German car maker BMW has revealed the BMW M Performance Automobiles. A total of four new models have been released today with more models following soon. The premiere of the BMW M Performance Automobiles heralds the creation of a new category of car fitting in between the normal series and the M Power series. The most noticeable part of the cars is the 3.0 liter six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with three turbochargers, a maximum output of 381hp at 4,000-4,400rpm and peak torque of 740Nm at 2,000-3,000rpm. The redline is at 5,400rpm.
The BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring are the first two models in the lineup. The BMW M550d xDrive Sedan accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds, while the BMW M550d xDrive Touring covers the same sprint in 4.9 seconds. The top speed of both is an electronically limited 250km/h. Standard-fitted eight-speed Sports automatic transmission comes with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel and is given model-specific settings. Meanwhile, BMW xDrive improves the cars’ cornering dynamics, as well as enhancing traction and directional stability.
The electronic all-wheel-drive system follows a control strategy tailored to each model. This allows the threat of understeer in extremely dynamic driving situations to be counteracted by adjustments to the power split, without the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system linked up to xDrive having to intervene. Meanwhile, the air channelling properties, handling and appearance of both BMW M550d xDrive variants benefit from aerodynamically optimised body elements at the front and rear, Ferric Grey exterior mirrors and air intake bars, and exclusive 20 inch light-alloy wheels.
The other two models are the BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d, which use the engine three-turbocharged engine providing a maximum output of 381hp and peak torque of 740Nm. The engine is linked to an eight-speed Sports automatic transmission with enhanced gearshift dynamics and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The BMW X5 M50d accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, the BMW X6 M50d in just 5.3 seconds. The top speed of both is an electronically limited 250km/h.
The BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d also underline their dynamic tendencies in the form of model-specific body features, which optimise both the supply of cooling air for the engine and the cars’ aerodynamic properties. 19 inch (BMW X6 M50d: 20 inch) M light-alloy wheels are also fitted as standard on these models. 20 inch light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey developed exclusively for the BMW M Performance Automobiles can be specified as an option, plus Ferric Grey metallic exterior mirror caps and air intake bars.
BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d are fitted standard with air suspension on the rear axle and self-levelling. Adaptive Drive is standard on the BMW X6 M50d and available as an option for the BMW X5 M50d. M model lettering is found on the door sills and boot lid. In the case of the X5/X6 M50d, there is also M Performance badge in the instrument cluster and engine cover.
The four vehicles will make their official debut at the Geneva Auto Salon 2012 in March, and will not be available in the US. he M550d sales begin in Germany on May 12 followed by the X5/X6 M50d on June 16. The prices for the German market are as follows; the BMW M550d xDrive is € 80,800, the BMW M550d xDrive Touring is € 83,750, BMW X5 M50d is € 82,300 and the BMW X6 M50d is € 85,800. All prices are including VAT (19%).
Ok, when you talk about Diesel, you should probably drop some words on fuel economy.
Incredible write up Marc!
Thanks :)