Official: BMW M goes diesel, introduces M550d, X5 M50d, X6 M50d

Aiolos

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I know some will see this as a mutilation of the M brand, but I think it's a great way for people to have daily drivers that get decent mileage and are sporty.

It sucks that they aren't coming to the States though :(

That aside, the 550d sedan's acceleration to 0-62 in 4.7 seconds while still getting 44.8 mpg is phenomenal and shows what automakers are capable of.


Rumors of BMW M launching a diesel model have been circulating for over a year, and confirmation has finally arrived in the form of not one, not two, but four M-fettled oil-burners, each sporting all-wheel drive and the oft-rumored tri-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six. And before you get excited, none of them are slated for sale in the U.S. ? this is a Euro-only affair.

So with that unfortunate fact out of the way, let's get to the details.

The new M models come in the form of the M550d xDrive sedan, M550d xDrive touring, X5 M50d and X6 M50d. Each makes use of a 3.0-liter inline-six common-rail diesel with the aforementioned trio of turbos specifically developed for the M Performance range. Output is rated at 376 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 545 pound-feet of torque available from 2,000 to 3,000 revs. If you're keeping track at home, that's a bump of 80 hp and 103 lb-ft over the 535d and 74 hp and 103 lb-ft more than the 3.0-liter mill fitted to the diesel X5 and X6.

Each model comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and standard xDrive AWD, allowing the M550d sedan to hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds ? just four tenths of a second off the all-new M5's 0-60 run. You read that right. The M550d Touring hits 60 in 4.9 seconds, with the X5 M50d and X6 M50d passing the mark in 5.4 and 5.3 seconds, respectively. All models are limited to 155 mph and fuel consumption ranges between 6.4 liters/100km and 7.7 liters/100km.

Interestingly, the M-ified diesel 5ers ditch the standard electromechanical steering for a hydraulic system that's derived from the M5, and both the X5 and X6 variants uses systems similar to those on the X5 M and X6 M.

And if you're wondering why we won't see these M diesels here in the States, blame the necessity to reengineer the SCR (selective catalytic reduction) systems to make them comply with emissions standards across the country.

Press Release: The BMW M Performance Automobiles.

The BMW M Performance vehicles described in the attached press release are not planned for the US market. The press release is posted for informational purposes only.

New BMW M GmbH product range based on current BMW models; BMW M Performance Automobiles complement the model family with their clear focus on sports performance combined with unrestricted everyday usability and outstanding efficiency; new product category launches with four models: BMW M550d xDrive Sedan, BMW M550d xDrive Touring, BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d.

Rigorous use of BMW M GmbH development expertise in the optimisation of agility, precision and emotion; BMW M Performance Automobiles with harmonious interplay of powertrain, chassis technology and design features typical of M models; exclusive, extremely powerful engine; detailed modifications to chassis technology and power transfer; aerodynamically optimised body.

World premiere for a new six-cylinder in-line diesel engine developed exclusively for the BMW M Performance Automobiles; new, globally unique M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology: three turbochargers, common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors and maximum injection pressure of 2,200 bar; 3.0-litre displacement, 280 kW/381 hp, maximum torque: 740 Newton metres (546 lb-ft); instantaneous responses and outstandingly dynamic power delivery into the upper reaches of the rev range; maximum revs: 5,400 rpm; impressively economical thanks to optimised efficiency and extensive BMW EfficientDynamics technology, including Auto Start-Stop function and ECO PRO mode.

Eight-speed Sports automatic transmission with enhanced gearshift dynamics fitted as standard on all BMW M Performance Automobiles; BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive with bespoke set-up optimised to enhance dynamics; BMW M550d xDrive and BMW X5 M50d with Performance Control, BMW X6 M50d with Dynamic Performance Control.

M-specific tuning of suspension, bodyshell mounting, engine and transmission mounting, springs and dampers, all standard and optional chassis control systems, and the Servotronic mapping for the hydraulic steering; result is significantly enhanced agility and precision in dynamic driving situations, with the linear build-up of lateral forces familiar from M cars.
BMW M550d xDrive comes as standard with the Driving Experience Control switch, including ECO PRO mode; BMW M550d xDrive Touring also features air suspension on the rear axle and automatic self-levelling; both models available as an option with Dynamic Damper Control and Adaptive Drive including anti-roll control.

BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d fitted as standard with air suspension on the rear axle and self-levelling, Adaptive Drive standard on the BMW X6 M50d and available as an option for the
BMW X5 M50d.

Purposeful design modifications in familiar M style set individual models apart and provide aerodynamic optimisation; exterior mirrors and air intake bars with striking Ferric Grey metallic paintwork; trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes; BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line; 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design standard on the BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring; 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design standard on the
BMW X5 M50d; 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design standard on the BMW X6 M50d; exclusive 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey available as an option for all models; model lettering on the door sills, boot lid and, in the case of the
BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d, also in the instrument cluster; engine cover with "M Performance" badge.

Bespoke interior design shows clear emphasis on the cars' sporting character; gearshift lever with M logo; exclusive Alcantara/Nappa leather M sports seats in Black (BMW X5 M50d, BMW X6 M50d) or Alcantara/Cloth in Grey Shadow (BMW M550d xDrive) with contrast stitching and embossed M logo; M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles; BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite; interior trim strips in Brushed Aluminium Shadow (BMW X5 M50d,
BMW X6 M50d) or Aluminium Hexagon (BMW M550d xDrive); interior sound design adds further emphasis to the characteristic six-cylinder soundtrack.

