Quad Turbo BMW M550d Has As Many Turbos As A Bugatti
Four turbos. That’s the same amount of turbos in the new Bugatti Chiron. They work in a similar way, too.
Just like the Chiron’s setup, there are two low pressure turbos that provide low-end grunt, and two high pressure turbos that keep the power coming all the way to the top of the rev-range. The BMW however, is a diesel. It’s also a family saloon or wagon. Not quite a Chiron.
But that doesn’t matter because this new BMW M550d bites at the heels of the M5 while being enveloped in an economical and sensible shroud that will camouflage its sporty undertones in front of your other half when you bring it back from the dealer.
“No, darling. I’ve been sensible this time.”
Until you look at the spec sheet you would never know that this car boasts a ridiculous 332lb ft at only 1000rpm, and an even more ridiculous 561lb ft at 2000rpm. Horsepower? 394bhp, rivalling the Mercedes-AMG E43. All this power will be fed presumably through an eight-speed gearbox to each wheel – this of course being a recipient of BMW’s xDrive.
BMW has told us that 60 can be achieved by the saloon in 4.4 seconds, and the touring in 4.6. Top speed however will be limited – probably to a standard 155mph, giving it enough punch to travel the Autobahn at a moderately high speed. And with M-performance trim you get more stopping power, low drag aerodynamics, and active steering and suspension. The cornering performance should be able to keep up with its straight line speed, after all.
This is one of the best diesel engines, second only to the 4.0-litre V8 found in the Porsche Panamera. Not bad bearing in mind that this is only a 3.0-litre inline six. And of course, having a smaller engine also means receiving a high mpg rating. BMW has been able to force 47.8mpg from the six pot. That’s about the same as a Fiesta ST on paper.
Seeing as how diesels are looking to become a dying breed, it would be nice if BMW would let the UK have some of the action. The last version wasn’t available here, and BMW have given no hints as to whether this new diesel will be available here either. So please BMW? Be kind to us Brits. We’re not all bad.
