MUNICH: To coincide with the premiere of the new 5 Series range at the Detroit auto show in January, BMW will roll out its M550i xDrive range-topper in the 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 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 blend of high performance, precise driving dynamics and everyday usability.
The new M550i xDrive is the first 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. The V8 is equipped with two twin-scroll turbochargers and features a direct injection system, Valvetronic fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control. The mill makes 462hp at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 650Nm that can be summoned from 1,800 rpm (figures are provisional).
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The car can go from 0 to 100kph in 4.0 seconds, then on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 kph. The car gets a Steptronic Sport eight-speed transmission, with shift modes tailored to the characteristics of the V8 engine, with distinctly sporty gear changes and more instantaneous downshifts across the entire rev range. Shift paddles are standard.
The all-wheel-drive system splits drive power between all four wheels as the situation demands – intelligently and with a rear-wheel bias. It’s enhanced by an adaptive M Sport suspension (lowered by 10mm) along with either the standard 19-inch M light-alloy wheels or the optional 20-inch light-alloy wheels.
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 5 Series. The car is also equipped with M Sport brakes with brake callipers in Blue metallic and M badging.
On the outside, the M aerodynamic package, including an M rear spoiler with Gurney flap on the boot lid, accentuates the sporty, dynamic lines of the new 5 Series, while optimising 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. An M sports exhaust system – with tailpipe embellishers in Black chrome on the left and right – is responsible for producing the rousing M soundtrack.
Illuminated door sills bearing the inscription “M550i xDrive” beckon 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.
Just like the other 5 Series variants, the 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, which uses steering inputs to avert an impending collision. The optionally available Active Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assistant now feature extended functionality. And Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, which allows speed limits to be automatically imported into the cruise control system, likewise represents another step along the road to automated driving for the BMW M550i xDrive.
The BMW Connected system links up devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, computers and tablets, as well as the vehicle’s navigation system, via BMW servers. The system can now even help the driver find parking spaces and reserve it.
The BMW M Performance cars slot in between the top-of-the-range standard BMW models and the core M models built for maximum performance.
“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 GmbH.
The model portfolio currently comprises the 3-door M140i, 3-door M140i xDrive, 5-door M140i, 5-door M140i xDrive, M240i Coupe, M240i xDrive Coupe, M240i Convertible, M240i xDrive Convertible, M550d xDrive Touring, X4 M40i, X5 M50d, X6 M50d and M760Li xDrive.
The M550i xDrive is scheduled to join the existing model line-up in March 2017. In Detroit, the
Concept X2
will make its US premiere. Also part of the line-up at the BMW stand will be the 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid and the 6 Series model range.
Keyword: BMW M550i xDrive heads to Detroit show