The BMW M Performance Automobile division continues to churn out new and impressive models.  The latest to join the pack, bridging the gap between regular series cars and M products, is the 2018 BMW M550i xDrive.  In March 2017 – just a month after the launch of the other 5 Series models – the BMW M550i xDrive took over as the sporting highlight of the new BMW 5 Series range and as one of the fastest production series BMWs. 

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Packing a new, M Performance-tuned 4.4 liter V8 — featuring two twin-scroll turbochargers, a High-Precision injections system, Valvetronic valve lift and Double VANOS variable cam timing — the BMW M550i xDrive develops 456 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque.  The latter of which comes in at an incredibly low 1,800 rpm.  All of that power and torque is sent through an eight-speed automatic Sport Steptronic gearbox to all four wheels, via xDrive. 

Thanks to that power and torque, the BMW M550i xDrive is capable of getting from 0-60 mph in under 4.0 seconds.  The upcoming F90 M5 will do about 3.5 seconds, but it will also come with a significant higher price tag. 

As seen on these photos from the 2017 NYC Auto Show, the exterior mirror caps, the kidney mountings, the aero flaps in the front apron, the air outlets behind the front wheels as well as exclusive light alloy wheels are all different on the M550i compared to the regular 5 Series, and a sure way to differentiate the MPA 5 Series from the rest of the pack. 

The 2018 BMW M550i xDrive Sedan will be available starting at $72,100 plus $995 Destination and Handling.