530hp BMW M550i made available in the UK
New £68k model manages 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds - quick enough to keep us distracted until the new M5 lands
BMW has officially (and finally) announced the M550i for Britain. As part of the updated G30 5 Series range, the twin-turbo V8-powered super-saloon will now bridge the gap to the forthcoming M5 meaning that for the first time UK buyers will be given the option of buying a 530hp model capable of cracking 62mph in just 3.8 seconds. Beneath the new Q-car the 5 Series facelift gets a little more predictable, with BMW electrifying everything in a bid to cut CO2.
But first, the M550i. Using a lesser-tuned version of the M5’s 4.4-litre motor, it’s good for an autobahn-shrinking 553lb ft of torque, while 20-inch rims, an M-Sport differential and adaptive suspension ought to ensure the saloon-only model tackles bends adroitly enough. Unsurprisingly, there’s no mention of an M5-aping rear-drive mode for the £67,595 xDrive-enabled M550i. But the car can claim significant USP as a high-powered, sub-M5 variant, with Mercedes not presently offering an E-Class to directly rival it.
Britain’s appetite for quick stuff suggests the newcomer will prove popular, although inevitably, the more attainable models beneath it will be the core sellers. Arguably the most significant of that bunch is a new 545e, a saloon-only plug-in hybrid that mates BMW’s latest twin-turbo six-pot to its fourth-gen 12kW electric drive system. No performance figures are available for the 545e at this stage (it’s not actually out until November), but you'd imagine that a technical setup that incorporates an 11hp starter generator would overhaul the 340hp offered by the old petrol-powered 540i as it undercuts its CO2 emissions.
We say ‘old’ 540i because it’s actually been dropped from the 5 Series saloon range, becoming a Touring-only variant in the process. This xDrive-only model keeps BMW’s twin-turbo straight-six but – along with all other previously un-electrified 5 Series variants using four and six-cylinder engines – it gains 48v mild hybrid tech as standard. BMW quotes a lower 333hp peak output for the model, suggesting it has a newfound focus for efficiency with the M550i handling the sillier end. That being said, the proper plug-in hybrid 530e should better it thanks to its continued twinning of a four-pot petrol with electric drive. The model’s final stats are also TBC, but it was previously good for a 30-mile electric range. It’s being added to the Touring range from November.
Fans of the pre-update G30 range will be relieved to note the 2020 car has for the most part dodged the big-grille bullet. More significant to the front end’s look are slimmer headlights and their new LED light internal design, which brings the 5 Series in line with the 7 Series. There’s some more black detailing on the taillights, too, but other than that, most of us would need two cars parked side-by-side to spot the minor aesthetic changes elsewhere. Things are much the same inside, hence the lack of cabin pics supplied at this time.
We’re told to expect a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen (2.05 inches larger than before) running off BMW’s seventh-gen operating system, with the maker’s Intelligent Personal Assistant tech and smartphone integration as standard. Only now the software can update automatically via an over the air connection. The refreshed G30 also gets new camera- and radar-based driving assistant systems, such as steering, lane and parking assistants, as well as active cruise control. But the basic setup is familiar from the pre-update model – as per the norm in mid-life refreshes like this – which is no bad thing, given the 5 Series’ myriad talents.
The trim levels remain SE, M Sport and M Sport Edition, with other features including adaptive dampers or the more advanced Adaptive M suspension Professional, which gets active roll-stabilisation, all on the option list. Order your entry 5 Series – a 520i – sans ticked boxes and you could take delivery of a 2020 G30 in exchange for £37,480, a figure that actually undercuts the old starting price by a few hundred quid. For those wondering, the new 545e will start at £54,945. Certainly, there’s plenty there to suggest the 5 Series’ reign as the segment’s best-selling model might continue for some time.
Ok, so the 540i will remain touring only, but the 545e and M550i cannot be that difficult to manufacture in a different body and will appeal to people including those whom the marque has overlooked since the days of the E61 M5. If you want a really toasty tourer you have to go old or Alpina.
Fact they are now including the 530e outside of saloon is a good step and proves the practicalities of fitting the EV running gear in the tourer have finally been overcome. I hope in a way this is a teaser from BM and they will finally come up with the goods in line extensions but I won’t hold my breath.
