BMW’s new M Performance Automobiles releases the first batch of its super diesel models, starting with the M550d xDrive in both sedan and wagon guises.

This is, to all intents and purposes, the most perfect car in the world. It doesn’t lack anything. It’s got four doors, plenty of space, good looks, a powerful yet efficient engine, plenty of gadgets, and the coolness of BMW’s badge and driving sensation. Get it in wagon form and there’s no situation you can think of which this car can’t handle.

The power comes from a 3.0 liter six-cylinder in-line diesel engine featuring three turbochargers, common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors and maximum injection pressure of 2,200 bar. The result of all that is an output of 280 kW/381 hp,with maximum torque: 740 Newton metres (546 lb-ft).

It does 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, and yet averages almost 50 mpg!

It also gets BMW EfficientDynamics technology, including Auto Start-Stop function and ECO PRO mode. The M550d shares this engine with the other cars of the M Performance series, the X5 and X6. Other features of this amazing car includes M-tuned suspension, xDrive AWD system, and the Driving Experience Control switch, including ECO PRO mode.

The only downer is the price, which is 80 800 EUR for the sedan, and 83 750 EUR for the touring. It’s a very complete car, but that still sounds like a lot for what’s, at the end of the day, a 5-Series.

Specs:

• Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 4.7 seconds,
• top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph),
• average fuel consumption: 6.3 litres/100 kilometres (44.8 mpg imp),
• CO2 emissions: 165 g/km, exhaust standard: EU6.
• BMW M550d xDrive Touring:
• Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 4.9 seconds,
• top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph),
• average fuel consumption: 6.4 litres/100 kilometres (44.1 mpg imp),
• CO2 emissions: 169 g/km, exhaust standard: EU6.

All BMW M Performance Automobiles contain a wide range of comfort-enhancing equipment as standard; extensive individualisation possible thanks to virtually full availability of BMW 5 Series, BMW X5 and BMW X6 options; includes Comfort Access, automatic tailgate operation (standard in Germany on the BMW X6 M50d and BMW M550d xDrive Touring), hands-free tailgate opening (BMW M550d xDrive, BMW M550d xDrive Touring), electrically operated glass/panoramic sunroof, doors with Soft Close Automatic function, trailer coupling, heated steering wheel, active seats, Adaptive LED Headlights (BMW X6 M50d), navigation systems with hard disk storage, high-quality audio and rear-seat entertainment systems.

Wide range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive unmatched by any rival: Head-Up Display, Adaptive Headlights, High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition (BMW M550d xDrive), Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Change Warning System (BMW M550d xDrive), Lane Departure Warning System (BMW M550d xDrive), rear-view camera with Top View (BMW X5 M50d, BMW X6 M50d), Surround View (BMW 550d xDrive), Speed Limit Info, internet access, extended integration of smartphones and music players, Real-Time Traffic Information and apps for receiving web radio and using Facebook and Twitter.