[Tk718]

I'm trying to get some opinions. Currently drive m550i , perfect daily driver , no problems except rear leg room for its class is limited and I can't carry a bike, just looking for more utility. Looking for suv , and test drove both x3m and x5m50i. Really liked the x3m , it was a short test drive and maybe I was so distracted by the handling and sporty feel of the car that I may have not noticed how it will be for daily driving. Didn't feel it had an overly stiff suspension which many users report and felt the car was perfect. X5m50i was much more luxurious but it felt much heavier and less responsive that my m550i, so maybe x5 40i i lighter and is a better drive? anyone cross shopped these cars ? Would like some feedback. Thanks

[sandwi54]

You obviously considered x3m and x5 m50i because you want to retain 400+ HP. Would you miss that power if you go to the 40i? If you would, then take the 40i out of the equation.
Do you have kids to transport? M550i is pretty small in the back, only slightly bigger than the 3 series. If your motivation is to have more room, then there's no point going to x3m since it'll have even less leg room in the back. Your only choice is the x5 m50i which has a ton of room in the back.

[richard in NC]

I am looking at the same short list to replace my M550i when the lease is up next March. I've had a 2011 X5 50i, 2013 X3, and 2016 X4 M40i and am looking to get back to more utility with the M550i replacement. I don't "need" the performance version but am spoiled by the smooth power of the M550i. That leans me towards the X5 M50i but I don't need that much space, given no family needs. So next choice is the X3M, but I've yet to drive any of them to really decide.

[Superjackson]

I would definitely choose the X3M if there is no need for a huge car.

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by Tk718

I'm trying to get some opinions. Currently drive m550i , perfect daily driver , no problems except rear leg room for its class is limited and I can't carry a bike, just looking for more utility. Looking for suv , and test drove both x3m and x5m50i. Really liked the x3m , it was a short test drive and maybe I was so distracted by the handling and sporty feel of the car that I may have not noticed how it will be for daily driving. Didn't feel it had an overly stiff suspension which many users report and felt the car was perfect. X5m50i was much more luxurious but it felt much heavier and less responsive that my m550i, so maybe x5 40i i lighter and is a better drive? anyone cross shopped these cars ? Would like some feedback. Thanks

X3M doesn't solve your rear legroom issue as its pretty much the same as the 5er, even an X5 is only about 1 inch more rear legroom which is also tight for its class.

An interesting option could be the GLC63 as it actually has the same rear legroom as the X5 and still has a lot of utility but benefits from having more compact dimensions and a lower curb weight than the X3 M (even with two more cylinders), as well as a nicer overall interior and a good amount of space for cargo. Plus you can't beat an AMG V8. GLE is also huge at 40 inches of rear legroom but like the X5 will likely suffer from its larger dimensions and weight in the handling department.

X5 40i may feel lighter but the car is pretty much a cruiser with no sporting intentions, its pretty dull behind the wheel, nothing will ever top the E53/70's handling.

Good luck with whatever you end up with.