YouTube - First Test: 2011 BMW 550i

 

Synopsis: Same BORING ass interior, Same BLAND exterior, Same Body roll in corners, NEW engine = Overall BMW MEH

 

Great car! I had a chance to really push a new F10 550i hard around the performance track at Spartanburg. I jumped into the 550i right after hustling a E60 M5 around the tight course. The new 550 had a lot more body roll, but felt pretty good overall considering it wasn't built to attack the local tracks on weekends. I actually felt the steering was nicely matched with the 550i's size and weight. I also think BMW did a great job with combining elegant design and sporty driving characteristics. It's a mid-size luxury sports sedan with excellent fit and finish that transports passengers in comfort and style. I used to prefer the Merc E class interior, but not anymore. The upcoming M5 will make up for what the 550i lacks.

 

The big difference between this 5 series and its predecessors is that in the past you didn't need to buy the m5 to get a nailed down, tight handling mid-sized BMW. Now your choices are get a 3 series/M3 sedan (which has grown in dimensions) or wait for the F10 M5.