The 2008 BMW 550i is a driver’s car. And there’s no way around it. So, the fact that my 2-inch heels clinked on the bottom of the gas pedal that goes all the way to the floor doesn’t really factor in. Much.

Actually, I had such a blast in this car, that this is the first time I was able to overlook the gas pedal problem, which is a personal pet peeve of mine. When wearing high heels in a BMW, Audi or Volkswagen, my right heel hits the bottom of the gas pedal when moving from brake pedal. It’s annoying. But in the 550i, it was worth the annoyance.

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2008 BMW 5-Series

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Defining the sports sedan

Tops & bottoms:

Favorite features:

• 4.8-liter, 360-horsepower V-8 engine
• Smooth, short-throw six-speed manual transmission
• Contoured adjustable leather seats

Needs improvement:

• iDrive
• Gas pedal that goes all the way to the floor

The test vehicle was a loaded 550i complete with $10K in options and 4.8-liter, 360-horsepower V-8 engine. Luckily, it also kept the standard six-speed manual transmission rather than optioning out to the automatic with shift paddles. The short-throw shifter is way more fun.

Shifting through the gears on the 550i is not only fun but also easy. The car seems to anticipate where you’re going and then glides into gear when you shift. The clutch is stiff, but not unnecessarily so. It’s just as easy to cruise along at highway speeds as it is to get that burst of speed you need to pass.

And from a stop, don’t get me started. All I’ll say is the 0-to-60-mph time for this car is 5.4 seconds.

The highlight of my daily commute in this test car was the sweeping Ohio feeder ramp. Holding my speed and rounding the curve was pure joy, making me long for the chance to hit a racetrack. This car is not only meant to be driven, it’s meant to be driven fast around sweeping curves. From the way the 550i handled within the confines of city driving, I can only imagine what a trip to the Autobahn Country Club racetrack in Joliet would bring. Sigh.

Unfortunately, the tremendous power -- and the desire to act on said power -- do not a fuel-efficient car make. EPA estimates that the 550i with the manual transmission should average 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. And (cough), let’s just say I averaged something less than that.

Part of this is due to the fact that I managed to get the 550i during the one week this winter that didn’t get snow or have a ready-made snow bed. Thus, I could spend my time testing the rear-wheel drive performance rather than what happens when a rear-wheel-drive vehicle meets an unplowed Chicago alley. I don’t care what kind of tires or what kind of traction control a vehicle has, I’ve never had good luck in a RWD model in Chicago snow. Then again, fortuitously, I didn’t get the chance to test this one out.

For 2008, the 5-Series gets some new designations. The 550i test vehicle is actually the only model retaining its prior designation. It is now joined by the 528i Sedan, 528xi Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535xi Sedan and 535xi Sports Wagon. Other across-the-board changes include: reconfigured optical headlight lenses, taillights with new white design and reshaped rear bumper.

I like the overall styling and design of the 5-Series, inside and out. From the tapered tail end to the signature angel eyes headlights, the package is tight, luxurious and sporty.

The interior carries this trend inside, but adds the true luxury of comfort. I loved the contoured seats that allow you to adjust the top half of the seat alone or in conjunction with other elements to create a uniquely comfortable driving position. The wood accents combined with the brushed silver topping the knobs and dials is a feast for the eyes, and most of the gauges and controls are with in easy reach.

Between standards and options, the test vehicle had pretty much every amenity I could ever want in a car. And with an as-tested price of $69,820, it better. Base price for the flagship 550i is $59,275, so though this car only had seven options/packages, they were expensive. Some of the pricier options included: the Sport Package ($4,600), Comfort Access system ($1,000), navigation system ($1,900) and Logic7 sound system with surround sound and digital sound processing ($1,200).

The huge laundry list of standard features on the 550i include items such as front and rear side-impact airbags, park distance control (front and rear) with graphic display, leather seating surfaces, automatic climate control, moonroof, integrated universal garage door opener, auxiliary audio input jack, steering wheel audio controls and keyless start. What I really think should be standard are heated front seats. Instead, that option is part of a $750 Cold Weather Package. Is that really necessary, guys? On a $60K vehicle? Include it already.

The one standard I could do without: iDrive. Forgive the petulance, but I’m still not a fan, and you just can’t make me. First and foremost, this system is not intuitive. It’s not; it’s not; it’s not. Perhaps after living with the vehicle for a couple years, I’d get it, but certainly not after a week. I habitually clicked on the navigation system when I wanted the radio or vice versa.

Petulance aside, no matter how familiar you are with the system, you’re going to have to take your eyes off the road to deal with it. And that is an even bigger problem in our over-stimulated, can’t-drive-and-talk-on-the-phone-at-the-same-time society. The other problem I encountered with the system is because of my far-forward driving position. I could not comfortably reach the dial to adjust the various menus.

If BMW would make iDrive optional rather than mandatory, I’d be much happier.

Luckily, I don’t think you can judge a vehicle by its onboard computer. The 550i is a phenomenal car that can boost your image with its good looks and, more importantly, will provide fun and energetic driving experience.