The six-cylinder common-rail engine adopts a patented induction system boasting three turbochargers that BMW sources suggest are set to revolutionize the efficiency and performance credentials of traditional combustion engines, both in diesel and gasoline formats.



The new M division-developed diesel engine comprehensively outguns BMW's widely used twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, developing 376 hp between 4,000 rpm and 4,400 rpm along with a sturdy 545 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 rpm and 3,000 rpm.


In each of the new M Performance models, the new engine is mated to a beefed-up version of BMW's existing eight-speed automatic supplied by German gearbox specialist ZF and a specially tuned version of the German carmaker's all-wheel drive system.



Together, the engine's heady reserves and the traction-enhancing qualities of its driveline are sufficient to provide the 4,178-pound M550d xDrive sedan with 0-to-62-mph acceleration in 4.7 seconds--just 0.3 second slower than the new M5. Top speed, as in all of BMW's new M Performance models, is limited to 155 mph.



In keeping with its reputation of delivering cars with outstanding handling, BMW's M division gave all of the vehicles unique steering ratios, chassis settings and, in some instances, chassis components including track widths, body-structure mountings, engine mountings and gearbox mountings consummate with their M-car siblings.

Rumors of BMW M launching a diesel model have been circulating for over a year, and confirmation has finally arrived in the form of not one, not two, but four M-fettled oil-burners, each sporting all-wheel drive and the oft-rumored tri-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six. And before you get excited, none of them are slated for sale in the U.S. – this is a Euro-only affair.

So with that unfortunate fact out of the way, let's get to the details.

The new M models come in the form of the M550d xDrive sedan, M550d xDrive touring, X5 M50d and X6 M50d. Each makes use of a 3.0-liter inline-six common-rail diesel with the aforementioned trio of turbos specifically developed for the M Performance range. Output is rated at 376 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 545 pound-feet of torque available from 2,000 to 3,000 revs. If you're keeping track at home, that's a bump of 80 hp and 103 lb-ft over the 535d and 74 hp and 103 lb-ft more than the 3.0-liter mill fitted to the diesel X5 and X6.

Each model comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and standard xDrive AWD, allowing the M550d sedan to hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds – just four tenths of a second off the all-new M5's 0-60 run. You read that right. The M550d Touring hits 60 in 4.9 seconds, with the X5 M50d and X6 M50d passing the mark in 5.4 and 5.3 seconds, respectively. All models are limited to 155 mph and fuel consumption ranges between 6.4 liters/100km and 7.7 liters/100km.

Interestingly, the M-ified diesel 5ers ditch the standard electromechanical steering for a hydraulic system that's derived from the M5, and both the X5 and X6 variants uses systems similar to those on the X5 M and X6 M.

And if you're wondering why we won't see these M diesels here in the States, blame the necessity to reengineer the SCR (selective catalytic reduction) systems to make them comply with emissions standards across the country. We'll be seeing all four live from the Geneva Motor Show in March, but you can get the first batch of details in the press release after the break.

Earlier today, BMW announced the arrival of BMW M Performance Parts, a new line of powertrain, suspension, aerodynamic, and cockpit components that will trade under the iconic “M” badging. The idea behind using M is to further reinforce the sub-brand’s appeal to performance enthusiasts, says BMW, although some will surely see this extension as a dilution of the iconic M name. Intended to enhance engine power, reduce weight and optimize aerodynamics for tangible increases in driving dynamics and performance, the first products are designed specifically for the 3- and 5-series sedans (and the five-door 1-series in Europe). Bits will include black kidney grills, M Performance exhaust systems, carbon-fiber front splitters, and an M Performance steering wheel.

BMW opened up its M Performance Parts catalog to the new 3- and 5-series, the company said on Friday. The German automaker will offer chassis, brakes, aero upgrades and exhaust improvements for the 2012 3-series and the 2011-12 5-series.

Already standard on the X5 M and X6 M performance SUVs, all-wheel-drive will likely soon be extended to the BMW M division’s car lineup as well.

Speaking with Australia’s Car Sales, M division president Dr. Friedrich Nitschke revealed that increased sales of AWD-equipped Audi S/RS and Mercedes AMG models has forced the outfit to reconsider its exclusive focus on RWD cars.

“I’ve looked at the numbers and 70 to 80 percent of E63 AMGs are all-wheel drive in the US now,” Nitschke said. “On our cars we are thinking of all-wheel drive, but it won’t come before we get the successor of the M5 and M6.”

With the next-generation M5 not expected until 2017 at the earliest, it will be some time before those looking for quicker acceleration or extra foul-weather traction will be able to purchase an AWD M model.

To appease purists, AWD will be an optional extra rather than a standard feature, Nitschke said, adding that it will not be offered on the smaller M3 and M4 models.

“Not with the M3 or M4. Never….to accelerate out of corners with this rear-end architecture concept is so fantastic that it [all-wheel drive] is not needed.

“Not with the M3 or M4. Never….to accelerate out of corners with this rear-end architecture concept is so fantastic that it [all-wheel drive] is not needed.

The BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car is quite a technical achievement, but it may not be the car BMW fans really want.
Despite its futuristic styling and maximum power output of 362 horsepower, the i8 is as much about efficiency as it as about performance. There's still room in the lineup for a no-holds barred flagship supercar.

According to Germany's Auto Bild, BMW is working on exactly that. The report claims BMW will launch a successor to the M1 in 2016.

Called the M8, it will use a version of the direct-injected, twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 from the current M5 and M6, tuned to produce between 600 and 650 hp. It will use the i8's carbon fiber and aluminum chassis, allowing BMW's engineers to achieve a low target curb weight of 3,300 pounds.

A nine-speed automatic will reportedly be the only transmission option. Combined with that powerful V-8 and lightweight chassis, Auto Bild reckons the M8 will accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in the three-second range, and reach a top speed of 200 mph.

It's not all about performance, though. The M8 will also be equipped with an engine start-stop system, to lessen the guilt of its driver.

Styling will reportedly take some cues from the M1 Homage concept from the 2008 Villa d'Este Concours d'Elegance, but with most of the more overtly retro touches expunged.

This isn't the first time reports of an M1 successor called M8 have surfaced. Last year, a similar rumor with the same details (i8 chassis, V-8 engine, 2016 launch date) made the rounds in the press.

BMW will likely unveil a concept version of the M8 before putting it into production. If the 2016-launch rumor proves true, that concept could arrive relatively soon. If it ever does go on sale, the M8 will reportedly carry a base price of around $324,000.

That's a big leap from the 2015 i8's base price of $135,925, but with true supercar credentials, the M8 could be worth it. If it ever gets built, that is.