BMW M Performance diesels revealed - M550d, X5 M50d and X6 M50d [video]

Agility, precision and emotion, M-style. The BMW M Performance Automobiles. (Short version)

The new BMW M GmbH product range offers customers more ways to experience Sheer Driving Pleasure with an even sharper sporting edge. The BMW M Performance Automobiles stand out with their exceptionally powerful engines, enhanced agility and precision handling, their emotion-laden design and unrestricted everyday practicality, and their impressive efficiency given the performance on offer. All are based on current BMW models, BMW M GmbH using its vast pool of expertise to carry out carefully targeted technical and design modifications.

The premiere of the BMW M Performance Automobiles heralds the creation of a new category of car, one which marks out the sporting potential of the latest BMW models in particularly vivid style. Getting the ball rolling for the new breed are a quartet of inspirational models linked most significantly by a newly developed six-cylinder in-line diesel engine. Three turbochargers, maximum output reaching 280 kW/381 hp and peak torque of 740 Newton metres (546 lb ft) provide a punchy introduction.

Without parallel worldwide, the new engine gives the BMW M550d xDrive Sedan, BMW M550d xDrive Touring, BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d performance figures head and shoulders above those of the diesel models currently topping their respective model series. The new M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology lays on a significant increase in output and torque across an extremely wide rev range. And yet despite this enhanced power delivery, fuel consumption and emissions figures in the EU test cycle are almost unchanged.

Unique engine, customary M set-up.

The further optimised combination of driving pleasure and efficiency provides fresh evidence of the outstanding development expertise on hand at BMW M GmbH in terms of powertrain technology. However, it is the typically harmonious interplay of powertrain, chassis technology and design that gives BMW M Performance Automobiles their innovative and distinctive character. An eight-speed Sports automatic gearbox and the intelligent all-wheel-drive system BMW xDrive - tuned to suit each individual model - team up with detailed modifications to chassis components and light-alloy wheels developed exclusively for the BMW M Performance Automobiles to deliver driving characteristics imbued with agility and precision. Precisely controllable handling properties reflect the expertise and experience of BMW M GmbH in the development of high-performance sports cars.

The familiar M style is also expressed through the cars' bespoke body design, which takes its cues from the aerodynamic demands of driving at the dynamic limit. And the BMW M Performance Automobiles also boast an interior very much in keeping with the purposefully sporty driving experience. Premiere: six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with three turbochargers.

The market launch of the first BMW M Performance Automobiles also sees the premiere of the most powerful diesel engine ever fitted in one of the brand's models. The new unit shows BMW demonstrating its commitment to the development of ultra-sporty yet impressively efficient diesel powerplants. Globally unique technological highlights open the door to a new dimension in power development. The six-cylinder in-line engine developed for the BMW M Performance Automobiles uses its 2,993 cc displacement to generate maximum output of 280 kW/381 hp, giving the new diesel unit a specific output of 93.6 kW/127.3 hp per litre of displacement. No less imposing is the engine's maximum torque of 740 Newton metres (546 lb-ft), all of which the driver will find on tap as low down as 2,000 rpm.

Playing a central role in this increase in power is M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. For the first time, a BMW engine will feature three turbochargers. The size, arrangement and interplay strategy of the turbos are designed to guarantee maximum power delivery across a wide rev band. The system comprises two relatively small turbochargers and one large turbo, which join forces precisely to deliver the amount of power required. According to the driving situation, the low moment of inertia of the small turbochargers is exploited to the full to deliver razor-sharp responses, while the link-up with the large turbo is maximised to generate as much charge pressure as possible.

This innovative and globally unique multi-stage turbocharging concept represents a particularly efficient method of boosting output. In addition, the efficiency of the new diesel engine is further optimised by innovations including a new development stage in common-rail direct injection technology, featuring piezo injectors working with maximum pressure of 2,200 bar. The impressive quantity and quality of the technical innovations on hand complement the unrivalled development expertise of BMW in the development of diesel engines. The new powerplant strikes the most effective balance between output and fuel consumption of any series-produced unit of its kind.

The BMW M550d xDrive: a new benchmark in sporty driving pleasure and efficiency in the BMW 5 Series segment.

