2020 BMW M550i with a V8 is here, starts at $134,900

We all have a special affection towards BMW M series, don't we? But with better performance comes a higher price tag. And, that's one factor keeps a lot of enthusiasts and potential buyers away from the performance-oriented BMW M models. Anyway, how about a BMW car that is as close to a proper M Performance model but is good $ 100,000 cheaper? It would be quite a deal, right?

Well, for the thrill fanatics down under, BMW has done just that with the launch of the 2020 BWM M550i. The sedan will be offered in two different variants, namely M550i xDrive Pure and M550i xDrive. As for the pricing, the 2020 BMW M550i xDrive Pure and the 2020 BMW M550i xDrive will be up for grabs at just $ 134,900 and $ 149,900, respectively before on-road costs.

If you go for the Pure trim, you will get adaptive LED headlights, M Sport brakes, M Sport differential, 20-inch alloy wheels, Adaptive M Suspension, full M Aerodynamics package for the interior, Harman/Kardon sound system, comfort access system, fine wood trimming, head-up display, Dakota leather upholstery, digital instrument cluster, sports seats, four-zone climate control, and an automatic tailgate.

On the flip side, the xDrive variant will bring to the table features such as active anti-roll stabilisation, rear-wheel steering, soft-close doors, sunroof, BMW Laserlight headlights, BMW Individual instrument panel in leather, ambient air with air ionisation climate control, and metallic paint on top of the stuff that the Pure trim already comes equipped with.

In case you end up craving for more, optional peculiarities like Innovations Package ($ 1700 for a display key, remote parking, and gesture control) and Indulgence Package ($ 7500 for rear-seat entertainment, massaging front seats, and TV for the iDrive system) are also available. You can also get the sunroof ($3000) and metallic paint ($2000) on the Pure trim.

Coming on to the most important aspect, the 2020 BMW M550i is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine. Power figures read 531 PS of maximum power and a peak torque of 750 Nm. A 0 to 100 kmph run on the 2020 BMW M550i takes just 3.8 seconds, which is half a second slower than the M5 Competition. But that still crazy impressive, isn't it?

Last but not least, fuel consumption is rated at 10.6L/100km. BMW Australia will start delivering the M550i xDrive Pure from the first quarter of 2020, with the regular M550i xDrive going on sale in the second quarter.

Also read: 2020 BMW M340i xDrive Touring goes on sale in Europe