The BMW M550d is one heck of a long distance cruiser. However, what surprises you about it most is its monster torque output and M-like agility. And yet, it has nothing on this 'Hurricane'.
One would think that at 381 hp and 740 Nm of torque you're pretty much set if you're looking for a wickedly fast diesel-powered BMW 5 Series. Of course, if a fast diesel is all you want, most of you will be quite happy even with a 530d.
The goal of the M550d is to take things a lot further, straight into M Division territory. The M550d looks, feels and handles about as good as a proper M5. It may not go as fast in certain situations, but considering the fact that you get all that torque as well as excellent fuel consumption, we think there shouldn't be any complaints.
Unless of course you work for G-Power and you figure you might as well take the M550d and oh say light a fire under it so that it now produces 435 HP and an awesome 850 Nm (625 lb-ft) of peak torque - all dyno-tested.
G-Power are using their D-Tronik 5 V1 module in order to keep the M550d in check and we must say, it all sounds rather clever. The module is set up so that it only releases additional power if the correct cooling water temperature has been reached.
In extreme situations, if the oil temperature reaches its limits, the power output is reduced to stock.
As for traffic situations, the D-Tronik 5 module can correspond to the actual accelerator level, which is a very German way of saying that it will basically "mold" to your right foot and once again, revert the power to stock while driving slowly.
But when you want that extra available power, it will be instantly made available to you, giving you the pleasure of accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than a stock M550d and 0.2 seconds slower than an M5, but with so much more torque).
Your top speed will be 270 km/h, but you can get that electronic limiter lifted and blast your way to 300 km/h (186 mph).
Looks-wise, you've got your 21" G-Power Hurricane RR forged wheels, wearing 255/30 ZR21 and 295/25 ZR21 tires. The wheels have a double spoke design which we obviously like, and thanks to the use of lightweight aerospace aluminum (that sounds so cool doesn't it?), they're among the lightest wheels in their class.
All things considered, this thing might just be a 'best buy' if you're in the market for an ultra-fast German Wagon. Rivals such as the E63 AMG 4MATIC Estate and the Audi RS6 are quicker off the line but they're down on torque and most important, they're not helping you out with fuel in any way.
The best thing about the M550d, be it a factory model or a G-Power version, is that if you're somehow able to purchase one, you'll actually be able to easily live with its fuel consumption.
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