BMW expands 5 Series range with M550i xDrive and 530e iPerformance
#1
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.
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.
#2
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
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
#4
Lexus Test Driver
Yawn. Same grille for 40 years. Tiring.
#6
Lexus Fanatic
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.
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.
#7
Lexus Champion
Maybe Lexus should have stayed with the same grille instead of that horrid spindle mess. Same for Acura's beak a few years ago.
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#9
Lexus Fanatic
Originally Posted by Fizzboy7
Yawn. Same grille for 40 years. Tiring.
#11
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.
#12
Absolutely horrid reliability, but I agree the E60 M5 is most exclusive with it's howling V10!
#13
Lexus Champion
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.
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.
#15
Lexus Champion
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.