The BMW M5 is No Longer the Fastest 5 Series
BMW has introduced a new 5 Series model that is faster than the current M5.
The first ever BMW M550i xDrive is the fastest 5 Series to date with a zero-to-60 mph time under 4.0 seconds, making it faster than the current standard BMW M5 that does the sprint in 4.4 seconds, according to BMW. Powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, the M550i xDrive delivers 456 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque and is heading to the U.S. in spring 2017. The powerplant is mated to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission while BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system splits drive power in the M550i between all four wheels as the situation demands.
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Compared to the standard 5 Series, the M550i sits 0.4 inches (10 mm) closer to the ground thanks to Adaptive M Sport suspension, and can be had with either standard 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in Cerium Gray metallic matte or the optional 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in an exclusive design, also finished in Cerium Gray metallic.
Further enhancing the M550i is an M aerodynamic kit that includes an M rear spoiler on the trunk lid, helping optimize the airflow guiding the air around and over the car. The exterior mirror caps, the kidney grille frame, the special M Performance design accents on the front air intake and the two Air Breathers on the front fenders are all finished in exclusive Cerium Gray metallic. Around the windows is high-gloss Shadow Line trim while in the rear is an M sports exhaust system with exclusive tailpipes in black chrome.
Additional elements on the sports sedan include illuminated door sills with the “M550i xDrive” inscription while standard multi-contour seats are upholstered in Black Dakota leather with blue contrast stitching.
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The German automaker also announced the BMW 530e iPerformance, a plug-in hybrid with a total system output of 248 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Range and fuel economy figures have not been announced for the 530e iPerformance, but expect more details closer to the model’s launch in spring 2017.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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Such Yesterday's technology. All these so called luxury brands ail in comparison to a Tesla Model S.... And those touting for hybrids, well that is about the most inefficient - it's like being half pregnant and makes no sense.
Everyone talking about hybrid technology, specifically the MPG argument- you do not buy a high performance, top of the line V8 M550i x drive and worry about gas mileage. Buy the 528i or something, because most car enthusiasts want to go fast and do not care about gas mileage. Also, the tesla argument is dumb. With a car like this, you can make it MUCH faster than a tesla model s through the 1/4 mile with a little bit of money. Too me, it is worth it to buy the gas engine because I take several road trips, for thousands of miles. I cannot sit and wait several hours every 2-300 miles to refuel.