In conjunction with the premiere of the new BMW 5 Series, BMW M GmbH is launching a sporty version of the world's most successful BMW M Performance business sedan. For the time being, at least, the new BMW M550i xDrive will be the top of the range of the new BMW 5 Series. Featuring M Performance's powerful Twin Power Turbo engine, an intelligent BMW xDrive AWD system with a higher percentage of distribution to the rear wheels and a special M Performance chassis set-up, the new BMW M550i xDrive is described as both a four-door sports car and the most dynamic business sedan on the market. With ample reserves of torque and high-revving character, the V8 offers an unrivalled blend of superior performance, outstanding dynamic handling and uncompromising everyday usability. All this makes the new BMW M550i xDrive a benchmark in its class and turns every journey with it into a thrilling experience.
Advanced high-performance engine combines power with performance.
The new BMW M550i xDrive is the first BMW 6 Series from M Performance with a petrol engine and in particular a specially modified M Performance TwinPower Turbo 4.4 L eight-cylinder engine. Ο V8 is equipped with two twin-scroll turbochargers and High Precision Injection direct injection system, fully variable Valvetronic valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control. All this translates into 340kW/462hp at 5,500rpm (mixed cycle consumption: 8.9l/100km, CO2 emissions in the mixed cycle: 204g/km) and a maximum torque of 650Nm available from 1,800rpm.
The advanced, high-performance engine has all the dynamic credentials promised by a BMW M Performance model, accelerating the BMW M550i xDrive from 0 to 100km/h in 4.0 seconds, up to an electronically controlled top speed of 250km/h. At the same time, the new V8 offers outstanding performance thanks to M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. The new BMW M550i xDrive already meets the strict EU6c emissions standards.
Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.
Power transfer in the more powerful BMW 5 Series Sedan is currently managed via the standard eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, which plays a major role in the superb dynamics of the BMW M550i xDrive. M Performance's shift programs have been adapted to the characteristics of the V8 engine, with distinctive sporty shifts and more direct downshifts across the rev range making the driving experience more exciting. For an even more intense sporty feel, the eight-speed Steptronic Sport eight-speed can be operated via the relevant controls (shift paddles) on the steering wheel. The transmission itself helps to reduce fuel consumption and emissions thanks to its compact design, low weight and optimised performance.
The BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system in the BMW M550i xDrive distributes the drive power between all four wheels as required - intelligently and with an increased proportion to the rear wheels. BMW xDrive is therefore vital to achieve two inherent elements of the M Performance driving experience under all conditions: top performance and outstanding handling precision. If the M Sport adaptive suspension (lowered by 10 mm) is added to the equation, together with either the standard 19-inch M alloy wheels in Cerium Grey metallic matt or the optional 20-inch wheels respectively (in exclusive design and painted in Cerium Grey metallic matt finish), the result is outstanding stability and optimum traction.
In addition, the steering system with M mapping in the SPORT and SPORT+ programmes highlights the driving qualities (precision, grip) of the sportiest representative of the new generation of the BMW 5 Series. Steering wheel commands are executed with absolute precision and the driver receives the kind of feedback that guarantees plenty of driving pleasure in fast corners. The high-performance version of the BMW M550i xDrive reaches perfection with M Sport brakes with calipers in Metallic Blue and M emblem, combining outstanding stopping power with excellent feel.
Sporty appearance with exclusive M Performance equipment.
The exterior of the new BMW M550i xDrive boldly expresses the dynamic performance of the sedan, underlining that it is the flagship of the new BMW 5 Series. The M aerodynamic package, including the Gurney-type M rear spoiler, emphasises the sporty, dynamic lines of the new BMW 5 Series, while optimising airflow around and above the car. The exterior mirror covers, the grille frame, the special M Performance bars on the front air intake and the two Air Breathers side vents all feature the exclusive Cerium Grey metallic finish, while the glossy Shadow Line inserts around the windows add an additional charm to the undeniably sporty appearance of the business sedan. An M sports exhaust system - with exclusive Black chrome exhaust tips on the left and right - is responsible for producing the unique and enjoyable BMW M sound.
Illuminated door sills with "M550i xDrive" logos greet passengers inside, while sporty M seats with Black Dakota leather upholstery with contrasting blue stitching, the latest M sports steering wheel, M-design mats and special interior trim strips and aluminium pedals combine to create a sense of sporty exclusivity that is a hallmark of BMW M Performance models.
Support systems at the service of the driver.
Like the other models in the new BMW 5 Series range, the BMW M550i xDrive offers an even richer range of systems to support the driver if desired. These include an obstacle avoidance system, a through-traffic warning system and active Lane Change Warning, which uses steering corrections to prevent an impending collision. Optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keeping Assistant now have more functions. Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, which allows automatic input of speed limits into the cruise control system, represents another step closer to automated driving with the BMW M550i xDrive.
Creating a closer relationship between man, machine and the outside world.
The latest generation of the BMW 5 Series enables a close connection between driver, vehicle and the outside world thanks to BMW Connected. The new system connects devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, computers and tablets, and the vehicle's navigation system via BMW servers. It is a highly intelligent technology. It can actually recognize gestures as well as personal preferences, which turns it into a personal mobility manager that helps users to easily overcome the increasingly complex challenges of daily commuting. Before the journey even begins, BMW Connected automatically evaluates Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) data for route planning, and recommends an earlier departure if the vehicle needs to take a detour due to traffic congestion. Although BMW Connected uses the vehicle's location as the basis for calculating the route in the usual way, it also takes the driver's habits into account. The new system combines the functions and services of the familiar BMW Remote and BMW Connected apps. In addition, users can access products such as ParkNow for digitally booking and paying for parking spaces, while intelligent On-Street Parking Information identifies areas where drivers are more likely to find free parking in the city. If Remote Parking is available, the BMW 5 Series Sedan can maneuver into even the tightest parking spaces with the driver outside the car and simply using the key as a parking remote. Last but not least, after parking the vehicle, BMW Connected directs users to their final destination on foot.
Sporty style and everyday usability in perfect harmony.
The BMW M Performance vehicles are exclusive products of BMW M GmbH and rank among the top standard BMW models and the basic high-performance M models. "We create the BMW M Performance models for customers who are looking for sporty driving characteristics but are not prepared to sacrifice the everyday practicality of their BMW," explains Frank van Meel, CEO of BMW M GmbH. "The experience and expertise that BMW M has gathered from the world of motorsport and the development of high-performance sports cars are also being channelled into the development of BMW M Performance Automobiles. The sales success confirms that we are on the right track. Taking a look at the BMW AG model range, you can see that not all model series have a BMW M Performance version. We will expand our product range intelligently and close any gaps in a strategic manner."
The product range currently includes 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 M550d xDrive Touring, BMW X4 M40i, BMW X5 M50d, BMW X6 M50d and BMW M760Li xDrive.
The new BMW M550i xDrive is scheduled to join the existing range in March 2017.
