2018 BMW M550i xDrive is the M5 you might be able to afford

The BMW M550i is not a full-on M vehicle. As an M Performance car, think of it as a step above a top-of-the-line 540i M Sport.

The M550i gets a stiffer chassis than the regular 5-series that lowers the car by almost half an inch, a sports exhaust and larger, M Sport brakes.

Under the hood is BMW's twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with 456 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque.

That power plant is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

All-wheel drive makes the M Performance a good choice for those who may have to deal with a bit of inclement weather.

Comfort mode is great for commuting, but the car wakes up and says hello in Sport and Sport Plus modes. 

Lane-keeping and traffic jam assist systems work together to steer the M550i without any input from the driver on highways.

The interior is all leather, all the time, with comfy seats and more than enough room to spread out. 

Apple CarPlay is available as a $300 option. Android Auto is not on the table at all. 

The 2018 BMW M550i starts at $72,100. Keep scrolling for more photos of this sporty sedan.

BMW M550i xDrive

BMW M550i xDrive

BMW M550i xDrive

BMW M550i xDrive

BMW M550i xDrive

BMW M550i xDrive