In what seems like the blink of an eye, the BMW 5-Series range has established itself as the best-selling model in the executive segment. A convincing balance between dynamics and ride comfort, exemplary efficiency, premium quality and innovative equipment features has earned both the Sedan and the Touring versions their huge popularity.

2013 BMW M550D xDRIVE TOURING

Added to which, sporty yet elegant design and agile handling have helped fuel the fascination associated with the brand. And now the arrival of the BMW M Performance Automobiles aims to accentuate the sporting aspects of the BMW 5-Series character. The BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring capture the imagination with performance figures that leave their diesel-powered class rivals firmly in the shade. And they combine these leading values with the efficiency drivers have come to expect from diesel BMW cars.

The sporting focus of the BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring is highlighted by bespoke modifications to power transfer, chassis and design components. These upgrades bear the signature of BMW M GmbH, which uses its development expertise to mould the two models into extraordinarily harmonious overall packages. The outstanding power of the tri-turbo straight-six diesel engine is translated into thrilling driving dynamics with impressive precision. This allows the 5-Series-based BMW M Performance Automobiles to offer the driver not only supreme diesel power, but also remarkably agile handling and predictable, controllable responses when exploring their dynamic limits

The new and globally unique M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology gives the six-cylinder in-line diesel engine powering the BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring maximum output of 280 kW/381 hp and peak torque of 740 Newton metres (546 lb-ft). The engine’s instantaneous and sustained wave of torque allows it to lay down benchmark performance values for diesel-powered executive cars. The BMW M550d xDrive Sedan goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds, while the BMW M550d xDrive Touring records 4.9 seconds for the same sprint. The duo also display addictive elasticity at higher speeds thanks to their engine’s vast reserves of power. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) in both cases.

2013 BMW M550D xDRIVE

The diesel technology developed exclusively for the BMW M Performance Automobiles also gives the new arrivals a convincing head start in terms of efficiency. The Sedan offers fuel economy figures of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres (44.8 mpg imp) in the EU test cycle, while the Touring achieves 6.4 l/100 km (44.1 mpg imp). CO2 emissions are 165 grams per kilometre for the BMW M550d xDrive Sedan and 169 g/km in the case of the BMW M550d xDrive Touring. Standard-fitted BMW BluePerformance technology also allows the two models to meet the stipulations of the EU6 exhaust standard.

The new cars’ outstanding balance between driving pleasure and fuel consumption can be credited to the impressive efficiency of the new diesel powerplant and the spread of BMW EfficientDynamics technology fitted as standard. The BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring benefit, among other things, from the pace-setting efficiency of an eight-speed Sports automatic transmission with long high gears, precisely graded responses and minimal converter slip.

Another standard feature, the Auto Start-Stop function, switches the engine off automatically when the driver stops at junctions or in congestion. And the ECO PRO mode activated using the standard Driving Experience Control switch helps the driver maintain an economical and relaxed driving style through tweaks to the engine management, accelerator responses and gearshift program. In addition, ECO PRO mode regulates the output of electrically operated functions such as the climate control, heated seats and exterior mirrors to provide extremely efficient energy management. The BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring also come with Brake Energy Regeneration, need-based operation of ancillary units, active air flap control and a disengageable air conditioning compressor.