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If diesel is dying then BMW is determined to give it something of a major send-off, and has created its most powerful, torquiest diesel engine yet for a new high-performance M550d xDrive model.
The new engine, a development of the 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel, now boasts no fewer than four turbochargers, which work in progression to try to eliminate low-down lag, without compromising high end power. The result is a 400hp engine with a staggering 760Nm of torque - 450Nm of which is available from just 1,000rpm. No wonder the M550d will only be offered with xDrive four-wheel drive. A rear-drive model would likely melt its tyres, day one...
The four turbos effectively work as three - the two low-pressure ones are always pumping, to reduce lag, while one of the higher-pressure ones is also always activated. The fourth only comes on stream above 2,500rpm when you need full power. The M550d will only come with the eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard. The suspension is 10mm lower than standard, and the xDrive four-wheel drive system is biased towards the rear wheels.
Acceleration will do justice to the car's M-badge. 100km/h comes up in just 4.4 seconds from rest, and of course it's electronically limited to 250km/h flat-out. Fuel consumption is expected to work out at 5.9 litres per 100km (47.8mpg) with Co2 emissions of 154g/km (rising to 163g/km for the Touring estate).
The M550d will come as standard with M sports suspension, Integral Active Steering, M aerodynamics package, exhaust system with M Performance specific twin tailpipe trims in dark chrome and M sports brake featuring brake callipers finished in blue metallic with M inscription.
The wheels will be dark-grey 19-inch alloys, with 245/40 tyres at the front and garden-roller 275/35 tyres at the back. There's also an M5-style 'Gurney flap' spoiler for the boot lid.
On the tech front, the M550d gets active lane keeping steering, radar cruise control, intelligent speed limiter (which will get some workout...), remote parking, and the full BMW Connected infotainment and mobile connectivity suite.
The saloon M550d will go on sale around the world in July, while the Touring will follow on at the end of the year.