Confirmation of BMW M diesel models has finally arrived, and just like a bus you wait a year for one and then four come at once. Each sport AWD and the tri-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six rated at 375hp and 546lb-ft of torque, but before anyone living stateside gets too excited; be warned: none are slated for the US. The BMW M Performance diesel range includes the M550d xDrive Sedan, M550d xDrive Toruing, X5 M50d and X6 M50d, with the small 'd' indicating 'diesel.'
An eight-speed automatic gearbox features in all models, while xDrive AWD comes as standard. The result is that the M550d sedan can hit 62mph in 4.7 seconds. The M550d Touring manages 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds, while the X5 M50d and X6 M50d hits 62mph in 5.4 and 5.3 seconds respectively. All have an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Other hallmark features you'd expect of an M Performance range include Auto Start/Stop, ECO PRO mode, M-tuned springs and dampers, bodyshell mounting, engine & transmission mounting, and Servotronic mapping for the hydraulic steering.
In addition to the M aero body kits, other styling touches include metallic grey side mirrors, trapezoidal tailpipes, 19- and 20-inch M light alloys in V-design for the M550d and double-spoke design for the X5 and X6 M50d. M model lettering features on the door sills, boot lid, and for the X5/X6 M50d on the instrument cluster and engine cover. On the inside, exclusive M sports seats with contrast stitching and embossed M logo are finished in Black Alcantara/Nappa leather on the X5/X6 and in Grey Shadow Alcantara/Cloth on the M550d.
Other highlights include a gearshift lever boasting the M logo, M leather steering wheel with shift paddles, Anthracite BMW Individual roof liner, interior trim strips in Brushed Aluminum Shadow for the X5/X6 and Aluminum Hexagon on the M550d, and interior sound design that further emphasizes the engine soundtrack. There's a host of options ranging from electrically-operated glass/panoramic sunroof to rear-seat entertainment systems, and a wide array of driver assistance systems and mobility services courtesy of the BMW ConnectedDrive such as BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition (M550d) and rear-view camera with Top View (X5/X6).
All four models will make their world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March, shortly followed by a market launch where in Germany they will be sold for around €80,000 to €85,000.
