The new BMW M550i xDrive

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: www.press.bmwgroup.com

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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