2018 BMW M550i xDrive & 530e iPerformance – Video
The new BMW M550i xDrive is the first BMW 5 Series M Performance model to be powered by a petrol engine, namely a specifically modified M Performance TwinPower Turbo eight-cylinder unit with a displacement of 4.4 litres. (fuel consumption combined: 8.9 l/100 km [31.7 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 204 g/km)* The V8 is equipped with two twin-scroll turbochargers and features the High Precision Injection direct injection system, Valvetronic fully variable valve timing and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control. This all adds up to an output of 340 kW/462 hp at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 650 Nm (479 lb‑ft) that can be summoned from just 1,800 rpm.
The state-of-the-art, high-performance engine comes with all the dynamic credentials expected of a BMW M Performance Automobile, propelling the BMW M550i xDrive from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.0 seconds, then on to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). At the same time, the new V8 engine also demonstrates the exceptional efficiency of the M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. The new BMW M550i xDrive already complies with the exacting EU6 emissions standard.
Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive. Drive transfer in the most powerful BMW 5 Series Sedan is, at present, handled by the standard-fit Steptronic Sport eight-speed transmission, which plays a significant role in the superb dynamics of the BMW M550i xDrive. The M Performance configuration of the shift modes has been tailored to the characteristics of the V8 engine, with distinctly sporty gear changes and more instantaneous downshifts across the entire rev range, and serves to enrich the thrilling driving experience. For an even sharper sporting edge, the eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission can also be operated using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. The transmission itself helps to cut fuel consumption and emissions thanks to its compact design, low weight and optimised efficiency.
The BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system in the BMW M550i xDrive splits drive power between all four wheels as the situation demands – intelligently and with a rear-wheel bias. BMW xDrive is thereby key to delivering two intrinsic elements of the trademark M Performance driving experience under all conditions: superlative driving performance and extremely precise handling. And when the adaptive M Sport suspension (lowered by 10 millimetres) is added to the equation, along with either the standard 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in Cerium Grey metallic matt or the optional** 20-inch light-alloy wheels (in an exclusive design, also painted in the Cerium Grey metallic matt finish), the result is tremendous handling stability and optimum traction, come what may.
In addition, the power steering with M-specific responses in the SPORT and SPORT+ settings serves to highlight the crisp handling and precise driving properties of the sportiest representative yet of the new-generation BMW 5 Series. Steering commands are executed with pinpoint accuracy and the driver receives the sort of feedback that guarantees immense driving pleasure when powering along twisty sections of road. The performance-enhancing specification of the BMW M550i xDrive is completed to perfection by the M Sport brakes with brake callipers in Blue metallic and M badging, which combine outstanding stopping power with excellent feel.
The BMW eDrive system’s state-of-the-art electric motor has an output of 83 kW/113 hp and places maximum torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) on tap, while the four-cylinder combustion engine with its 2.0-litre displacement generates 135 kW/184 hp and 320 Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. The combination of motor and engine keeps the CO2 emissions of the BMW 530e iPerformance very low at just 44 g/km. The overall system output of 185 kW/252 hp and combined peak torque of 420 Nm (310 lb-ft) propel the BMW 530e iPerformance from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.2 seconds and enable it to reach a top speed of 235 km/h (146 mph). The BMW 530e iPerformance has a range of up to 650 kilometres (404 miles) in real-world driving and is capable of covering distances of up to 50 kilometres (31 miles) purely on electric power at a maximum speed of 140 km/h (87 mph).
The electric motor and combustion engine direct their power to the sedan’s rear wheels via the standard eight-speed Steptronic transmission. Positioning the electric motor upstream from the transmission allows the transmission’s ratios to be used in all-electric mode too. This dispenses with the need for a torque converter, something that goes a long way towards offsetting the weight penalty of the additional drive unit.