BMW Launches M Performance Brand With Monster Diesels

The M Performance line is intended to fit in between regular production BMW's, and the full-fat M models (M3, M5, 1M Coupe, etc).  Sort of like S-Line Audis, R-Design Volvos, and AMG Package Benzes, but with a catch: all four M Performance models that are coming to the Geneva Show in March are powered by diesels.

Go cry in your beer if you want, but I'm not joking about the "Monster diesel" part.  Case in point: BMW's 4.4L twin-turbo V8 as seen in the 550i, 650, 750i, etc makes a healthy 400 horsepower and 440lb-ft of torque.  This new 3.0L I6 diesel going into these models makes 381bhp and 546lb-ft of torque.  Yes, five hundred forty six, or 740nM if you prefer that scale.  That's enough torque to alter the earth's axis, according to my highly scientific calculations.  The motor uses piezoelectric direct injection and common-rail fuel delivery at an operating pressure of 2,200 bar (32,340psi), and the engine revs out to a surprisingly high 5,400rpm.  It also has stop/start tech to save fuel.

The big difference with the regular 3.0L diesels is the presence of an extra turbo - that's right, the 50d engine is a triple-turbo setup.  Two small ones, one big one, all providing boost by 2,000rpm.  All four models will come equipped with the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.

Of the four models (M550d, M550d Touring, X5 50d and X6 50d), the M550d will be the fastest, posting a 4.7 second 0-60 run and average 37.3mpg US (or 44.8mpg Imperial.)  That's outrageously fast - the giant F10 5-series with a diesel is faster than the iconic E46 M3 to sixty.  Then again, it's got another 50 horsepower and almost twice the torque, so not so suprising.

Other changes include M Performance specific suspension and steering tuning, bodywork, 19" alloys on the 5-series (20's on the X5 and X6) and sports seats.  The quintuplets (that'd be 12 turbos, then) are debuting at Geneva and go on sale in Europe in April.  The pricing is pretty high, though: the cheapest (M550d) will retail for €80,800, and the X6 M50d will €85,800.  Price in the US?  Nope, not for sale - something else to cry in your beer over.  Now all they need to do is shove this engine into the 3-series.  It's good to see a definitive answer to the "Triple Turbo" question, finally!