[Photos] The new BMW M550i xDrive

The new BMW M550i xDrive is the performance version of the new BMW 5 Series line-up. Powered by a ferocious M Performance TwinPower Turbo engine, BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive with rear-wheel bias and a bespoke M Performance chassis set-up, the new BMW M550i xDrive can be classed as both a four-door sports car. With its abundant torque reserves and high-revving characteristics, the V8 power unit serves up a matchless blend of supreme performance, wonderfully precise driving dynamics and uncompromised everyday usability.

The new BMW M550i xDrive is the first BMW 5 Series M Performance model to be powered by a petrol engine, namely a specifically modified M Performance TwinPower Turbo eight-cylinder unit with a displacement of 4.4 litres. (fuel consumption combined: 8.9 l/100 km [31.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 204 g/km)* The V8 is equipped with two twin-scroll turbochargers and features the High Precision Injection direct injection system, Valvetronic fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control. This all adds up to an output of 340 kW/462 hp at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 650 Nm (479 lb‑ft) that can be summoned from just 1,800 rpm. 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is achieved in 4.0 seconds, then on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system in the BMW M550i xDrive splits drive power between all four wheels as the situation demands – intelligently and with a rear-wheel bias. BMW xDrive is thereby key to delivering two intrinsic elements of the trademark M Performance driving experience under all conditions: superlative driving performance and extremely precise handling. And when the adaptive M Sport suspension (lowered by 10 millimetres) is added to the equation, along with either the standard 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in Cerium Grey metallic matt or the optional** 20-inch light-alloy wheels (in an exclusive design, also painted in the Cerium Grey metallic matt finish), the result is tremendous handling stability and optimum traction, come what may.

In addition, the power steering with M-specific responses in the SPORT and SPORT+ settings serves to highlight the crisp handling and precise driving properties of the sportiest representative yet of the new-generation BMW 5 Series.

The exterior of the new BMW M550i xDrive boldly expresses the sedan’s dynamic performance capabilities. The M aerodynamic package, including an M rear spoiler with Gurney flap on the boot lid, accentuates the sporty, dynamic lines of the new BMW 5 Series, at the same time as optimising the airflow around and over the car. The exterior mirror caps, the kidney grille surround, the special M Performance bars on the front air intake and the two Air Breathers at the sides all sport the exclusive Cerium Grey metallic finish, while the high-gloss Shadow Line trim around the windows gives added impact to the dynamic business sedan’s undeniably sporty appearance. An M sports exhaust system – with exclusive tailpipe embellishers in Black chrome on the left and right – is responsible for producing the unmistakable and rousing BMW M soundtrack.

Forging an even closer link between man, machine and the outside world. The latest generation of the BMW 5 Series enables close-knit connectivity between the driver, vehicle and outside world thanks to BMW Connected. This new system links up devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, computers and tablets, as well as the vehicle’s navigation system, via the BMW servers. This, then, is highly intelligent technology.

“We develop the BMW M Performance Automobiles for customers who are seeking very sporty driving characteristics yet do not wish to sacrifice any of their BMW’s everyday practicality,” explains Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW M Division. “The experience and expertise garnered by BMW M in the world of motor sport and the development of high-performance sports cars are also channelled into the development of our BMW M Performance Automobiles. The sales success clearly demonstrates that we are on the right track. When you take a look at the BMW AG model portfolio, you will notice that not every model series includes a BMW M Performance Automobile. We will expand our product range wisely and close any gaps in the line-up strategically.”

The model portfolio currently comprises the 3-door BMW M140i, 3-door BMW M140i xDrive, 5-door BMW M140i, 5-door BMW M140i xDrive, BMW M240i Coupe, BMW M240i xDrive Coupe, BMW M240i Convertible, BMW M240i xDrive Convertible, BMW X4 M40i, BMW X5 M50d, BMW X6 M50d and BMW M760Li xDrive.