On the mountain roads in rural Oregon, The Fast Lane Car spent some time with BMW’s fastest 5 Series ever built – the M550i xDrive. Back in April, the BMWBLOG team went to Germany to test the very same car and came back impressed.
The BMW M Performance changes over a standard 5 Series are comprehensive and include a 10mm lowered more aggressive stance, unique front and rear clips, wide wheels and M badging. Nearly every aspect of the M550i has been modified by BMW M including the V8 turbo charged motor, transmission, suspension, wheels as well as appearance both inside and outside.
The BMW M550i xDrive Sedan is powered by a specially modified M Performance 8-cylinder engine, a first for BMW M Performance. This potent TwinPower Turbo 4.4 liter V8 is able to achieve such a high output by combining turbocharging, direct fuel injection and variable valve timing. The V8 has two twin-scroll turbochargers and helping the engine breathe better is the Valvetronic fully variable valve lift and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing control. The BMW M550i xDrive develops 456 hp, 480 lb-ft of torque available at an incredibly low 1,800 pm.
0-60 comes in a scant 3.9 seconds.
This M-tuned all-wheel drive system is the secret sauce in the M550i. BMW M cars have gotten so powerful, they have turned to tire-shredding drift kings, meaning they can have hard time putting all that power down. The M550i’s power and torque is sent through an eight-speed automatic Sport Steptronic gearbox to all four wheels, via xDrive.
In short, the TFL review thinks it may be the most under-the-radar speed machine BMW’s put out yet. And those who drive it will know that subdued, luxurious looks can be deceiving.
Let’s have a look
