BMW introduced the first-generation 5 Series known as the E12 in 1972 but the nameplate only received V8 power with the third generation E34 of 1992 and the configuration has been integral in the lineup ever since.
According to BMWBLOG, the M550i xDrive will be discontinued, this means the V8 twin-turbocharged 4,4-litre engine will no longer be available on the M550i but will be reserved for the M-powered 5 Series only.
BMW hasn’t confirmed anything about the said rumour but looking at the German firm’s determination to further electrify its model range, this does not sound far-fetched at all. The eighth generation 5 Series could be the first since the E28 of the 1980s to come without a V8 engine. The new 5 Series line-up will still feature an 8-cylinder engine and it is scheduled to enter production in July 2023. BMW has confirmed that the next M5 will include a charging port and will retain the V8 twin-turbo engine. BMW is also planning to use their new S68 powerplant that has already debuted in the 760i, X7 M60i and upcoming XM.
The M550i comes with the standard M Sport differential and Adaptive M Suspension to keep it responsive and manoeuvrable, with superior torque distribution for easy control. The M550i xDrive has an 8-speed automatic transmission with sport and manual shift modes, it uses BMW’s turbocharged 4,4-litre V8 petrol engine, which delivers 390 kW and 750 N.m of torque. The M550i will go from 0-100 km/h in just 3,8 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h.
The BMW M5 competition which is not that far off from the M550i, is a powerful high-performance mid-sized sedan. A track-ready performance-oriented vehicle that earned the nickname of “The powerful leader” because it outperforms and outruns all the other M-badged BMWs. According to BMW the M5 competition will go from 0-100 km/h in just 3,3 seconds and has a top speed of 305 km/h. The 8-speed M Sport Transmission and three-stage drivelogic shifting system let drivers go from smooth to aggressive in seconds. Producing 460 kW of power and 750 N.m of torque.
A lot of people will be heartbroken that the V8 twin turbo engine will be seeing its last days for the M550i xDrive but some feel like the the extra muscle produced by the hybrid six will make up for the switch. Announced in 2016, and arriving in late 2020 on South Africa shores, the BMW M550i xDrive has had a great run.
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