2011 BMW 550i xDrive debuts along with M-Sport package
Heading into the 2011 model year, BMW is adding even more powertrain variants across its lineup. The most likely candidate for the U.S. market is the 550i xDrive sedan. The 407 horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 can send its 400 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels with the rears getting 60 percent of the grunt. The front-to-rear balance can be adjusted on the fly based on traction conditions, and if the car is cornering, more torque is sent to the back freeing up the fronts for steering force.
In Europe, at least, BMW is also bringing back the 535d, but instead of the previous twin-turbo setup (which is still used in the U.S.) it has a single twin-scroll turbocharger. Output for the top diesel is now up to 300 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque from just 1,750 rpm. Acceleration to 62 mph takes just 5.7 seconds with combined mileage on the EU driving cycle being rated at 38.6 miles per gallon. We already got an early look at the new M Sport package yesterday which gives the 5 Series a slightly toned down M5 appearance.
xDrive is now available on several more 5 Series Gran Turismo and 7 Series sedan variants including the diesel powered 740d. A new Design Pure Impulse package for the Z4 combines large quantities of Nappa leather and Alcantara with bright yellow paint and matching interior accents. Finally, the 204-hp X1 xDrive 23d can be ordered with a six-speed manual as an alternative to the automatic that was previously the sole gearbox choice.
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