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BMW 550dxM: an AWD diesel M5 coming soon!

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Khatir Soltani
The rumours circulating for the past couple of months that BMW was getting ready to launch an AWD, diesel M5 have grown more insistent, several sources close to the Bavarian automaker having revealed that an M division, AWD, diesel-powered 5-Series would be unveiled next spring. You read that right.

BMW M5 (Photo: BMW)

Complimenting the M5, the new high-performance machine will feature the same 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder mill currently tearing up the pavement in Europe. Several improvements are on the menu, including a redesigned cylinder head, direct injection and, especially, the use of three turbos.

The first and smallest turbocharger will prove particularly useful on take off, while the two larger ones will pitch in to ensure the 550xdM is worthy of the M badge. That would be enough for the engine to kick out between 500 and 550 ponies, a little less than the 2012 M5.

Low range rpm will most notably be affected, a speciality of turbodiesel mills. While the M5 punches out 500 lb-ft, the 550xdM could well deliver 650. An all-wheel-drive system would obviously be necessary to harness all that grunt.

The six-cylinder engine could also find its way into other BMW products, such as the X5 and X5 and possibly the 7-Series sedan.


Source : The Detroit Bureau

Khatir Soltani
Khatir Soltani
Automotive expert
As a car enthusiast, he tests and compares vehicles from different categories through the eyes of the consumer, ensuring relevant and objective reviews.
  • Over 6 years experience as a car reviewer
  • Over 50 test drives in the last year
  • Involved in discussions with virtually every auto manufacturer in Canada