Khulekani On Wheels
    • Car Reviews
    • Car News
    • Electric
    • Videos
    • Travel
    • About
    • Contact

    Best of both worlds? We drive the BMW X5 M50i

    By khulekani / on March 26th, 2021 / in Car Reviews, featured

    Best of both worlds? We drive the BMW X5 M50i

    By khulekani / on March 26th, 2021 / in Car Reviews, featured

    By Sala Masindane

    Middle child syndrome affects many, but could the middle sibling be the sweet spot in the X5 “sports range”? We spent time with the BMW X5 M50i which is the “middle child” in the X5 sports range to find out.

    Looks

    The BMW X5 M50i slots in between the non-M X5s and the X5M and sets itself apart with larger front air intakes for better cooling, different rocker panels, new bumpers, and a rear spoiler. The standard wheels are 21 inches, but our test unit had the optional 22-inch.

    Interior

    The cabin is premium and modern. It features an M leather steering wheel and M50i specific pedals. The iDrive infotainment with 12.3 touchscreen is impressive and throw in the rear entertainment (R38,500) and you have a theatre on wheels. The infotainment system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

    In terms of practicality, its high roof line ensures that taller adults have no problems with head room even with the panoramic option ticked. Leg room is ample as well. The door bins are sizable across the front ensuring that occupants do not run out space for placing drinks and miscellaneous items. Notwithstanding its sporty credentials, the X5 M50i maintains a similar boot space of 630-litres as the rest of the X5 range. This means larger families will still have sufficient luggage space for those weekend adventures.

    Safety

    In terms of safety, it comes with an array of driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep, lane-departure warning, front and rear collision, just to name a few.

    Engine and drive

    The X5 M50i is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 engine with 390 kW of power and 750Nm of torque. Power is directed to all four wheels via an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. The M50i will accelerate from zero to 100 km/h at a claimed 4.3 seconds. The M50i has a bombastic soundtrack to match the impressive power output. Balancing comfort and performance, the X5 M50i manages to be entertaining yet practical. It’s pleasant to drive every day on city road whilst offering decent comfort levels and working well to iron out bumps. Throw away the business suit, it fills like you are wearing Batman’s suit and able to move rapidly from point to point in a very athletic and agile manner. This is perhaps something that the X5M is not able to do as it priorities performance.

    Final word

    The X5 M50i is more restrained to its older brother, the X5 M but performs at almost the same peak. Some may dub the X5 M50i as the understudy of the X5 M, but the price difference (million to be exact) and the less harsh ride quality means the X5 M50i may be the sweet spot in the range (we see you X5 M50d). The X5 M50i is priced from R1,666,900.

    Categories: Car Reviews, featured  /  Tags: BMW X5 M50i, BMW X5 M50i South Africa
  • Comment

  • Leave a comment Cancel

    Leave a comment
  • Comment

  • Next articleBeastly Mercedes-AMG A45S 4Matic+ driven

    By Sala Masindane Having been an owner of an A-Class once upon a time, I was extremely ...

  • Previous articleWe explore the beautiful KZN province with the refreshed Isuzu mu-X

    By Amanda Mfuphi When Isuzu gave our team the refreshed mu-X for an extended stay, ther...

  • More & Related Articles

    Audi SA announces updates to Audi TT and TTS Coupé

    By Staff Reporter Audi has announced updates to its TT range. The front features a three-dimensional single frame radiator grille and large side air inlets emphasize the vehicle’s...

    Ford New Zealand unveils first-ever Everest Wildtrak

    By Otsile Kadiege Ford’s Wildtrak grade has solely been available on the brand’s Ranger bakkie for many years until today. Ford New Zealand recently announced that the all-new...

    Volvo Cars SA announces most affordable XC60 model

    By Otsile Kadiege Volvo Car South Africa has announced the expansion of its refreshed XC60 range, which has been the Swedish automaker’s top-selling vehicle globally since 2009. With...

    Toyota South Africa Motors sells just under 11 000 vehicles in January

    By Otsile Kadiege Toyota South Africa Motors recently shared their new vehicles sales for January 2024. The automaker sold 10 855 new vehicles, or a 26.1% market share,...

    Isuzu SA appoints Mo Ebrahim as new Marketing Communications Specialist for Commercial Vehicles and Aftersales

    By Otsile Kadiege Today, Isuzu Motors South Africa announced the appointment of Mo Ebrahim as the new Marketing Communications Specialist for Commercial Vehicles and Aftersales . “We are...

    Bentley expands electrified range with new high-performance hybrid variants

    By Malusi Msomi Bentley has introduced new High-Performance Hybrid versions of its Continental GT, Continental GT Convertible, and Flying Spur models. These new plug-in hybrid variants deliver 500...

    New Ford EcoSport Black to spice things up

    By Otsile Kadiege Ford South Africa has given its “segment-leading” EcoSport an additional dose of style and personality with the introduction of the limited-edition EcoSport Black. Exterior The...

    Victory! Kyalami 9 Hour Returns to Africa after 37 year absence

    Three days on the track to get pulses racing The historic Kyalami 9 Hour makes a welcome return to motorsport after a 37-year absence later this season when...

    COVID-19

    STAY INFORMED ABOUT THE CURRENT CORONAVIRUS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND VISIT THE OFFICIAL COVID-19 WEBSITE: WWW.SACORONAVIRUS.CO.ZA


    © 2025 Khulekani On Wheels - Managed by Tech Matters