- BMW releases details of its 2011 5 Series lineup.
- A four-wheel-drive version of the 400-horsepower 550i sedan will be available.
- An M Sports package with suspension tuning, unique aerodynamics and M wheels will be introduced in Europe.
MUNICH, Germany — BMW is adding a four-wheel-drive variant this fall to its twin-turbo 550i flagship sedan. Sales in Germany start in September.
The new BMW 550i xDrive sedan is powered by the 400-horsepower twin-turbo 4.4-liter gasoline direct-injection V8, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels through an electronically controlled "intelligent" four-wheel-drive system.
Zero-to-60 acceleration is accomplished in less than 4.8 seconds. Average fuel economy on the combined European driving cycle is 21 mpg.
The European market also gets a new 535d sedan, powered by a 295-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel that makes 443 pound-feet of torque, accelerates from zero to 60 in less than 5.7 seconds and returns an average 39 mpg.
Also available in Europe on the 5 Series sedan is an M Sports Package developed by BMW's M GmbH subsidiary. It bundles M sport suspension, M aerodynamics package and 18-inch M double-spoke alloy wheels, as well as Alcantara/fabric sport seats, an M leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift lever, and BMW Individual anthracite headliner.
Inside Line says: Stay tuned for U.S. market details. — Paul Lienert, Correspondent
Add A Comment »
jhatmaker24 says:
08:28 AM, 07/30/2010
cmnott - My intent is to not come off as harsh with my reply to your post, so please don't take it in a hostile way....with that said:
How can you compare the 550i to Mercedes AMG line. Those are two completely different offerings. The 550i doesn't compete or compare to the E63. It's a sporty luxury sedan, not a high performance sedan. Wait until the twin-turbo M5 comes out and then make your comparison if your going to compare it to AMG cars.
I have a feeling the 550i's V8 sounds a lot better than Mercedes E550 for which it competes head to head with.
cmnott says:
10:00 AM, 07/06/2010
I test drove a 550i and it is fast, comfortable and I don't have any qualms about the steering. The reason I will not get one is it is an aural and visual bore. Yawn. I was hammering that twin turbo V8 and you could not hear anything. On top of the bland styling, which you can grow to like, would you not want to hear that engine? There is no emotional connection to be made with this car and I tried evern with the radio off!
Mercedes and AMG have got it right, with awesome sounding motors that make you heart soar. BMW made a very sporting Buick.
smallfield says:
08:34 AM, 07/04/2010
"MAKE AWD AN OPTION FOR THE NEXT M5 !!!!
IF NOT, AT LEAST, GIVE THE 550xi M-DCT !!!!!!!
IT NEEDS A DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION !!!!!"
I'd buy the M5 AWD DCT when they release it :), but they won't make that car. It'll be RWD.
Might still get one tho. I'll have to see if they can change the front styling. BMW has made the rest of the car beautiful, but the fronts of all of their sedans and coupes look like a fish or timid animal.
jmcbmw says:
10:46 PM, 07/03/2010
I have an 09 528i (just to disclaim my bias) and read the new C&D article. I have to say, steering complaints aside, they did kind of throw the new 535i under the bus maybe just to make a point. I bet they will have another comparo at some point and call it a winner. How can you ignore that the interior is a total stunner compared with the swoopy Infinity and bland Audi. The exterior is almost perfectly executed as well. I'm going to have to warm up to the new bulging front end a bit but that Infinity is just too (again) swoopy and the Audi too conservative and has that big snout.
The line across the hood of the 5-series at the front is about the only styling issue that bothers me a bit. I think C&D is probably correct in that they will tweak the steering feel (which was the only real complaint). BMW makes minor changes almost every model year and I'm sure they will continue to refine this new model. I am definately liking the look of that M Sports package so I hope they bring it!
m3winsagain says:
09:24 PM, 07/03/2010
why does everyone think idrive sucks it easy to use
m3winsagain says:
09:23 PM, 07/03/2010
oh BMWM1 use ur calculater grand total 55,525 and the steering isnt numb
also reviews are opinion
so u like infinti or any other
i like bmw
and the tire for that car is grand touring not perfromance tires
why is ur name BMWm1
charlesb says:
08:45 PM, 07/03/2010
Car & Driver threw the new 5-series under the bus in the last issue.
cocojoe53 says:
04:15 PM, 07/03/2010
BMW needs to consult Ford on the proper way to make Electric assist power sterring
bmwm1 says:
02:43 PM, 07/03/2010
m3winsagain: Nope, excuse after excuse after excuse. You have to add this and you have to take away that, and on and on and on. Why doesn't the car drive well stock like my 335i?
Your calculations are wrong also:
Base MSRP: $49,600
Metallic Paint: $550
Dakota Leather: $0
Wood Trim: $0
Dynamic Handling Package: $2,700
Premium Package: $1,800
Sport Package: $2,200
Destination & Handling: $875
EQUALS = $57,725
Let me ask you this, when was the last time a more expensive Infiniti did better than a less expensive BMW in a comparison test? I'll tell you when, NEVER. I thought Infiniti always won these things JUST BECAUSE of price? This is inexcusable for BMW. If I wanted numb steering, I would be driving a smooth and quiet Lexus.
m3winsagain says:
09:19 AM, 07/03/2010
@ bmwm1 plus those run flat tires ruin the car put some proper tires on and it will handle better and ride more comfy also sport package doesnt add sport suspension, m sport does
also i made a car at ur specs and it comes to 57,675 which is noe the same price car and driver says
also these reviews are opinion and personally id taker the bmw