Keep the 625 bhp M5, id much rather this for a lot less money, I doubt the different in performance will be noticeable on the road!
This is why BMW is my favourite automaker, you can tell it’s run by petrol heads! Audi stick a diesel in the S6, Merc make a hugely complicated E53 that is nigh in silent and BMW put a 530 bhp V8 in the ‘m lite’. Despite me being excited about this, surely it’s a bad thing for BMW? Why buy an M5 when you can buy this.
When my lease is up in 2021, best believe I’m getting myself one of these and keeping it forever!
A twin-turbo V8 wagon in 2020... Would never have thunk it. Well done indeed.
I’ve always thought this generation of 5 looks quite good, and the facelift doesn’t diminish that. Just a slight shame BMW seem to be moving away from angel eyes...
The 545e seems intriguing - it’s nice to see someone doing a 6 cylinder hybrid (again - BMW did of course do the F10 with one such engine) in a medium sized car.
A twin-turbo V8 wagon in 2020... Would never have thunk it. Well done indeed.
I mean, the 540i is just so slow, and cheap.......
Seriously, this is a magnificent car, unbelievably fast for a none-M car, loaded with kit, and no doubt top quality.
Why anyone would buy a massive SUV over one, I just don't understand.
Hopefully 1st owners of M550i’s will select the folding seats for me - doubt it though, I’ve got a feeling they’re nearly all going to be ‘Y’ platers.
These M Lites seem to forever be the sweetspot in the range, can't really see why you'd need the extra performance from an M5 in a daily. I could be tempted to swap my 840d for one in a few years as even at £68k it's incredible value, and should get cheaper still.
I mean, the 540i is just so slow, and cheap.......
Seriously, this is a magnificent car, unbelievably fast for a none-M car, loaded with kit, and no doubt top quality.
Why anyone would buy a massive SUV over one, I just don't understand.
One thing I would say on SUVs is the boot size surprised me. I am after the 5er as I'd like to get my camping gear in. I assumed a 5 estate would be cavernous. My wife has a Merc GLC currenlty, so an SUV based on a class below and it is tight for all our stuff and two kids... but boot sizes:
5 series estate - 570l
E class estate - 640l
A6 estate - 550l
X5 - 650l
GLE - 630l
Q7 - 770l
3 series estate - 500l
C class estate - 490l
A4 estate - 495l
X3 - 550l
GLC - 550l
Q5 - 550l
So very long winded way of saying a 5 series estate in only 20l bigger than the GLC, which I know aint that big. Maybe I need an X5. So I see why people go for SUVs.
One thing I would say on SUVs is the boot size surprised me. I am after the 5er as I'd like to get my camping gear in. I assumed a 5 estate would be cavernous. My wife has a Merc GLC currenlty, so an SUV based on a class below and it is tight for all our stuff and two kids... but boot sizes:
5 series estate - 570l
E class estate - 640l
A6 estate - 550l
X5 - 650l
GLE - 630l
Q7 - 770l
3 series estate - 500l
C class estate - 490l
A4 estate - 495l
X3 - 550l
GLC - 550l
Q5 - 550l
So very long winded way of saying a 5 series estate in only 20l bigger than the GLC, which I know aint that big. Maybe I need an X5. So I see why people go for SUVs.
Lovely thing. And like others total bemusement as to why they refuse to do a touring version.
However all it will do is just add further fuel to the growing fire that cars are too fast and powerful and inmost countries around the round, especially ours they are not needed. I think unless the car industry gets a grip and realises we went passed the acceptable side of fast 10 yrs ago soon, legislators are going to come in and start telling us and we'll very quickly end up in the volvo camp of max top speeds.
oh and before people say safety, it won't be the safety way they get them, as is constantly being argued in Germany now for survival of the unrestricted autobahn it will be the environmental card as they will argue a car at a higher speed pollutes more.
i swear about 15 years ago Audi said power figures had reached the maximum and from now on all cars would get lighter and in some case reduce power but with a higher power to weight ratio. Had some fancy project name when we all scared V8's would die. Well they did one thing which was kill the NA engine
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