The rumors saying that BMW's M Performance division is working on a diesel model have started a long time ago. Today BMW confirms them by revealing not one, but four different diesel M cars. The BMW M550d, the M550d Touring, the X5 M50d and the X6 M50d are the first diesel models to be developed by the M division. Let's start with the part you're all waiting for: the engine. It's a 3.0-liter (2,993 cc) 6-cylinder in-line diesel engine with an output of 280 kW/381 hp between 4,000 - 4,400 rpm, and a massive 740 Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque between 2,000 – 3 000 rpm. Thanks to TwinPower Turbo technology with three turbochargers, the new 50d engine has a specific output of 93.6 kW/127.3 hp per liter. BMW's new diesel M engine has an aluminum crankcase, variable geometry / high-pressure turbos, and a common-rail direct injection system with piezo injectors, which develops a maximum pressure of 2,200 bar.
The BMW M550d (sedan and touring), the X5 M50d and the X6 M50d are all equipped with 8-speed Sports automatic transmission, the carmaker's xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system, EfficientDynamics technology, and an Auto Start-Stop function.
Apart from the new engine, all four diesel M cars feature modified chassis, more efficient aerodynamics and an improved power transfer. BMW's M division upgraded the cars' suspension system, bodyshell, engine and transmission mounting, springs and dampers, all standard and optional chassis control systems, and the Servotronic mapping for the hydraulic steering.
The BMW M550d xDrive, which is based on the current 5-Series, will be available in two versions: as a sedan and as a station wagon / estate. The distinctive design features of the BMW M550d (plus Touring) include the new front bumper with larger air intakes in each side, and the discreet boot lid spoiler. The twin double exhaust pipes, which are the M Division's trademark, have been replaced. The M550d comes with two exhaust tail pipes, left and right. The BMW M550d features the Driving Experience Control switch, which offers the ECO PRO driving mode, and the Performance Control system. The BMW M550d Touring also comes with an air suspension on the rear axle, an automatic self-leveling system, Dynamic Damper Control and Adaptive Drive with anti-roll control.
Here are the performance figures. The BMW M550d sedan is rated with a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Its average fuel consumption is rated at 6.3 litres/100 kilometers (44.8 mpg imp), and its CO2 emissions at 165 g/km (EU6). The BMW M550d Touring requires 4.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph), but it has the same top speed. The touring version of the M550d is not so efficient as the sedan. Its combined fuel consumption is 6.4 litres/100 kilometers (44.1 mpg imp), with 169 g/km CO2 emissions (EU6).
The BMW X6 M50d is rated with a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration time of 5.3 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). BMW's X6 M50d is not EU6 compliant, but its 204 g/km CO2 emissions level grants him an EU5 certification. The average fuel consumption of the X6 M50d is rated at 7.7 litres/100 kilometers (36.7 mpg imp). In terms of design, the X6 M50d distinguishes itself through its new front bumper, which features two large air vents, and its new exhaust tips. In terms of technology, the BMW X6 M50d comes equipped with Dynamic Performance Control, BMW's air suspension, Adaptive Drive, rear-view camera with Top View and huge 20-inch alloys.
In terms of performance, the BMW X5 M50d is a bit slower in comparison to its coupe brother. The 100 km/h (62 mph) mark comes in 5.4 seconds. However, its top speed is the same limited 250 km/h (155 mph). However, the BMW X5 M50d is also more efficient than the X6. With a EU5-compliant, 204 g/km CO2 emission level, the X5 M50d promises to offer a 7.5 litres/100 kilometers (37.7 mpg imp) fuel consumption on the combined cycle. The BMW X5 M50d will be available with the same equipment as the X6.
You can access a detailed description of all the new diesel M cars here. Full specifications are also available. You can watch the BMW M550d (sedan and Touring), the BMW X5 M50d and the BMW X6 M50d in action on video lower down this page.
BMW M550d / BMW M550d Touring / BMW X5 M50d / BMW X6 M50d Video:
