BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-six has become the most praised engines in the industry today, having taken out the coveted International Engine of the Year award last year and appearing in a vast array of BMW models. BMW has announced a new variation of the 3.0L engine which will debut in the crossover at the end of the year. Whereas the N54 uses a twin-turbo setup, the new N55 powerplant in the 5-Series GT will use a single turbo.
The N54 is equipped with a win-turbocharging system, as well as direct-fuel injection and BMW’s own Valvetronic technology, and it can boost up to 326hp (243kW) at 5,800rpm and 332lb-ft (450Nm) of torque from as low as 1,500rpm. The new variation of the BMW engine, labeled as N55, is based on the same basic engine block and valve system but only sports a single turbocharger. It is the world’s first engine to combine turbocharging, direct fuel injection and fully variable Valvetronic valve management developed by BMW.
It also can produce a healthy 306hp (225kW) at 5,800rpm and 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque from an even lower 1,200rpm. The new N55 also said to be slightly more efficient than its twin-turbo counterpart.
BMW says the N55 engine will debut in the 535i 5-series GT along with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its added economy, this model will be able to accelerate from 0-100km/h in around 6.3 seconds and is rated at 26mpg (9L/100km) in fuel economy.
