We already covered BMW’s ActiveHybrid 5 Series, so here is a mini-review of the M550d xDrive.
This model comes equipped with a tri-turbo 3.0-liter inline 6 Diesel engine with a maximum power output of 376 horsepower and 546 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed automatic transmission connects this power to the all-wheel drive system that decreases the understeer and oversteer in banks by quite a bit. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, and the sprint to 60 is done in just 4.7 seconds. The transmission is particularly precise, and gets a neat Auto Start-Stop function, that automatically switches off the engine when not needed.
The fuel economy is pretty high for a car with this kind of power: 44.8 mpg.
The interior gets sport seats with Alcantara/Cloth, gearshift lever with M logo, M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, M driver’s footrest, and other M branded elements. Other features on this car are the xenon headlights, Cruise Control with braking function, electrically adjustable seats with memory for the driver’s seat, 4-zone climate control, the Radio Professional system, USB interface, ambient light, rain sensor and the iDrive control system.
This car will make its public debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in four models: M550d xDrive sedan, Touring (wagon), X5 and X6.
