BMW Diesel With M Power

BMW has launched its first diesel M car: the new M550d xDrive in saloon and Touring estate body styles. It’s part of a strategy to fill the gap between the exclusive M GmbH division cars and the top-end cosmetic M Sport trim lines. Developed by the engineers responsible for the M3,M5 et al, the new M550d xDrive is powered by a new high-output version of the 3.0-litre straight six turbodiesel packing not one, not two, but three turbochargers.

No wonder it puts out 376bhp and 546lb ft of torque. It’s claimed to be reviver than normal turbodiesels, maxing out at 5400rpm, though few drivers will need to extend it that far thanks to the sky-high torque figure

The M550d xDrive is unsurprisingly knocking on the door of M5 performance: 0-62mph comes up in 4.7sec, top speed is limited to 155mph and it averages 44.8mpg and 165g/km of CO2. BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive tame all that grunt and a range of M5-inspired handling mods are offered too. Springs, dampers, engine and transmission mounts are all upgraded and the estate has air suspension on the rear axle.