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.
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.
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.
I said years ago that BMW should take, what is the M5, and call it M540i. Then, bring out the proper M5 without any compromises to its handling and performance. Make it what it used to be – a thoroughbred sports car with four doors. Could this be what BMW has done? I sure hope so!
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