BMW is introducing a sporty BMW M Performance version of the world’s most successful business sedan. The new BMW M550i xDrive will take on the mantle of the range-topper in the new BMW 5 Series line-up. Boasting a mighty 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 and the most dynamic business sedan around.
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. This all helps the new BMW M550i xDrive to set the pace in its segment and turn each and every drive into an exhilarating experience.
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 liters. 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.
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 (62 mph) in 4.0 seconds, then on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). At the same time, the new V8 engine also demonstrates the exceptional efficiency of the M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. The new BMW M550i xDrive already complies with the exacting EU6c emissions standard.
Drive transfer in the most powerful BMW 5 Series Sedan is, at present, handled by the standard-fit Steptronic Sport eight-speed transmission, which plays a significant role in the superb dynamics of the BMW M550i xDrive. The M Performance configuration of the shift modes has been tailored to the characteristics of the V8 engine, with distinctly sporty gear changes and more instantaneous downshifts across the entire rev range, and serves to enrich the thrilling driving experience. For an even sharper sporting edge, the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission can also be operated using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The transmission itself helps to cut fuel consumption and emissions thanks to its compact design, low weight and optimized efficiency.
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 important 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 millimeters) 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. Steering commands are executed with pinpoint accuracy and the driver receives the sort of feedback that guarantees immense driving pleasure when powering along twisty sections of road.
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. Indeed, it is capable of identifying movement patterns as well as personal preferences, turning it into a de facto personal mobility manager that helps users to overcome with ease the increasingly complex challenges of day-to-day mobility. Before the journey has even started, BMW Connected automatically factors in Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) for route-planning purposes, and recommends departing earlier if a detour has to be made due to traffic hold-ups. The BMW M Performance Automobiles are exclusive products from BMW M GmbH and slot in between the top-of-the-range standard BMW models and the core M models built for maximum performance. The new BMW M550i xDrive is scheduled to join the existing model line-up in March 2017.
