Using diesel fuel in an all-wheel-drive sports sedan is not a combination many people would give credence to, but the new BMW M550d xDrive Quad-Turbo Sedan ($TBA) is making them rethink the mix. By multi-staging the four turbochargers in this inline 6-cylinder diesel, the M550d provides power on demand throughout its range, with peak performance between 2,000 and 3,000 rpm. Electronically limited to 155 mph, the vehicle hits 62 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
BMW needed to install their xDrive all-wheel drive system in the M550d to balance out all that power as rear-wheel drive alone couldn’t handle it. There are a number of technological options available including autonomous driving and parking. This is still a luxury vehicle and a BMW so the styling is still restrained except for where it counts – with quilted leather seats and a sports steering wheel to get you in the mood. The wood paneling is missing though…