All BMW M Performance Automobiles contain a wide range of comfort-enhancing equipment as standard; extensive individualisation possible thanks to virtually full availability of BMW 5 Series, BMW X5 and BMW X6 options; includes Comfort Access, automatic tailgate operation (standard in Germany on the BMW X6 M50d and BMW M550d xDrive Touring), hands-free tailgate opening (BMW M550d xDrive, BMW M550d xDrive Touring), electrically operated glass/panoramic sunroof, doors with Soft Close Automatic function, trailer coupling, heated steering wheel, active seats, Adaptive LED Headlights (BMW X6 M50d), navigation systems with hard disk storage, high-quality audio and rear-seat entertainment systems.
Wide range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive unmatched by any rival: Head-Up Display, Adaptive Headlights, High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition (BMW M550d xDrive), Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Change Warning System
(BMW M550d xDrive), Lane Departure Warning System
(BMW M550d xDrive), rear-view camera with Top View
(BMW X5 M50d, BMW X6 M50d), Surround View (BMW 550d xDrive),
Speed Limit Info, internet access, extended integration of smartphones and music players, Real-Time Traffic Information and apps for receiving web radio and using Facebook and Twitter.

Engine:
Six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with
M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology, aluminium crankcase, three turbochargers (high-pressure, with variable turbine geometry), common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors, maximum injection pressure: 2,200 bar.
Displacement: 2,993 cc,
output: 280 kW/381 hp at 4,000 ? 4,400 rpm,
max. torque: 740 Nm (546 lb-ft) at 2,000 ? 3 000 rpm,
specific output: 93.6 kW/127.3 hp per litre of displacement.
BMW M Performance models: performance figures, fuel consumption, CO2 emissions:
BMW M550d xDrive Sedan:
Acceleration [0 ? 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 4.7 seconds
,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph),
average fuel consumption: 6.3 litres/100 kilometres (44.8 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 165 g/km, exhaust standard: EU6.
BMW M550d xDrive Touring:
Acceleration [0 ? 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 4.9 seconds
,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph),
average fuel consumption: 6.4 litres/100 kilometres (44.1 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 169 g/km, exhaust standard: EU6.
BMW X5 M50d:
Acceleration [0 ? 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 5.4 seconds
,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph),
average fuel consumption: 7.5 litres/100 kilometres (37.7 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 199 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.
BMW X6 M50d:
Acceleration [0 ? 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 5.3 seconds
,
top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph),
average fuel consumption: 7.7 litres/100 kilometres (36.7 mpg imp),
CO2 emissions: 204 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.

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Full Gallery Here
 
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I was going to bitch about sacrilege and all, then I saw the m550d Touring.
 
I tell everyone that BMW is the representation of all that's evil in the known universe, and no one believes me. Now they go and show it to everyone, and everyone just goes "Ooooh, shiny!"

What does this company have to do to convince you? Kill puppies and drink their blood?
 
I think the M550d is great, but the X6 still needs to burn in hell.

I don't understand though how this would be any different than a normal 5 series with the M sport package?
 
For a moment I was afraid that they were going to make them look exactly the same exterior wise as the 'true' M models, but they did a good job on making them look different from both the M series and the regular 30/35d.
Okay maybe not, it looks a lot like the regular 30/35d, but that isn't a bad thing. The M name is just a marketing asset anyway today.

But boy would I love one of those tourings! ~7l/100km, 169g/km CO2 and 740 Nm of torque! My only niggle is that it's AWD :(
 
DAT TORQUE! 740Nm sounds insane, so it's probably good that it is has AWD, otherwise it would shred its tires at every stop sign. Also 127HP per liter of displacement is huge for a diesel engine. Now put the engine into the 3-series :D. That being said, as much as I love fast diesels, I'm doubtful about this being as exciting to drive as a regular M5. I know it is a cliche, but with AWD and so much torque, this is more likely to be a uber highway-express.
 
i really don't understand the obsession with wagons some of you have...
 
That 5er wagon is an actual sports train. I don't care for utility, it's just better. So long and low, hmmmm.
 
That aside, the 550d sedan's acceleration to 0-62 in 4.7 seconds while still getting 44.8 mpg is phenomenal and shows that hybrids can suck it.

FTFY
 
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i really don't understand the obsession with wagons some of you have...

I don't either.

Anyways, I don't see why BMW shouldn't do performance diesel cars. Better this than that hybrid crap.
 
I don't either.

Anyways, I don't see why BMW shouldn't do performance diesel cars. Better this than that hybrid crap.
I drive one and dont get it :p Agreed on performance diesel, this is something that can tow your boat while passing everyone on the highway, nothing wrong with that! :)
 
This is fooking awesome! This is the real way to deal with the "fuel-crisis". Plus I want that touring!!
 
Great. Not that a current 5 series Touring was my current dream car* before, now it comes with 740 Nm of Diesel torque. I need more money...


* Aside from the obvious supercars, I mean.
 
Great news, as there won't be a M5 Touring anymore!
 
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