By: Krish Persaud
April 28, 2025
The 2025 BMW 550e xDrive is one of those cars that makes you stop and think—this is what a modern luxury sedan should feel like. It blends power, tech, and comfort into something quietly impressive. From the outside, it might not look like much more than a typical 5 Series, but spend some time behind the wheel and it starts to surprise you—in all the right ways.
This isn’t just a more efficient 5 Series. It’s one that has something to say. Whether you’re gliding through town in full electric silence or kicking down on the throttle and unleashing all 483 horsepower, the 550e makes every drive feel intentional. It’s not a car you need to figure out. It simply makes sense.
Power comes from BMW’s well-known B58 turbocharged inline-six engine, paired with an electric motor for a combined 516 lb-ft of torque. That means it has no trouble getting up to speed, and when you put your foot down, it moves with real urgency. Around town, it can run quietly on electricity alone for up to 55 km, which is more than enough for daily errands or a commute. The transition from electric to gas is mostly smooth in normal driving, though if you’re being more aggressive with throttle inputs, it can feel a bit hesitant or abrupt at times. It’s not jarring, but it does remind you that this isn’t a full EV.
The 550e xDrive’s ride is impressively smooth, especially considering the 21-inch wheels, and the suspension soaks up road imperfections without feeling floaty. There’s still some of that classic BMW edge when you push it, with body control that keeps things tight through corners. The steering is light but direct—easy to place, with just enough feedback to keep you connected. It doesn’t beg to be driven hard, but it responds confidently when asked.
Seat comfort is a real highlight. The front Comfort Seats—BMW’s term for their upgraded, multi-adjustable seating—are well-padded and supportive, offering plenty of customization including lumbar and thigh extension. They strike a nice balance—firm enough to keep you in place over longer drives, but cushioned enough to stay relaxed after hours behind the wheel. On cold mornings, the seat heaters work quickly, and in warmer weather, the ventilation is genuinely effective. Rear passengers aren’t left out either, with heated seats and ample legroom.
Inside, the 550e feels fresh and modern. The curved display blends a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with a 14.9-inch touchscreen running BMW’s iDrive 8.5 system. It’s responsive and sharp, though like other recent BMWs, some basic functions are tucked into submenus. Voice commands work well, and once you get used to the layout, the system is easy to live with.
Our test car came finished in Macadamia Metallic—a deep bronze-like tone that doesn’t scream for attention but catches the light just right. Paired with the Smoke White perforated and quilted Veganza interior and Dark Oak trim, it’s a combination that feels quietly confident. Elegant, mature, and composed.
On the highway, the 550e settles into a refined cruise. Highway Assistant and Active Lane Change support the driver well in the right conditions, and wind and road noise are impressively low—even on winter-rated performance tires. It’s the kind of car you can easily spend hours in without feeling fatigued.
Efficiency has always been a core part of the plug-in hybrid equation. Officially, Natural Resources Canada rates the 550e at 10.1 L/100 km in the city, 9.0 on the highway, and 9.6 combined. In our testing with a mix of city and highway driving, we observed 9.5 L/100 km—right in line with expectations.
Pricing for the 2025 BMW 550e xDrive starts at $84,200 in Canada. Our test vehicle, equipped with several option packages including Premium Enhanced and Advanced Driver Assistance, plus 21-inch wheels, came to a total of $102,250 before taxes and fees.
After a week with the 2025 BMW 550e xDrive, I came away surprised. I expected something smart and efficient, but I didn’t expect it to feel this complete. It’s not a compromise—it’s a confident, well-executed solution for drivers who want a little bit of everything. You get electric range, real power, top-tier comfort, and just enough edge to keep things interesting. It might not be the loudest or flashiest car in the segment, but that’s kind of the point. This 5 Series does more than enough—and it does it all quietly, confidently, and with a bit of charm. For those leaning more toward a fully electric option, BMW offers a closely related experience with the i5, which we also spent time with earlier this year.
Vehicle Specs
Segment: Midsize luxury plug-in hybrid sedan
Powertrain: 3.0L turbocharged inline-six with integrated electric motor
Horsepower: 483 horsepower
Torque: 516 lb-ft.
Electric Range: Up to 55 km
Fuel Economy: 10.1L/100km city, 9.0 highway, 9.6 combined (NRCan); 9.5 observed
Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
Curb Weight: 2,365 kilograms (5,213 pounds)
Base Price: $84,200 CAD
As-Tested Price: $102,250 CAD
