2012 BMW M Performance Range Introduced With Mighty Turbodiesel Power

BMW has unveiled a range of M division-developed diesel models—the M550d xDrive sedan, M550d xDrive touring, X5 M50d and X6 M50d. Positioned between the top-of-the-range standard variants and hardcore M variants, the M Performance cars will debut at the Geneva Motor Show before introduction across showrooms soon after starting with Germany. Right-hand-drive markets like the UK and Malaysia will get both the M550d sedan and touring models in rear-wheel-drive forms.

At the heart of these cars is a new 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder diesel engine with BMW's first-ever triple-turbo induction system. The three turbochargers boost the outputs to 381 HP between 4000–4400 rpm and a massive 740 Nm from 2000 rpm to 3000 rpm. The multi-stage turbocharging system comprises two small turbochargers able to deliver sharp responses and one large turbocharger for maximum charge pressure. Malaysia's Euro 2M diesel means that this engine will run far below its optimal level, if at all.

The existing eight-speed automatic transmission, equipped with steering-mounted gearshift paddles, and xDrive four-wheel-drive system are tuned specifically and differently for each of the four models. The steering ratio, suspension, body shell mounting, engine and transmission mounting, and chassis control systems are tuned to suit the characteristics of each model. Right-hand-drive M550d sedan and touring models will be rear-wheel drive only, translating into weight-saving of around 70 kg.

BMW says the M550d xDrive sedan is the fastest to sprint from standstill to 100 km/h, clocking 4.7 seconds. The M550d xDrive touring is fractionally slower taking 4.9 seconds, followed by the X6 M50d in 5.3 seconds, and the X5 M50d close behind in 5.4 seconds. For comparison sake, the M5 sedan, powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine with 560 HP and 680 Nm, does the century sprint in 4.4 seconds. All four new models are electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h.

Thanks to BMW's EfficientDynamics features, including engine stop-start, brake energy recuperation and on-demand function for engine ancillaries, the M Performance range is as economical and clean as it is potent: the M550d xDrive sedan returns 15.9 km/litre and emits 165 grams/km, the touring with 15.6 km/litre and 169 grams/km, the X5 with 13.3 km/litre and 199 grams/km, and the X6 with 13.0 km/litre and 204 grams/km.

Visually, the M Performance models are differentiated from their standard and M siblings via an aero package, which includes revised front and rear bumpers, a roof/boot-lid spoiler and grey trim on the exterior mirrors. The M550d xDrive sedan and touring ride on 19-inch alloys, and the X5 and X6 on 20-inch alloys. Inside, there are M sports seats, an M leather steering wheel, an M logo on the gearshift lever, BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite, and Brushed Aluminium Shadow (X5 and X6) or Aluminium Hexagon (M550d) trims. Also standard is a system that imitates the engine sound through the audio system, with the aim of supplementing the six-cylinder turbodiesel soundtrack. Enjoy the 2012 BMW M Performance Range official video below!