2011 BMW 550i xDrive
The 2011 BMW 550i xDrive is a sedan. It has a 4.4-litre turbocharged eight-cylinder engine producing 400 hp (298 kW), with an 8-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 5.2 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2011 BMW 550I XDRIVE
The 2011 BMW 550i xDrive is the all-wheel-drive V8 version of the sixth-generation 5 Series saloon (F10), from its first model year. It uses the 4.4-litre twin-turbo N63 V8, rated at 400 hp and 450 lb-ft, with an eight-speed automatic and xDrive all-wheel drive.
Launch year of the F10
The F10 replaced the E60 for 2011, moving away from the outgoing car’s controversial styling towards a longer, lower and more conventional look. The new saloon shared much of its engineering with the F01 7 Series, including double-wishbone front suspension, the twin-turbo V8 and the eight-speed automatic. At launch the US range consisted of the 535i and 550i, with xDrive all-wheel drive offered on both for buyers in snowy regions.
What it is like
The 550i xDrive is very quick and very quiet, with the V8’s broad torque spread suiting the smooth-shifting gearbox. The F10 is tuned for comfort first, but options such as adaptive dampers and the Sport package sharpened its responses. Inside, it brought a higher-quality cabin, a wide iDrive screen and plenty of room for four adults.
Buying one today
Launch-year N63 engines are the least robust of the family. Known weak points include oil consumption, valve stem seals, timing chains, injectors and ignition coils, and heat-related hose and wiring failures. Confirm whether BMW’s N63 service programme work has been completed. Front control-arm bushings and the transfer case are other items to inspect.
Rivals
Rivals included the Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic, Audi S6 and Jaguar XF Supercharged.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 550i xDrive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2011 | Version / Trim | BMW 2011 550i xDrive |
| Body Style | Sedan | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Space Gray Metallic, Titanium Silver Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Melbourne Red Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Engine | 4.4L 8-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 4,400 cc |
| Power | 400 hp / 298 kW | Torque | 610 Nm / 450 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 5.2 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 16 mpg city / 24 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,968 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,870 kg (4,123 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2011 SEDANS
Compared with other 2011 sedans in our database, its 400 hp is 41% more than the average 2011 sedan (284 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.6 seconds quicker than average, and it is 14% heavier than the typical sedan.
| 2011 BMW 550i xDrive | Average 2011 sedans | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 400 hp | 284 hp (107 cars) | +41% |
| Torque | 610 Nm | 363 Nm (107 cars) | +68% |
| 0–60 mph | 5.2 s | 6.8 s (106 cars) | -24% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 139 mph (106 cars) | +12% |
| Kerb weight | 1,870 kg | 1,639 kg (121 cars) | +14% |
| Engine size | 4,400 cc | 3,291 cc (121 cars) | +34% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2011 sedans with similar power to the 2011 BMW 550i xDrive.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 BMW 550i xDrive | 400 hp | 5.2 s | 1,870 kg |
| 2011 Maserati Quattroporte | 400 hp | 5.6 s | 1,930 kg |
| 2011 Jaguar XF | 385 hp | 5.7 s | 1,720 kg |
| 2011 Lexus IS F | 416 hp | — | 1,530 kg |
| 2011 Audi A8 | 372 hp | 4.9 s | 1,970 kg |