BMW “M Performance Automobiles Range” Unveiled

BMW has officially introduced the new “M Performance Automobiles” range, a lineup of vehicles positioned between the production versions and the high performance M models. The new models will be powered by a completely new engine, developed by BMW and the M division, a 3.0-liter V-6 diesel unit that is equipped with a turbocharging system featuring three turbochargers, a technical premiere for the German carmaker. Created to comply with the strict Euro 6 emission standards that will be introduced in 2014, the engine powers four models: the M550d, the M550d Touring, the X5 M50d and the X6 M50d.

The engine delivers the same performances on all models, 381-hp available at 4,000 rpm and 740 Nm delivered between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm. Another impressive feature of this engine is its ability to go as high as 5,400, a new feature for a diesel unit. The turbocharging system uses three turbochargers, one being larger and the other two more compact, this configuration allowing maximum performance at any rpm level. The only transmission available is an eight speed automatic one, BMW also offering its xDrive all wheel drive system and the Efficient Dynamics technology.

Based on the current BMW 5 Series, the BMW M550d xDrive comes in two body types, sedan and Touring. The sedan sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds, just like the previous generation M5, while the Touring does the acceleration in 4.9 seconds. Both models reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, while fuel economy and CO2 emissions are extremely impressive considering the level of performance these two models offer: 37.3 mpg and 265 grams of CO2 per mile for the sedan and 36.7 mpg and 272 grams of CO2 per mile for the Touring.

As for the other two models, both the X5 M50d and the X6 M50d sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds and achieve a fuel economy of 31.3 mpg, the only difference being that the X6’s CO2 emissions are 6.5 grams per mile higher. Just like the M550d, the top speed for both models is electronically limited at 155 mph.

Alongside the new engine, the BMW M engineers also worked on significant upgrades for the suspension system, shock absorbers and steering, to improve the car’s dynamics and handling. Of course, any performance upgrade wouldn’t be perfect without an aesthetic one, so BMW went for the M body kit for all the models and also made available special wheels, 19-inch for the 5 Series and 20-inch for the two X models.


People also view

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *