil]

Hi guys

I am having trouble deciding between these 2 now as the prices are very similar.

Given the B58 being such a great engine, and can be easily "piggybacked" or tuned up to increase the power, in what circumstances would the X5 m50i be a better choice over the X7 xDrive40i ?

P.S: The X5 I'm referring to is the 7 seater version.

[760Lifan]

I'd say if you are planning on using the 3rd row on a regular basis, get the X7.

[seamusad]

Unless you are planning to buy a used x5, the m50i is unavailable to build with a 3rd row. It is currently only available for the 40i. The 3rd row in the x5 features thin jump seats, designed, in my opinion, for occasional use. If you need the 6-7 seat capacity, the x7 is the right vehicle.

[Wanderer73]

Originally Posted by SharpPencil

Hi guys

I am having trouble deciding between these 2 now as the prices are very similar.

Given the B58 being such a great engine, and can be easily "piggybacked" or tuned up to increase the power, in what circumstances would the X5 m50i be a better choice over the X7 xDrive40i ?

P.S: The X5 I'm referring to is the 7 seater version.

Definitely go with the X7 if you plan on using the 3rd with some frequency. We were considering the X5 with 3rd row but disqualified it after driving one with our three kids in the back. The second row was cramped as well in IMO.

I don't know what your max budget is, but there are very good X7 M50i deals to be had. 10%+ off MSRP and base MF (if you plan to lease). Good luck!

[Luminor513]

If your going to actually use the third row, X7 for sure. We have both G05 and G07 and the X7 is a much more spacious middle and third row area.

[SharpPencil]

Originally Posted by Luminor513

If your going to actually use the third row, X7 for sure. We have both G05 and G07 and the X7 is a much more spacious middle and third row area.

How would you compare the driving dynamics ?

Between the X5 & X7

[Luminor513]

Originally Posted by SharpPencil

How would you compare the driving dynamics ?

Between the X5 & X7

Driving dynamics would be similar to comparing 5 series to 7 series. X7 is larger/heavier and you can feel it, but the X5 isn't exactly a lightweight either. You can't toss around an X5 like you can an X3 (I drove an M40i X3) but the X5 is a little more nimble than an X7. All that said, the X7 is great driving vehicle and much more sporty ride than any of its competitors in that size.

Also, dynamics will be greatly affected by how you spec your particular car. Our X7 has the 22 inch wheels, m-performance brakes, and integral active steering, which certainly make a difference in how the car behaves.

[SharpPencil]

Originally Posted by Luminor513

Driving dynamics would be similar to comparing 5 series to 7 series. X7 is larger/heavier and you can feel it, but the X5 isn't exactly a lightweight either. You can't toss around an X5 like you can an X3 (I drove an M40i X3) but the X5 is a little more nimble than an X7. All that said, the X7 is great driving vehicle and much more sporty ride than any of its competitors in that size.

Also, dynamics will be greatly affected by how you spec your particular car. Our X7 has the 22 inch wheels, m-performance brakes, and integral active steering, which certainly make a difference in how the car behaves.

You're probably the best person to ask as you have both the x5 and x7.

Apart from driving dynamics and space, are there going to be any other difference ? Interior quality, quietness in cabin, ride quality, etc ?

[MFL101]

I looked at both the X5 and X7. It's worth noting that if you use the 2nd row often, the X7 has substantially more room once you move the 2nd row seats back. If you don't use the third row, the X7 also has much more trunk space with the third row folded flat.

[iconoclast]

We rarely ever use or need a third row but we were sold on the X7 because of the trunk space and cargo capacity.

[Luminor513]

Originally Posted by SharpPencil

You're probably the best person to ask as you have both the x5 and x7.

Apart from driving dynamics and space, are there going to be any other difference ? Interior quality, quietness in cabin, ride quality, etc ?

Material are similar in quality, but cabin is much more quiet in X7, particularly since both our cars are on 22inch wheels. Side note, I didn't get the acoustic glass on the X5, so I can't comment on how that would have changed how quiet the X5 cabin was, or whether going with 21 or 20 inch wheels would have changed things. The overall feel inside X7 is just a step up in luxury. Again, I feel it's like comparing 5 series and 7 series, both luxurious, but the 7 just steps it up a notch in the luxury category. Also, one X7 will have completely different dynamics than another depending on the spec (Wheels, brakes, IAS) At the end of the day, if I had to only have one car, hands down the X7. The small bit of driving dynamics that you give up in the X7, it makes up for in the overall package.

[Jefflikescars]

Big time debated X5 M50i or X7 M50i. One factor for me (does anyone else think this?) is that the X7 just looks like a newer, more modern vehicle. The X5 looks great, but sometimes I still have to look twice to see if an X5 is the current or last generation. Whereas there is no mistaking the X7 for a brand new vehicle.

Something else I appreciate on the X7 is that even the "base" X7 40i in the right spec looks amazing. I hate that some expensive vehicles look so cheap if you don't get the top trim (see Porsche Cayenne).

X5 M50i: power, agility, smaller size (if you want that)
X7 40i: luxury, wow factor, bigger size (if you want that)

[iconoclast]

X5 in it's Plain Jane format is quite blah and does not have the same curb appeal as X7 M-Sport or X7 M50i. The styling on the X7 flowed better, the oversized kidney grill is proportional and the tail lights are integrated into the hatch more gracefully however that being said... the X5M with the large cutouts up front and lowered stance looks very good.