For the first time, BMW has launched four diesel-powered M models. They are the BMW M550d xDrive Sedan, the BMW M550d xDrive Touring, the BMW X5 M50d and the BMW X6 M50d.
All these new cars make use of BMW's latest inline six cylinder diesel engine with triple turbochargers and common rail direct injection. The new 3.0-liter engine will churn out 381 PS and a maximum torque of 740 Nm, making it more “torquey” than the M5’s V8. This engine will be mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration figures for the new diesel M cars are impressive. The BMW M550d sedan completes the century sprint in 4.7 seconds, while the Touring can do it in 4.9 seconds. The BMW X5 M50d accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, while the X6 M50d takes just 5.3 seconds.
Sadly, the M550d twins are both all-wheel-drive and not engineered for right-hand-drive, so we won’t get to drive them in Singapore. Despite their lightning quick pick up, these cars are rather green too. Both manages 44.8mpg and emits just 165g/km of carbon dioxide. The bulkier X5 M50d and X6 M50d manages a lower fuel consumption figure of 37.7 and 36.7 mpg respectively. The engine’s efficiency is enhanced by BMW's EfficientDynamics technology that includes auto start-stop function and ECO PRO mode.
By tuning the suspension, bodyshell mounting, springs and dampers, servotronic mapping for the hydraulic steering etc, BMW claims that the agility and dynamics of these M models are significantly enhanced.
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It's not only lower on carbon emissions, per litre of diesel, it's able to travel almost twice as far now compared to petrol.
But the disadvantage still holds -> Heavy diesel cylinder block means heavier steering and less handling characteristics compared to the petrol equivalent, clattery engine while stationary [especially for 4-cylinder diesels], and still higher Nitrogen Oxide emissions [which is cancerous].