2015+ 650i GC vs m550i

[Dutt1113]

I know this is a 6er forum, but I was wondering what you guys think of the 2015+ 650i GC vs 2018+ m550i? Even though the 650 gc is "last gen" vs the m550i being the latest gen with the "latest and greatest", I still find the 650gc to be nicer in almost every way. (leather wrapped dash and doors, alcantara headliner, etc) Those options are basically non-existent on 5er. The materials and luxury are still unmatched by 6er when compared to a new gen car g30 5er. Sure the tech on the m550i might be a little more modern with some gimmicky features, but I feel the 650gc looks way better and would satisfy more, with basically all the same options/tech. I can't really see my self getting an m550i over a nice spec'd 2016 650 gc. What are your thoughts?

[Momo122]

Originally Posted by Dutt1113

I know this is a 6er forum, but I was wondering what you guys think of the 2015+ 650i GC vs 2018+ m550i? Even though the 650 gc is "last gen" vs the m550i being the latest gen with the "latest and greatest", I still find the 650gc to be nicer in almost every way. The materials and luxury are still unmatched when compared to a new gen car. Sure the tech on the m550i might be a little more modern with some gimmicky features, but I feel the 650gc looks way better and would satisfy more, with basically all the same options. I can't really see my self getting an m550i over a nice spec'd 2016 650 gc. What are your thoughts?

Tough choice tbh

[ezmaass]

The 6GC was basically BMW's most premium product - hence the rebranding to 8-series now, so the numbering scheme holds true. My 2017 650xi GC was around $113k - granted, it's pretty much fully loaded, but most of the 650's were easily into the six figures. So you'd expect them to be premium.

Having owned a 2014 550xi prior to my current 650xi GC, I can say there was a big leap in quality from the 5 series to 6 series. From the time I've spent with the current 5 series, I'd say the 6 is easily STILL more premium.

The 5 was designed as a very nice executive sedan, but the 6 was designed as a more premium/luxury variant. Styling was more important - practicality less. Materials went up in quality. The 650, at least here in the US, as an example, came standard with Nappa versus Dakota leather that was standard on the 5.

The 6 is also going to be a lot less common - even in a very affluent area, I don't see 6GC's very often. 5 series are on every other street. Keep in mind because they were a lot less practical (little back seat room, less trunk ******* and about $20k - $30k more than an equivalently spec'd 5-series, most people simply went for the 5.

Now, that doesn't mean that the 6 is simply the better choice. If you value head-room and leg-room for rear passengers, you'll want the 5. If you want a faster car, the M550 will be the clear winner. If you need the latest iDrive features, again the M550. If you want a power trunk... M550. If the sunroof needs to slide open... M550. There are some legitimate reasons to get the M550 over the 650GC.

However, after 2.5 years with my 650xi GC now, I know I won't be trading it for an M550. Why? The 6GC is just a better looking car. There's no comparison when you place them side by side. The 650's 445hp is plenty. I honestly don't need more in my DD. The 6 just feels more premium... probably because it was only designed to BE a premium car, unlike the M550 which shares underpinnings of your most basic diesel 5's that will live their lives as service vehicles. The tech is still 95% of everything in the current generation, so I don't feel that I'm missing much yet. Do I miss a power trunk and sliding sunroof? Yes... but not enough to trade what's ultimately a near-perfectly styled car with great materials and technology.

[AccordTR]

Originally Posted by ezmaass

The 6GC was basically BMW's most premium product - hence the rebranding to 8-series now, so the numbering scheme holds true. My 2017 650xi GC was around $113k - granted, it's pretty much fully loaded, but most of the 650's were easily into the six figures. So you'd expect them to be premium.

Having owned a 2014 550xi prior to my current 650xi GC, I can say there was a big leap in quality from the 5 series to 6 series. From the time I've spent with the current 5 series, I'd say the 6 is easily STILL more premium.

The 5 was designed as a very nice executive sedan, but the 6 was designed as a more premium/luxury variant. Styling was more important - practicality less. Materials went up in quality. The 650, at least here in the US, as an example, came standard with Nappa versus Dakota leather that was standard on the 5.

The 6 is also going to be a lot less common - even in a very affluent area, I don't see 6GC's very often. 5 series are on every other street. Keep in mind because they were a lot less practical (little back seat room, less trunk ******* and about $20k - $30k more than an equivalently spec'd 5-series, most people simply went for the 5.

