BMW M550i coming to the UK

Brit buyers have previously been excluded from ordering BMW’s bruising V8 5 Series, but that’s set to change

BMW has confirmed the M550i xDrive – a model previously denied to UK buyers – will be coming here in 2020.

The 455bhp twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 M550i was announced in late 2016, and originally intended only for German, Russian and North American markets.

Best executive cars 2019

But a BMW insider confirmed a shift away from big-engined diesel models, together with small but marked predicted demand, means the company has revised its previous decision and will bring the M550i to the UK in 2020. Once it arrives, the M550i will usurp the 335bhp six-cylinder 540i currently residing at the top of the standard 5 Series range.

As an M Performance model, the four-wheel drive M550i xDrive offers buyers “the dynamic genes of BMW M”, without the expense and commitment required by a full-blown M model. Like most BMWs, it’s top speed is electronically limited to 155mph, and buyers are unlikely to be able to order the M Driver’s Package that raises this to 190mph in the M5. Nonetheless, the M550i deals with the 0-62mph sprint in just 4.0 seconds, a 0.6 second penalty over the M5.

Paired exclusively with and eight-speed ZF torque converter automatic gearbox, the M550i uses a similar V8 engine to the M5, with the turbos placed within the V of the cylinder banks in ‘hot-V’ formation, and the same bore and stroke. But the M5’s powerplant features unique oil and cooling channels, different turbos, higher fuel injection pressures, and a number of other upgrades.

As well as that hot-V engine, the M550i features a sports exhaust, suspension lowered by 10mm, uprated brakes, 19-inch alloy wheels and a light bodykit. Pricing has yet to be confirmed, but the American 5 Series market indicates a ticket of £64,000 looks likely.

While there’s good news for fans of powerful petrol BMWs, though, the company confirmed there remain “no plans” to bring the quad-turbo M550d over here.

Are you looking forward to the V8 5 Series? Let us know in the comments...

Recommended

New BMW i5 2023 review: the 5 Series gets electric power
BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport - front
Road tests

New BMW i5 2023 review: the 5 Series gets electric power

The new all-electric BMW i5 boasts a long range and outstanding cruising comfort
25 Oct 2023
New BMW 5 Series now on sale at over £50k
BMW i5 M50 – front tracking
News

New BMW 5 Series now on sale at over £50k

Latest eighth-generation BMW 5 Series alongside the all-electric i5
24 Oct 2023
Don't buy that SUV just yet! The new BMW 5 Series Touring is almost here
BMW 5 Series Touring - teaser
News

Don't buy that SUV just yet! The new BMW 5 Series Touring is almost here

BMW teases the next-generation 5 Series estate ahead of its 2024 launch
18 Oct 2023
UK buyers can now get BMW's 530e and 550e xDrive plug-in hybrids
BMW 530e - front quarter
News

UK buyers can now get BMW's 530e and 550e xDrive plug-in hybrids

BMW’s pair of plug-in 5 Series models add more options to growing range
27 Sep 2023

Most Popular

‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’
Opinion - Fiat Scudo
Opinion

‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’

With some huge savings to be had, Mike Rutherford thinks a van could be the perfect vehicle
3 Dec 2023
New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates
Renault 5 EV concept at 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed
News

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates

Renault’s reborn Renault 5 will start from €25,000 in Europe, suggesting a circa-£30k price in the UK. It's due on sale in the summer of 2024. Here's …
1 Dec 2023
Deal of the Day: Spacious Skoda Superb is a peerless estate for £223 a month
Skoda Superb Estate - front tracking
News

Deal of the Day: Spacious Skoda Superb is a peerless estate for £223 a month

The Superb is one of our favourite estates and our Deal of the Day for Monday 4 December
4 Dec 2023