New BMW M550d xDrive

What's better than a fast 5 Series boosted by three turbos? A fast 5 Series with four!

Quad turbocharged cars don't come along all that often and, when they do, they are typically of the hyper exotica kind. Think Bugatti EB110, Veyron and Chiron, for example. Yet here we are, talking about a BMW 5 Series diesel with four turbochargers. Four!

"All the car you'll ever need" etc etc

The previous M550d made quite a name for itself with a mere three turbochargers by combining all the usual 5 Series attributes with an unprecedented level of pace and performance. So much so, in fact, that the M550d was the only M Performance version of the previous car. Why would you need petrol with 381hp?

Now while the attitude to diesel may have shifted since then, the aim for this car is again simple: "a distinctive driving experience that combines supreme performance with unlimited everyday practicality and impressive efficiency" is how BMW describes the latest M550d.

To those all important numbers then. This is a 3.0-litre diesel with 400hp - yes, the same amount of power as an E39 M5 - supported by a gargantuan 561lb ft. Those peaks are made at 4,400rpm and 2,000rpm respectively. With an eight-speed auto and xDrive, BMW says 62mph comes up in 4.4 seconds (!) for the saloon and 4.6 seconds for the Touring. Top speed is limited to 155mph, but you would have to assume it's capable of far more than that. CO2 is rated from 154g/km to 163, with fuel consumption rated at 47.9mpg for the saloon...

Whoever did dark blue with chocolate gets a raise

How has this been done? Well although this M550d uses multi-stage turbocharging again - imagine all four coming in at once - the larger third turbo in the old car has been replaced by two low pressure chargers; as smaller units they improve the engine's response. The two high pressure turbos only operate together beyond 2,500rpm, or if there is a "high load requirement" from idling. In normal driving both of the low pressure turbos and one of the higher pressure units are used.

Like other M Performance models, the visual tweaks identifying the M550d are modest. There's a new boot badge - but you'll be getting rid of that, won't you? - a unique grille, new wheels and Cerium Grey accents. To the vast majority of people it will be another 5 Series, apart from to the lunatic telling all his friends that that BMW has four flippin turbos and 400hp and them wondering what's wrong.

There's the usual - and very pleasant - 5 Series interior, here embellished with a few M goodies. Perhaps the biggest news inside is the introduction of a 'Sport Individual' mode on the driving experience switch, allowing the driver to configure suspension, steering, engine and transmission. Certainly should save a lot of button bashing to get your favourite mode, as in an M4.

Seriously though, why would you get an X5?

There's plenty of tech to manage in the M550d though, this car featuring rear-wheel steering (for "supreme athletic flair") plus the options of Dynamic Drive (active anti-roll bars) and Adaptive M Suspension Professional. As standard the car uses M Sport suspension that's 10mm lower than standard and 19-inch wheels.

Plenty to be excited by with this M550d then, particularly with no confirmation yet of an M5. BMW says the saloon will be available from July, with the Touring on sale by the end of the year. As for right-hand drive, we'll find out as soon as possible!

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Robert-nszl1

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