Now, that doesn't mean that the 6 is simply the better choice. If you value head-room and leg-room for rear passengers, you'll want the 5. If you want a faster car, the M550 will be the clear winner. If you need the latest iDrive features, again the M550. If you want a power trunk... M550. If the sunroof needs to slide open... M550. There are some legitimate reasons to get the M550 over the 650GC.

However, after 2.5 years with my 650xi GC now, I know I won't be trading it for an M550. Why? The 6GC is just a better looking car. There's no comparison when you place them side by side. The 650's 445hp is plenty. I honestly don't need more in my DD. The 6 just feels more premium... probably because it was only designed to BE a premium car, unlike the M550 which shares underpinnings of your most basic diesel 5's that will live their lives as service vehicles. The tech is still 95% of everything in the current generation, so I don't feel that I'm missing much yet. Do I miss a power trunk and sliding sunroof? Yes... but not enough to trade what's ultimately a near-perfectly styled car with great materials and technology.

Just to add it is very very easy to get the 650 over 600-650hp if you want the power. I've spent maybe $5k and I'm easily closing in on 700hp.

[hugo_nz]

My 2c...you spend more time inside your car than looking at it from the outside and comparing the new 5 to our beloved 6 the choice is clear...the 6er has the best looking interior of a modern BMW bar none.

Also, a last production 6er will have had all the technical and quality drama sorted out whereas there may still be undiscovered I was with the new 5er.

[Dutt1113]

in the US at least 90%+ of m550's do not have the full digital cluster. They all have they half-assed hybrid cluster that is a pathetic disgrace. None have the alcantara headliner and rarely the leather top dash and door tops. 2015+ 650gc all have full digital cluster, alcantara headliner, leather upper/mid dash and full leather doors. You can tell the 650 was not half assed at all by BMW and over the years with the updates and standard equipment, it has just as much tech as the m550 if not more majority of the time. The g30 to me as a whole car feels half-assed or half attempted by BMW.

[BMPOWERED]

Originally Posted by ezmaass

The 6GC was basically BMW's most premium product - hence the rebranding to 8-series now, so the numbering scheme holds true. My 2017 650xi GC was around $113k - granted, it's pretty much fully loaded, but most of the 650's were easily into the six figures. So you'd expect them to be premium.

Having owned a 2014 550xi prior to my current 650xi GC, I can say there was a big leap in quality from the 5 series to 6 series. From the time I've spent with the current 5 series, I'd say the 6 is easily STILL more premium.

The 5 was designed as a very nice executive sedan, but the 6 was designed as a more premium/luxury variant. Styling was more important - practicality less. Materials went up in quality. The 650, at least here in the US, as an example, came standard with Nappa versus Dakota leather that was standard on the 5.

The 6 is also going to be a lot less common - even in a very affluent area, I don't see 6GC's very often. 5 series are on every other street. Keep in mind because they were a lot less practical (little back seat room, less trunk ******* and about $20k - $30k more than an equivalently spec'd 5-series, most people simply went for the 5.

Now, that doesn't mean that the 6 is simply the better choice. If you value head-room and leg-room for rear passengers, you'll want the 5. If you want a faster car, the M550 will be the clear winner. If you need the latest iDrive features, again the M550. If you want a power trunk... M550. If the sunroof needs to slide open... M550. There are some legitimate reasons to get the M550 over the 650GC.

However, after 2.5 years with my 650xi GC now, I know I won't be trading it for an M550. Why? The 6GC is just a better looking car. There's no comparison when you place them side by side. The 650's 445hp is plenty. I honestly don't need more in my DD. The 6 just feels more premium... probably because it was only designed to BE a premium car, unlike the M550 which shares underpinnings of your most basic diesel 5's that will live their lives as service vehicles. The tech is still 95% of everything in the current generation, so I don't feel that I'm missing much yet. Do I miss a power trunk and sliding sunroof? Yes... but not enough to trade what's ultimately a near-perfectly styled car with great materials and technology.

Basically everything he ^ said. I also owned an F10 (550I) so I am well aware of the differences between the 5 and 6. I would however add that you sit differently in the 6. The lower seating position and lower dash cowl make it feel more like a sports car. To sum up, the 5 is always going to be the better value...you simply get more for the money. The 6 however is a more emotional choice. It's sportier, better looking in and out, and simply feels like a higher quality car.

