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BMW expands 5 Series range with M550i xDrive and 530e iPerformance
BMW is expanding its 5 Series range in the United States by adding new models at both ends of the performance/efficiency spectrum. We'd love to tell you that one of them is the new M5, but it's not. At least not yet. Fortunately, the M550i xDrive sounds like the next best thing.
Powered by a TwinPower Turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 456 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and peak torque of 480 pound-feet starting at just 1,800 rpm, BMW says the M550i xDrive is the quickest 5 Series ever made. Indeed, the model's 0-60 time of "under four seconds" means it's quicker than the previous-generation M5. All that power is sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. A rear-biased torque distribution ought to make the M550i pretty fun to drive, too. It sits 10 millimeters lower than other 5 Series models, and the various electronic suspension settings are tuned by the experts at BMW's M division.
If overt power isn't your thing, the BMW 530e iPerformance may be more your speed. It's a plug-in hybrid powered by an electric motor with 95 hp and 184 lb-ft, paired up with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 180 hp and 215 lb-ft. Combined, the vehicle's 248 ponies and 310 lb-ft are enough to push this 5 Series to 60 in 6.1 seconds. The liquid-cooled, 9.2 kWh, lithium ion battery pack is positioned so that it doesn't take up any trunk space. xDrive all-wheel-drive is optional.
Both of these new 5 Series models will go on sale in the spring of 2017. Pricing and efficiency figures have yet to be announced.
Yeah, but on a clear road, that 40-year-old grille won't be seen in many rear-view mirrors LOL.
In fact, this car is so fast that it might be impractical for everyday driving, especially in congested areas, where few if any chances will be available to safely or legally use that power.
The current 550i is plenty fast as is, but the electronic throttle lag is horrible. And I'm not fond of AWD either - it makes the car drive like FWD and completely out of character for BMW.
E60 M5 is still the best and most exclusive 5 series in my opinion.
people complaining about the car's appearance are nuts. it's a great looking vehicle. these powertrains seem great too. wonder if lexus will ever step it up in the powertrain dept.
here we go with bmw "m" again. not a fan of the idea, but my goodness this thing is going to be under 4 sec!!!!!!!
BMW is probably doing this in response to Audi 'S' and Mercedes-Benz '43 AMG'. Little bit more on par with the Audi though since both are V8.
Originally Posted by tex2670
Lexus' F-Sport; Audi's S-Line; Caddy's V-Sport. It's a performance name plate watering down that's here to stay.
F-Sport and S-Line are don't have much to do with performance as tuning for handling and exterior and interior treatments. Audi 'S' is an actual mid spec performance between A and and full fledged RS. Cadillac 'VSport' is the true deal like Audi 'S'. I like the option of having A6, S6, RS6, CTS, CTS VSport, CTS-V. So currently Lexus is missing out.
Originally Posted by Och
E60 M5 is still the best and most exclusive 5 series in my opinion.
Absolutely horrid reliability, but I agree the E60 M5 is most exclusive with it's howling V10!
It is actually 80-something years. And it is all about identity. One look and you know that it is a BMW. This is the BMW 303 from 1933 with an early version of the twin kidney grille.
Lexus has its now-recognizable spindle. Audi has its large, Singleframe grille. Infiniti has its somewhat spindle-shaped grille. Acura had its shield. They are all recognizable and easily identified with the brand. Identity of the brand is what is important with luxury car makes.
Impressive performance. I'd be curious to see if BMW has fixed all the horrid reliability issues with its twin turbo V8, including that ridiculous 15,000 mile oil change.
Impressive performance. I'd be curious to see if BMW has fixed all the horrid reliability issues with its twin turbo V8, including that ridiculous 15,000 mile oil change.
That article above says "TwinPower" turbo, not twin turbo. BMW TwinPower turbos are twin scroll turbos, not actual twin turbos. So it seems like it's not the same engine.
12-17-16, 04:38 PM
BMW expands 5 Series range with M550i xDrive and 530e iPerformance
