The new BMW M550i xDrive. New BMW M Performance Automobile sets the pace in its segment.

Munich. To coincide with the premiere of the new BMW 5 Series range, BMW M Division is bringing out a sporty BMW M Performance version of the world’s most successful business sedan. For the time being at least, the new BMW M550i xDrive will assume the status of 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.

S tate-of-the-art high-performance engine melds power with efficiency. 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.

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 EU6 emissions standard.

Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. 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 optimised 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 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. 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 performance-enhancing specification of the BMW M550i xDrive is completed to perfection by the M Sport brakes with brake callipers in Blue metallic and M badging, which combine outstanding stopping power with excellent feel.

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, 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.

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 that is a hallmark of all BMW M Performance Automobiles.

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, 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.

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. 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. And although BMW Connected uses the vehicle’s location as the basis for calculating the route in the usual way, it takes the BMW driver’s whereabouts into account too. The new system also merges the functions and services of the familiar BMW Remote app and BMW Connected app. Plus, users are able to access products such as ParkNow for digitised reservation and payment of parking spaces, not to mention the intelligent On-Street Parking Information feature, which identifies the areas of a town where drivers are most likely to find a free parking spot. And if the optional Remote Parking system is specified, the BMW 5 Series Sedan can be manoeuvred into even the tightest spaces from outside the vehicle with the help of the car key. Last but not least, once the car has been parked, BMW Connected helps to guide users to their final destination on foot.

Sportiness and everyday usability in perfect harmony. The BMW M Performance Automobiles are exclusive products from BMW M Division and 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 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.

In the event of enquiries please contact:

Matthias Bode, Spokesperson BMW M Performance Automobiles

Telephone: +49-89-382-61742, fax: +49-89-382-20226

Email: matthias.bode@bmwgroup.com

Pressroom: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Email: presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 31 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2016, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.367 million cars and 145,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax was approximately € 9.67 billion on revenues amounting to € 94.16 billion. As of 31 December 2016, the BMW Group had a workforce of 124,729 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

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Highlights.

• New BMW M550d xDrive expands the extensive portfolio of the M Performance automobiles with a Sedan and a Touring model.
  
  
• The world’s most powerful 6-cylinder diesel engine in the automotive area.
  
  
• Multi-stage turbocharging with four turbochargers for high output and powerful torque combined with impressive efficiency.
  
  
• BMW xDrive – intelligent all-wheel drive system with rear-wheel orientation for characteristic M Performance driving dynamics and supreme driving performance in all conditions.
  
  
• As standard with M sports suspension, Integral Active Steering, M aerodynamics package, exhaust system with M Performance specific twin tailpipe trims in dark chrome and M sports brake featuring brake calipers finished in blue metallic with M inscription.
  
  
• Exterior mirror housings, radiator grille frame, bumper design elements and side air breathers in Cerium Grey.
  
  
• 19-inch light alloy wheels Double Spoke 664 M in Cerium Grey (front 8J × 19, rear 9J × 19) and mixed tyres in the format 245/40 R19 at front and 275/35 R19 at rear as standard.
  
  
• 6-cylinder diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology including four turbochargers, engine output 294 kW/400 hp, maximum torque 760 Nm, combined fuel consumption: 5.9 l/100 km*^, ** (Touring: 6.2 l/100 km*^, **), combined CO2 emissions: 154 g/km*^, ** (Touring: 163 g/km*^, **), exhaust emission standard: EU6.

*   Provisional specifications.

** The fuel consumption figures were calculated based on the ECE test cycle, dependent on tyre format

BMW has always been synonymous with driving pleasure in all vehicle classes. The fact that customers and fans also agree with this summation is once again confirmed by the readers’ poll conducted by German motoring magazine “sport auto”. Cars from the BMW Group received the top scores in four classes. The BMW 335i was voted the best sedan car up to € 50,000 for the third time in three years. The BMW M3 Sedan was the favorite among readers for the second year in a row in the sedans/estates up to € 100,000 class.

