With 456 horsepower on tap and a trick xDrive
traction system, the BMW M550i is no slouch. But it’s about to get a big boost
thanks to the engine from the new M850i.
According to unnamed company sources cited by
BMWBLOG, the Bavarian automaker is preparing to shoehorn in the newer 4.4-liter
twin-turbo V8 revealed for the flagship coupe into the mid-size sedan. To the
current M550i’s 456 hp and 650 Nm of torque, the M850i
boasts 523 hp and 750 Nm.
If the report proves accurate, that would net a
substantial increase of 67 hp and 100 Nm, and would
undoubtedly unleash even more performance in the performance sedan. Expect the
0-100 km/h sprint to drop by a few tenths from its currently quoted
4.0 seconds as a result, bringing it even closer to the M5 with its 592 hp, 750 Nm of torque, and 3.4-second 0-100 km/h)sprint.
BMWBLOG projects that the change will take effect
towards the end of next year. But what’s more is that the 5 Series won’t be the
only model to get the new engine. So too, reportedly, will the new BMW X5 just
released, which will be rebadge the xDrive50i model as the X5 M50i. And the
forthcoming next-gen X6 and the all-new X7 are expected to get that same engine
(and badge) too. All of which bodes well for BMW’s thankfully growing M
Performance lineup, which already includes models like the M140i hatchback,
M240i coupe/convertible, M760Li sedan, and X3 M40i, X4 M40i, X5 M50d, and X6
M50d crossovers.
