When it comes to market early next year, the hottest 5 Series model to own will be the all-new M550i. Replacing the previous top dog – 550i – the new M Performance Automobile will bring impressive performance to the 5 Series lineup, only rivaled by full M fledged models.

While in Portugal test driving the new G30 5 Series, we had the chance to spend some time analyzing the visuals of the new M550i. Unfortunately, test drives were not scheduled for this super fast sedan, but that’s likely to change in 2017.

The new BMW M550i G30 is only available in combination with the all-wheel drive inherited from the previous 550i. Just like the unofficial predecessor, the M550i also relies on a V8 TwinTurbo with a displacement of 4.4 liters, but now drawing 462 hp. Thanks to the reduced weight, this power is sufficient to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.0 seconds, and to move on the same level with the M5 of the previous F10 generation.

The engine is matted to the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission standard while the design of the M550i closely resembles the appearance of all the other new 5 Series with M Sport Package. This not only the exterior mirror caps, but also the kidney mountings, the aero flaps in the front apron, the air outlets behind the front wheels as well as exclusive light alloy wheels. Another distinctive feature is the exhaust system with four almost square tailpipes combined in two rectangular enclosures.

In Germany, the first of the two M performance – the M550d is the next one – has a base price of 82,700 euros. In the summer of 2017, the BMW M550d xDrive with its quad-turbo diesel and 400 hp will follow, delivering great performance and fuel efficiency.

Even though not officially confirmed at the moment, the U.S. market is likely to import the M550i as well.