Last week, our team headed to Germany to drive one of the most special BMWs of the year. The all-new 2018 BMW M550i xDrive held its first press drives in the land of Bavaria, high up in snowy mountains, which posed a challenge for a car with performance-equipped tires. Despite the small hurdles, the new M Performance Automobile of the 5 Series performed beautifully, especially on the twisty Alp Roads.

Nearly every aspect of the M550i has been modified by BMW M including the V8 turbo charged motor, transmission, suspension, wheels as well as appearance both inside and outside.

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The BMW M Performance changes over a standard 5 Series are comprehensive and include a 10mm lowered more aggressive stance, unique front and rear clips, wide wheels and M badging. Once inside the new M550i, the door shuts with a solid teutonic thunk. The driver is surrounded with the latest in German luxury and technology. Seating position in the deeply bolstered M Sport Seats rewards the driver with a great view of the road.

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The BMW M550i xDrive Sedan is powered by a specially modified M Performance 8-cylinder engine, a first for BMW M Performance. This potent TwinPower Turbo 4.4 liter V8 is able to achieve such a high output by combining turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. The V8 has two twin-scroll turbochargers and helping the engine breathe better is the Valvetronic fully variable valve lift and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing control. The BMW M550i xDrive develops 456 hp, 480 lb-ft of torque available at an incredibly low 1,800 pm.

0-60 comes in a scant 3.9 seconds.

To learn more about the new M550i xDrive, please see the video review below.