BMW reveals performance diesels
Motoring Staff
2012-01-26
THE AUTOMOTIVE world is evolving at a rapid pace. Around ten years ago the first viable diesel passenger vehicles were launched to the public and now, we already have performance diesels!
BMW has taken the next step by introducing its new range of highly anticipated M-performance vehicles; all of them have diesel engines. The petrol engine no longer has the performance market to itself.
All four diesel M-performance vehicles are fitted with the same thrice turbocharged, 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine. They deliver 280kW and a colossal 740Nm of torque.
The models chosen for the ultimate diesel upgrade are M550d xDrive Sedan, 550d xDrive Touring, X5 M50d and X6 M50d. The SUVs can sprint to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds, while the sedan variants will do it in 4.7. That’s a staggering performance for something with an oil burner under the bonnet.
The engine is mated to BMW’s new 8-speed automatic gearbox and an all-wheel drive system. All models also include M-Performance aerodynamic kits to differentiate them from lesser BMW models.
These vehicles are set to make their début in March at the Geneva Motor Show, followed by a launch in Germany a few weeks after.
The BMW X5 M50d and X6 M50d should reach South African shores around June 2012.
