BMW M550i xDrive is the 1st M Performance V8 (quicker than previous M5)
BMW M550i xDrive is the 1st M Performance V8 (quicker than previous M5)
BMW M550i xDrive
To coincide with the premiere of the new BMW 5 Series range, due in South Africa early 2017, BMW M GmbH is bringing out a sporty BMW M Performance version of the world’s most successful business sedan.
For the time being, the new BMW M550i xDrive will assume the status of range-topper in the new BMW 5 Series line-up. That is, until the next M5 is released.
M Performance TwinPower Turbo V8
The M550i has the 1st V8 from the M Performance sub-brand, which introduced cars like the M135i and M235i (which since became M140i and M240i) and the SUV tri-turbo diesels named X5 M50d and X6 M50d – all 6-cylinder engines. Also, its the 1st petrol (rather than diesel) M Performance model in the 5 Series, as overseas markets had an M550d 5 Series.
Boasting an M Performance TwinPower Turbo V8 petrol engine, BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive with rear-wheel bias (rear-wheel-drive BMW enthusiasts will be glad to read) and a bespoke M Performance chassis set-up, the new BMW M550i xDrive can be classed as both a 4-door sports car and the most dynamic business sedan around. It can lay claim to this thanks to its history of starting this segment of car, with the BMW 530 and later M535i cars.
With its abundant torque reserves and high-revving characteristics, the V8 power unit serves up a blend of supreme performance, wonderfully precise driving dynamics and uncompromised everyday usability. This all helps the new BMW M550i xDrive to set the pace in its segment and turn the drive into an exhilarating experience.
This state-of-the-art high-performance engine melds power with efficiency. With a displacement of 4.4 litres, the V8 is equipped with 2 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 at 5500 rpm, fuel consumption, combined, of 8.9 l/100 km and emissions of 204 g/km (demonstrating exceptional efficiency, and already complies with the exacting EU6c emissions standard). Peak torque of 650 Nm can be summoned from just 1800 r/min.
Not sure what the M Performance fuss is about. The current “standard” BMW V8 turbo which you can buy in cars like the 650i and X6 50i quotes 330kW (also at 5500) and an exact same 650Nm, at 2000 revs. Fuel consumption in the previous 550i was 8.6 l/100km with emissions of 199, albeit rear-wheel drive instead of xDrive. If it had xDrive it would beat its time of 4.6 sec. So let’s see, that is 10kW more on the M Performance V8 than on the old standard V8…? Either way, the 550i is no more, and will be replaced by this M550i. No more understated 5 V8, then, just like Mercedes discontinued its E500 V8. The M550i xDrive’s closest competitor is the Audi S6 quattro: both 4-wheel-drive, both V8 turbo, both in-the-middle sedan execs with sporty add-ons.
0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds
The state-of-the-art, high-performance engine comes with all the dynamic credentials expected of a BMW M Performance Automobile, propelling the BMW M550i xDrive from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds. Wait a minute. 4 seconds flat? That is faster than the preceding M5 Competition pack (423kW/680Nm) which managed 4.2 seconds, timed. The xDrive on this new M550i clearly helps turning what the V8 does into forward motion.
Sporty looks with exclusive M Performance equipment features
The exterior of the new BMW M550i xDrive boldly expresses the sedan’s dynamic performance capabilities, while also underlining its status as the flagship model in the new BMW 5 Series range.
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, while 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, as do the wheels in a choice of 19 or 20 inch. The high-gloss Shadow Line trim around the windows (gloss black instead of chrome) 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 soundtrack. Hopefully it sounds more bass&burble 650i than weak-sounding M5.
Illuminated door sills bearing the inscription M550i xDrive beckon driver and passengers into the interior, where M sports seats upholstered in Black Dakota leather with blue contrast stitching, the latest version of the M sports steering wheel,
M design floor mats and special interior trim strips and pedals made from aluminium combine to create the aura of sporting exclusivity.
Driver assistance systems take the hard work out of routine tasks
Just like the other models in the latest-generation BMW 5 Series line-up, the BMW M550i xDrive also offers an even wider choice of assistance systems to help the driver, if desired.
These include an Evasion Aid, crossing-traffic warning system and active Lane Change Warning, Active Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assistant, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, likewise representing another step along the road to automated driving for the BMW M550i xDrive.