[TON-III]

Originally Posted by BMPOWERED

I also owned an F10 (550I) so I am well aware of the differences between the 5 and 6. I would however add that you sit differently in the 6. The lower seating position and lower dash cowl make it feel more like a sports car. To sum up, the 5 is always going to be the better value...you simply get more for the money. The 6 however is a more emotional choice. It's sportier, better looking in and out, and simply feels like a higher quality car.

You live just once ...... it's clear that a 5'er is more clever choice what comes to money, 640 coupe is ridiculous what comes to space ( not that but still) but so nice to ride and get some extra attention. I'm happy that I never have had real need for car what comes to moving to work, therefore I've liked to have something different ( almost all my cars have been 2D coupes). Lucky me

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by hugo_nz

My 2c...you spend more time inside your car than looking at it from the outside and comparing the new 5 to our beloved 6 the choice is clear...the 6er has the best looking interior of a modern BMW bar none.

Also, a last production 6er will have had all the technical and quality drama sorted out whereas there may still be undiscovered I was with the new 5er.

This. The best damn interior in the business.

Now the new X7 and X5 full leather interior is in par from a materials standpoint

[Dutt1113]

I find myself going back and forth between looking at 16-17 650 GC, 2018 m550i, and 2020 m340i. The GC is last gen but has about 90% of the tech in the g30 5 series, but the materials quality goes down with the g30 and even lesser in the g20 m340i, but tech goes up in the m340i a little. Mostly gimmicky things. The m340i is best tech wise but the materials and all the plastics used everywhere annoy me. I know this is highly subjective, but do you feel a 16-17 650gc would age well for the next 5-6 years as compared to getting the newer generation m550 or m340? Would I be left wishing I had one of the later gen cars?

[NorthCountryGuy]

My 13 M6 and 750 have every option BMW offers. Aside from a little clear coat peeling on the front nose of the 7 (which I will deal with post winter season up here) you’d go for a drive in these vehicles and think they were new. I personally like the interior of the 7 (along with its size) for my sedan. The interior of the the 6’s I’ve had (650 xDrive and now the M6) are a sculptured esthetically beautiful, and ergonomic masterpiece but more so for the driver. The 7’s front interior is more equally ‘distributed’ amongst the driver and passenger.

You wouldn’t go wrong in getting the generally acknowledged masterpiece in the 6.
There might be a choice to make between a 6 and a 7.
There is no choice between a 6 and a 5.

[Dutt1113]

Originally Posted by NorthCountryGuy

You wouldn’t go wrong in getting the generally acknowledged masterpiece in the 6.
There might be a choice to make between a 6 and a 7.
There is no choice between a 6 and a 5.

Do you think this applies to a last gen 6 vs newer gen g30 5 or even newer gen m340i?

[NorthCountryGuy]

Originally Posted by Dutt1113

Do you think this applies to a last gen 6 vs newer gen g30 5 or even newer gen m340i?

I do.
The vehicle is larger, and it is the 6’s interior for the driver that is masterful. Get one with Executive, Driver Assist with Heads Up Display and likely it will come with all the other added extras. You wouldn’t be short of anything.
I felt the same way years back when I got my Porsche. A bland 911 vs. a superlative 928. It was the interior that to me was the most important factor. One spends the time driving the car and not peering at it. That 928 served me well for almost 20 years. Never sorry I made the choice I did. There will always be grass that can be greener elsewhere. Give it good thought, and determine which one is most compatible with your personality. You will never make a mistake with a car choosing as such.
Best Wishes.

[ezmaass]

Originally Posted by Dutt1113

Do you think this applies to a last gen 6 vs newer gen g30 5 or even newer gen m340i?

The 6 series was far superior than a 5 as far as interior - and the 6's interior is still superior to current 5.

One of the big reasons I can't bring myself to trade my 650xi GC for a M550 (aside from the looks) is that a fully loaded 6 gives you almost everything, technology-wise, that's available in the 5. Tech wise, my 650 has all the core goodies:

- Automatic Cruise
- B&O stereo
- Active Seats
- Heads Up Display
- Driving Assist (nanny systems)
- Night Vision
- Adaptive Drive (Active Roll Stabilization + Dynamic Dampers)
- LED Lights
- Navigation w/ OTA Updates
- Etc.

There's really not a LOT to entice me to the current generation 5. Gesture control? Display key? These are OK but far from necessary. Newer iDrive? Well, barely, and nothing I distinctly feel I'm missing.

On the flip side, I'd be giving up the gorgeous looks of the 6, the interior design that's far more interesting and elegant, leather everywhere.