Also for the second time in a row, the BMW M235i took pole position in the category for coupés up to € 50,000. In the compact cars class, the BMW M135i easily succeeded in fighting off the competition. As in the previous year, the BMW M550d xDrive took second place in the diesel class, once again underlining the leading role of the BMW Group as a supplier of vehicles that combine sporty performance with maximum efficiency.

Double victory for M Performance automobiles.
In the compact class and in the coupés up to € 50,000, the BMW M135i (26.7 percent of the votes cast) and the BMW M235i Coupé (38.3 percent of the votes cast) once again beat off the competition. Both vehicles have a six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower turbo technology, ensuring spontaneous responsiveness, an exceptional thirst for revs and outstanding refinement (fuel consumption combined BMW M235i: 8.1 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 189 g/km; BMW M135i: 8.0 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 188 g/km*).

Triple win for the BMW 335i Sedan.
For the third time in a row, the readers of “sport auto” put the BMW 335i in top place in the sedans up to € 50,000 category. The key factor for the continuing success of the sports sedan is its in-line six-cylinder engine with BMW TwinPower turbo technology. The 225 kW/306 hp in-line six-cylinder engine makes particularly impressive play with the typical BMW virtues of instantaneous responses, an exceptional thirst for revs and outstanding refinement. The combination of a turbocharger that operates according to the twin scroll principle with direct high precision injection and VALVETRONIC guarantees an unbeatably efficient balance between driving pleasure and fuel consumption (fuel consumption combined BMW 335i: 7.9 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 186 g/km*).

The defending title-holder BMW M3.

Garnering 39.4% of reader votes, the BMW M3 had no difficulty defending its title as best sedan up to € 100,000, actually managing to increase its share of the vote in its second year on the market. The fifth generation of the BMW M3 (fuel consumption combined: 8.8 l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 204 g/km*) is powered by a newly developed six-cylinder in-line engine. The high-revving unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology offers maximum output of 317 kW/431 hp. Peak torque of 550 Nm (406 lb-ft) is available across a broad rev band and exceeds the maximum offered by the previous BMW M3 by almost 40 percent. A rigorously applied lightweight design concept has brought about a weight reduction of around 80 kilograms. Fuel consumption and emissions are down by 25 percent. The BMW M3 Sedan takes just 4.1 seconds to sprint from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) – when fitted with the optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission – and also catches the eye as a strong performer out on the track as well as in everyday use.

The “sport auto Award” has been presented by German motoring magazine “sport auto” since 1980. It is one of the leading German awards for sporting cars and is highly coveted by manufacturers. In 2015 a total of 230 models were nominated in 30 series-production categories and a further 10 tuning classes. In this, the 23rd year of the awards, 13,601 readers took part in the poll via survey postcard, online survey or one of the “sport auto” digital channels.

Placings at a glance:

Winner – Compact Cars: BMW M135i.

Winner – Coupés up to € 50,000: BMW M235i Coupé.

Winner – Sedans/Estates up to € 50,000: BMW 335i.

Winner – Sedans/Estates up to € 100,000: BMW M3.

Second place – Diesel Cars: BMW M550d xDrive.

Second place – Convertibles up to € 50,000: BMW M235i Convertible

Second place – Convertibles up to € 100,000: BMW M4 Convertible

Second place – Coupés up to € 100,000: BMW M3 Coupé

Third place – Sedans up to € 100,000: BMW M5 30 Years

Further information on official fuel consumption figures, specific CO2 emission values and the electric power consumption of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: “Leitfaden über Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2 emissions und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen” (Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/en/offers/publications/guideline-for-fuel-consumption.html. LeitfadenCO2 (GuidelineCO2) (PDF ‒ 2.7 MB).

* Fuel consumption figures were calculated based on the ECE test cycle, dependent on tire format.