The unique properties of the new six-cylinder diesel engine play a key role in enabling the BMW M Performance Automobiles to redefine the relationship between driving pleasure and economy - and therefore ensure the BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring act as extremely effective advertisements for BMW EfficientDynamics technology in the BMW 5 Series segment. These models embody a particularly high-level application of the principle of increased performance coupled with ultra-low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The typically M interpretation of the BMW 5 Series' characteristics also allows drivers to experience the harmony of sporting capability and ride comfort, fascination and everyday usability in extraordinary depth.

Both the Sedan and Touring models prove more impressively than ever that the hallmark pulling power of a diesel engine can be converted into inspirational driving dynamics. The BMW M550d xDrive Sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds, while the BMW M550d xDrive Touring covers the same sprint in 4.9 seconds. The two models showcase the efficiency benefits of diesel technology equally convincingly. In the EU test cycle the Sedan records fuel consumption of just 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres (44.8 mpg imp), the Touring 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 for the BMW M550d xDrive Touring. Both models also meet the requirements specified by the EU6 exhaust standard.

Model-specific modifications governing power transfer, chassis and design enable a textbook M conversion of engine output into sporty driving pleasure. The standard-fitted eight-speed Sports automatic transmission comes with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel and is given model-specific settings, enabling even more rapid gear changes and helping the engine's performance characteristics to be exploited to the greatest possible degree. 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 (available as an option).

The BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d: an imposing presence in both the acceleration and efficiency rankings.

Outstanding powertrain and chassis technology in combination with xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive allow the BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle and BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe to display extraordinary poise and assurance. The BMW M Performance Automobiles based on the two BMW X models take these character traits to a whole new level. Thanks to the most powerful diesel engine in the BMW engine range, allied to the optimised power transfer, handling properties and aerodynamic balance for which M cars are renowned, the BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d set new standards in their respective classes in terms of sportiness, conceptual harmony and efficiency.

With its maximum output of 280 kW/381 hp and peak torque of 740 Newton metres (546 lb-ft) the engine developed for the BMW M Performance Automobiles also brings a level of performance to the two BMW X models which no other diesel-powered car in their segments can match. The BMW X5 M50d accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.4 seconds, the BMW X6 M50d in just 5.3 seconds, while average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle stands at 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres (37.7 mpg imp) for the Sports Activity Vehicle and 7.7 l/100 km (36.7 mpg imp) for the Sports Activity Coupé - only slightly above the figures for the existing diesel variants of the two models. CO2 emissions are 199 grams per kilometre for the BMW X5 M50d and 204 g/km for the BMW X6 M50d.

The eight-speed Sports automatic transmission with enhanced gearshift dynamics and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system - tuned to suit the individual model and emphasise the traditional rear-wheel set-up of BMW cars - transfer drive to the road with characteristic élan. Chassis technology which has likewise been modified using BMW M GmbH expertise ensures that the hallmark agility of BMW X models is geared even more intently to enhancing sporting capability. 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 - another distinguishing feature of BMW M Performance Automobiles - give the cars an even more individual visual appearance.

BMW M Performance Automobiles: using outstanding expertise to increase driving pleasure - a tried-and-tested concept.

The development of high-performance sports cars with bespoke powertrain and chassis technology, stand-out design and interior features and model-specific cockpit controls and displays represents the core area of business of BMW M GmbH. The expertise required to fulfil this brief is rooted in decades of experience in the conception of racing cars, which initially constituted the sole focus of BMW Motorsport GmbH following the company's founding in 1972. However, it was not long before this expertise was also being used to satisfy the demands of drivers with sporting pretensions for more power in their road cars. The first BMW 5 Series models were duly equipped with suitably modified powertrain and chassis technology in the mid-1970s.

In 1980 an additional BMW 5 Series model was unveiled for the first time; the BMW M535i boasted a significant increase in output (to 160 kW/218 hp) and modifications to the chassis, brakes, gearbox and rear differential. Also developed on the basis of the second-generation BMW 5 Series was the BMW M535i, which was on sale from 1984 to 1987 - alongside the BMW M5 following its 1985 launch. With its extra power moulded flawlessly into dynamic excellence and stand-alone stylistic identity headlined by aerodynamically optimised body components, the BMW M535i provided full-blooded driving pleasure yet also unhindered day-to-day usability. It marked the realisation of a concept whose success was rooted primarily in the harmony between powertrain, chassis and design achieved by BMW M GmbH, and which has now been revived in a fresh new form with the BMW M Performance Automobiles.

At a glance.

• 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.