The M550 is faster, for sure. But as it stands, the 650 is no slouch, and I pretty much NEVER floor it - just no reason. I don't feel like I need MORE power in this car. But if speed were highly important, the M550 would take that one.

Don't get me wrong, the M550 is a very nice car, but for me, it doesn't offer enough NEW stuff of value when it comes to technology, and the luxury and styling are a step down from the 6, despite being a handsome car and clearly able to be spec'd nicely.

The 340 is just not a worthy comparison for either car.

[BDO]

It's a more than a no-brainer. The M550i is not even close to the 650i, even with the tech improvements. Simply sitting in one, then the other, should close this debate. Looking at them from the outside even more so.

I went from my 640i to an X6, thinking that they are both "sixes" as the level of luxury, refinement, fit and finish would be the same. Sadly not, the 640i is light years ahead.

I've been driving BMWs for over 20 years, and nothing has (and probably will not) come close to the satisfaction of owning a 6.

[Jerrod_A]

Personally, I love my 6 to the moon and back! Luckily your in a no lose situation, but I spent some time in the new 5 series when my 6 series was in the shop. I just didn't think it was worth trading it in for even though I'm looking to replace my 6 soon. The interior's nice, but it's nothing special. Typical BMW; Pretty damn good... Just not as good as the 6 interior.

That and just living with a 6 series is just a lot of fun. You go from a boring commute to a fun little trip by moving your foot. The M550i may be faster but it doesn't drive the same way. I personally prefer the driving dynamics of the 6. Hope this helped!

[iamvanja]

Originally Posted by NorthCountryGuy

I felt the same way years back when I got my Porsche. A bland 911 vs. a superlative 928. It was the interior that to me was the most important factor. One spends the time driving the car and not peering at it.

1000x this!
Even sitting in a 992 911, I thought about 6 series having a much nicer interior.

[Dutt1113]

I've been browsing the used market some more and you can get fully equipped 17/18 650 GC for around ~$50k+/- and have at least 90% of the tech of an '18 m550i. For the same price the m550 is only decently equipped with active cruise, maybe 360 cams, and 9 out of 10 times the half assed hybrid instrument cluster that shouldn't exist at all in a 5 series. The G30 needs $60k used fully equipped and you're still missing features the 650 has. The 650 may be last gen interior but thats just cosmetic and has been refreshed and updated over the years. The 650 gc has all the same important g30 features including active cruise and other driver assistance, led lights, B and O sound, 360 cams, idrive6, full digital cluster, HUD. The 650 then has more things compared to g30 either rare or non-existent like active seats, alcantara headliner, 4-zone climate, full leather dash and doors. I had a 2011 F10 550 and while old now has some of the same hardware like window switches, climate controls, and shifter/drive select buttons, but that's it. The rest is updated and way higher quality.

Another thread said g30 no questions asked because it's new and F06 is old and outdated by now and it would be dumb to poor money into an older car like the F06. While partially true the 16-18 f06 is way more updated compared to '12-13 MY.

[Dutt1113]

Would it be a bad idea to buy the last model year 2018 650 gc when there is the new gen 2018 m550i?

[derailed]

Originally Posted by Dutt1113

Would it be a bad idea to buy the last model year 2018 650 gc when there is the new gen 2018 m550i?

I personally think the 650 is more value for the money. I've had mine for a year and it's a 2016 (LCI) model and still gets compliments and looks nearly every time I drive it. They didn't update the iDrive until '17 but that wasn't something I was willing to pay an extra $10,000 for in December 2018. I even have a lot of 5 & 7'ers peer over at lights to admire. The 6 is in it's own class, it's not inferior to any other series in terms of luxury and you won't be looked down on by some guy in a 750.

[ezmaass]

Originally Posted by Dutt1113

Would it be a bad idea to buy the last model year 2018 650 gc when there is the new gen 2018 m550i?

My answer here continues to the be the same - the 650 is the better car. It's going to be really hard to replace this car. Even BMW couldn't pull it off with the 8 series. They got some aspects right but failed on the exterior design in a pretty big way. A very well loaded 650 is going to have 90% of the tech available in the current M550. The one to watch now might be the new 7 series, whenever it arrives. But nothing in the BMW line-up currently touches the 6GC on overall package (luxury, style, looks), as far as I'm concerned.

And if I'm honest, even taking the 6 out of the equation, I like certain elements about the previous 5 (F10) better than the current one. They didn't screw it up, but it was a very incremental change and not all for the better.