BMW is pinning its hopes of increased performance-car sales success on a tri-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine set to make its public debut in a range of potent all-wheel-drive, M division-developed models at the Geneva motor show in March.
The M550d xDrive sedan, the M550d xDrive touring, the X5 M50d and the X6 M50d all were conceived to provide performance approaching that of their celebrated gasoline-engine M division siblings--but with vastly better fuel economy, significantly lower carbon-dioxide emissions and--in European markets at least--more affordable pricing.
Sadly for prospective North American buyers, they will not be sold here thanks to BMW's decision not to homologate the diesel engine to meet 50-state emission standards, something that BMW North America officials say would require it to adopt expensive and hard-to-package selective catalytic-reduction technology to lower its nitrous-oxide emissions.
But, Autoweek can confirm that moves are afoot to bring other M Performance models to North America before the end of 2012.
The quartet of performance diesels forms the basis of what BMW has dubbed its M Performance range. They are planned to slot into their respective lineups between the top-performing standard model and the full-blown M model in terms of outright performance, dynamic ability and equipment levels. In the case of the headlining M550d sedan, this would be between the 550i and the recently introduced sixth-generation M5.
"We're close to finalizing other additions to our new M Performance portfolio, including gasoline-engine models, which we're planning to show before the end of the year," BMW M division spokesperson Stefan Behr said.
The six-cylinder common-rail engine adopts a patented induction system boasting three turbochargers that BMW sources suggest are set to revolutionize the efficiency and performance credentials of traditional combustion engines, both in diesel and gasoline formats.
The new M division-developed diesel engine comprehensively outguns BMW's widely used twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, developing 376 hp between 4,000 rpm and 4,400 rpm along with a sturdy 545 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm.
In each of the new M Performance models, the new engine is mated to a beefed-up version of BMW's existing eight-speed automatic supplied by German gearbox specialist ZF and a specially tuned version of the German carmaker's all-wheel drive system.
Together, the engine's heady reserves and the traction-enhancing qualities of its driveline are sufficient to provide the 4,178-pound M550d xDrive sedan with 0-to-62-mph acceleration in 4.7 seconds--just 0.3 second slower than the new M5. Top speed, as in all of BMW's new M Performance models, is limited to 155 mph.
BMW's EfficientDynamics fuel-saving features include automatic stop/start, brake-energy recuperation and on-demand function for engine ancillaries.
Together with the all-wheel-drive M550d xDrive sedan and the M550d xDrive touring, Autoweek can confirm that BMW is also planning to introduce rear-wheel-drive M550d sedan and M550d touring models to selected markets later in 2012. Also under development are M650d xDrive and M650d coupe and Gran Coupe models.
In keeping with its reputation of delivering cars with outstanding handling, BMW's M division gave all of the vehicles unique steering ratios, chassis settings and, in some instances, chassis components including track widths, body-structure mountings, engine mountings and gearbox mountings consummate with their M-car siblings.
Each M Performance car will get subtle styling changes differentiating them from their standard and M-car siblings. The interior of each car gets the M division treatment with unique stainless-steel sill plates, leather-bound dashboards, M-specific steering wheels and seats, among other changes.
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