BMW M550i xDrive announced - New range-topping sports sedan details, specs and pictures
BMW announce new M550i xDrive which boasts 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 M550i xDrive will be joining the new 5-series range in March 2017 and will assume the status of range-topper in the new BMW 5 Series line-up.
With the M550xi, BMW have merged together a four-door sports car and the business sedan to create something that could potentially be very special.
The new M550i 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.
The V8 under the bonnet of the M550i xDrive can go 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).
The car is handled by the standard-fit Steptronic Sport eight-speed transmission, which should aid smooth gear changes and improve handling.
For fans of a more sportier driving experience, the transmission can also be operated by shift paddles on the steering wheel.
All-Wheel-Drive now footed on the 550i intelligently splits power between each wheel, to achieve more precise steering and handling in various different driving situations.
The adaptive M Sport suspension has been lowered by 10 millimetres and there are two wheel options the standard 19-inch M light-alloy wheels and are 20-inch light-alloy wheels are available.
To go with these wheels the power steering has been given two M-Specific responses in the SPORT and SPORT+ to offer more precise and crisp handling.
Styling is classic BMW. Luxurious, smart, sleek and refined. The slightly swollen looking bonnet is not one of BMW's best deisgns but it's a hard car not to like in terms of styling.
Inside it's a similar story. Classy, refined and cool with an uncluttered display, dashboard and organisation.
Numerous driver-aiding assistants are also integrated ino the car.
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 and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist.
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 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.
More details of pricing, extended specs and availability are to announced early next year.