Tuned 600 PS BMW M550i Is Supposed To Be Faster Than The M5

One can’t deny the attraction of M Division’s creations. However, after the launch of the M Performance series (or ‘M light’, if you like), models like the M550i can be seen as a great, and more affordable, substitute for the range-topping M5 for 99 percent of the time.

The twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 develops 462 PS (455 hp / 339 kW) and 650 Nm (480 lb-ft) of torque straight from the factory, and even though it’s a far cry from the M5’s output, it allows the M550i to rocket to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.0 seconds.

G-Power decided to close that gap, and has taken to upgrading the car with a reprogrammed ECU, which costs €2,127 ($2,450) in Germany. Thus, the M550i is now good for 600 PS (592 hp / 442 kW) and 810 Nm (597 lb-ft) of torque. The power figure is identical to that of the all-new BMW M5, whereas the torque number is up by 60 Nm (44 lb-ft).

The tuner claims that naught to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes only 3.2 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than the full-blown M car, while for an extra €774 ($891), top speed can also be increased to more than 320 km/h (mph).

A more modest alternative to the so-called Performance Software V2 is the V1 version, priced from €1,624 ($1,870), which allows the engine to generate 550 PS (542 hp / 404 kW) and 780 Nm (575 lb-ft) of torque.

G-Power is also offering a set of stainless steel downpipes, with sports catalytic converters, for €4,593 ($5,290), and a set of double-spoke Hurricane RR wheels that measure 9×21 inches at the front and 10.5×21 inches at the rear and are shod in 255/30 and 305/25 tires respectively.