The popular BMW 5 Series was redesigned for the 2017 model year, now sporting a fresh, but evolutionary design, a revamped interior, and a brand-new platform that's lighter and stiffer. Loaded with state-of-the-art technology and several carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics, the new 5 Series also gained a range of updated engines, including four- and six-cylinder units. For the 2018 model year, BMW also launched new M550d versions for both the sedan and Touring wagon models.

Unique in this segment, the M550d is the range-topping variant of the diesel lineup, and although it's not a proper M5, it has the exact same role on the market. It's also an already established nameplate, having been introduced in early 2012 alongside other similar versions. Essentially, the only model that doesn't have a competitor from Mercedes-Benz and Audi yet, the M550d comes with a major drawback, being sold on the European market only. However, its performance is outstanding given the diesel drivetrain, and it's your only option if you want the torque and fuel economy of an oil burner, but the acceleration and dynamics of a gasoline vehicle.

Continue reading to learn more about the BMW M550d xDrive.

Is the Diesel-powered M Car a Thing Now?

Yes it is. The M550d is by no means new and it was launched in 2012 alongside similar versions of the X5 and X6. Called the M50d, the SUVs have had a similar role in their respective segments, offering unprecedented performance with a diesel engine under the hood. While not a full-fledged M car, the M550d sits at the top of the diesel 5 Series range and until Mercedes-Benz and Audi do something about it, it's the most powerful luxury oil burner not just in this niche, but in the entire premium segment. So yeah, it's a thing. And it's big!

Exterior

Much like its predecessor, the new M550d takes the majority of its styling cues from the standard model, in this case being the recently redesigned 5 Series. On top of that, it comes with an M aerodynamic package with enlarged air inlets up front and a revised bumper around back. The sedan also has a Gurney-type rear spoiler. Overall, this package not only makes the M550d look sportier than the standard model but also optimizes the air flow and enhances engine cooling.

The beefed-up sedan and wagon also sport a range of M-specific elements, including the gloss black vertical bars in the twin-kidney grille. The mirror caps and the side air breather elements are now finished in Cerium Grey, adding a bit of contrast to the sides. Both the sedan and wagon ride of 19-inch alloys wheels standard, but there are two optional designs to consider. There's a 20-inch double-spoke options, but you can also go with a set of BMW Individual V-spoke rims. The latter are particularly appealing due to their chrome accents on the grey spokes, but they're likely very expensive compared to the rest.

All told, the M550d might not be a full-fledged M model, but it sure looks like one. Simply ignore the badge, and you have a diesel-powered M5 on your hands. And I have a feeling that the diesel engine is the only reason why this model doesn't have an "M5" emblem, as BMW is looking to stick with the gasoline tradition.

Interior

The interior is pretty much the same deal: the redesigned 5 Series with a bunch of M-sourced features (and actually pretty closer to the M5). Open the doors, and you're greeted by illuminated sill plates and a pair of contoured sports seats. Both are wrapped in high-quality fabric and Alcantara covers (not leather like the M5), while the driver seats have an electrical adjustment and memory function.

The standard steering wheel was replaced by an M leather unit, while the trim, pedals and footrest are made form aluminum for a sportier look. The infotainment display starts off with an M Performance screen, while the BMW Connected feature comes standard. The M550d is also equipped with a broad range of driver assistance systems, including active lane change warning, lane departure warning, active cruise control, and intelligent speed limit assist. The remote parking feature is optional.

BMW M550d xDrive0}

The new M550d gets its juice from a 3.0-liter inline-six oil burner, a similar configuration to the previous model, but unlike its predecessor, it uses four turbochargers instead of three. The new layout, which includes two brand-new low-pressure turbos in place of the previous large-sized turbo, delivers a more spontaneous response.

Moving over to performance, the six-cylinder generates 400 horsepower and 561 pound-feet of torque (760 Nm). That's an extra 19 horses and 15 pound-foot (20 Nm) of twist over the outgoing model, which makes the M550d the most powerful diesel passenger car on the market. Charging from 0 to 62 mph takes 4.4 seconds with the standard eight-speed automatic and xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which makes the new sedan two tenths quicker than the old model. Opt for the Touring wagon and the benchmark is achieved in 4.6 seconds. Top speed remains locked at the already familiar 155-mph mark.

Equipped with an auto start/stop system, the M550d also delivers solid fuel economy. According to BMW, the sedan is expected to need 5.9 liters of diesel for every 100 km, while the wagon will sip 6.2 liters. This converts to about 39.8 and 37.9 U.S. highway mpg, respectively.

Both the sedan and wagon are fitted with an M sports suspension lowers the car by 10 mm (0.4 inches) and enhances driving dynamics and M sport brakes with blue metallic calipers. BMW offers an optional adaptive M suspension whose Dynamic Damper Control with M Performance specific setup adjusts the response of the shock absorbers at each individual wheel, reducing body movement to a minimum.

Prices

Pricing information is not yet available, but expect the M550d to cost significantly more than the 530d xDrive with the Sport Steptronic transmission. This model retails from €57,150 in Germany. The M550d won't be offered in the United States for now given that BMW has yet to make an official announcement.

Competition

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Finding a proper competitor for the M550d is pretty much impossible right, simply because BMW's competitors don't offer such a powerful diesel. The recently redesigned Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a solid proposition in just about any department, but it can't compete with the M550d in terms of output and performance. As of 2017, the most powerful diesel version of the E-Class is the E350d, which uses a 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 254 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. That's a deficit of nearly 150 horsepower and more than 100 pound-feet, which also translates into a 0-to-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds, more than a second slower than the Bimmer. The E350d isn't yet available in Germany, but the E220d 4Matic retails from €50,075.

Find out more about the Mercedes-Benz E-Class here.

Audi A6

A more powerful diesel is available from Audi in the form of the A6 3.0 TDI Competition Quattro. However, while the V-6's 326-horsepower rating offers significantly more oomph than the E-Class, the German sedan is still underpowered when compared to the M550d. What's more, the fourth-generation A6 is already five years old as of 2017, so it doesn't boast the fresh looks and modern technology of the 5 Series. Not to mention that it lacks the sportier features you'll get with the M550d. Of course, there's always the S6 for a more aggressive look, but this means moving into gasoline power territory. Pricing for the 3.0 TDI Competition Quattro starts from €68,650.

Learn more about the Audi A6 here.

Conclusion

BMW may be lagging behind Mercedes-Benz in most segments nowadays, but this is one niche where the German automaker nailed it and nailed it good. The M550d is arguably the best of its kind and I don't see this changing anytime soon. Okay, so this performance sedan isn't enough to get BMW back on the horse against its main competitor, but it's nice to see that Munich still knows how to devise a solid strategy and maintain it for a few years. It may be a niche vehicle, the M550d is a winner. And the fact that it comes in both sedan and wagon forms makes it that much better. Too bad it's not sold in the United States too, though.