The BMW X5 M50i and BMW X7 M50i come with 530 CV under their bonnet

David Lopez @espacionblanco 23 May 2019 4 min.

The BMW X5 M50i and BMW X7 M50i come with 530 CV under their bonnet

BMW announces the arrival of the, for now, most radical versions of the X5 and X7, both united under the same engine and the same M50i name

BMW continues to expand the ranges of its X5 and X7 SUVs with new engines, this time turning to the most powerful and sporty petrol-engined variants, which will be known as the M50i for both models. It is worth noting that while no radical variant of the BMW X7 has yet been revealed by the M division, we have already seen a M version of the BMW X5 testing at the Nurburgring under heavy camouflage.

Although BMW has released few images of the X5 M50i and X7 M50i, we can say their look will be more radical, thanks to the aerodynamic kit designed by M. On both models the emphasis remains on their exclusive character, combined with a sportier appearance thanks to a new front bumper with larger air intakes, accompanied by new side skirts, 21-inch wheels as standard, a rear spoiler and an oversized rear bumper, all finished with details painted in Cerium Grey and the Shadow Line design trim in intense gloss black.

Inside, both models will share an M sport steering wheel upholstered in leather, a gear selector with the M logo, Vernasca micro-perforated leather upholstery with contrasting stitching, Tetragon aluminium or Fineline Black wood inlays with a high-gloss metallic effect, and door sills illuminated with the M50i logo. As a distinguishing feature, and fitted as standard, the X5 M50i gets an anthracite roof lining and a Hi-Fi speaker system, while the X7 M50i has an anthracite Alcantara roof lining and its sound system is supplied by Harman Kardon.

Under the bonnet of the BMW X5 M50i and X7 M50i is a newly developed V8 TwinPower Turbo engine of 4,400 cc, which delivers 530 CV on both models, obtained between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm, while torque is 750 Nm from 1,800 rpm. It is linked to an 8-speed Steptronic transmission with Launch Control for the fastest possible standing starts. This engine allows the BMW X5 M50i to reach 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds, with a combined consumption of 10.7 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 243 g/km, while the BMW X6 M50i accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and has a consumption of 11.1 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 252 g/km.

On top of all this there is an M sport exhaust system that provides a more aggressive sound, the latest version of the BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system that automatically distributes torque between the front and rear axles according to need, and also an M sport differential for the rear axle. To make the most of all this technology there are the Sport and Sport Plus driving modes, in which the power and the sound of the V8 engine are fully unleashed.

But to keep all this power comfortable and safe to enjoy, more technology is on hand as standard. The BMW X5 M50i comes as standard with M adaptive suspension with Comfort and Sport modes, while the X7 M50i comes as standard with adaptive air suspension, which will also be optional for the X5 M50i. Braking is handled by the M sport braking system with colour-coded calipers, and there is also integral active steering, which makes these SUVs much more agile when dealing with city traffic or linking bends on winding roads.

Their arrival in the market and their price in Spain will have to wait a little longer, as none of this information has been revealed so far.