The BMW X5 is a large SUV in European standards, it might not be considered large in the United States market, but you have to admit the M50i version that comes with a 4.4-Liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 530hp and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque isn’t underpowered, but there is also an X5 M available with even more power … 600hp and a 0 to 60mph time of only 3.8 seconds, for a large SUV that weighs 5,425 lbs, that’s a train coming down the street at that speed.
But what if you want something a little different than a factory original X5 M, and preferably with more power? In comes Dähler Competition Line AG, located in Switzerland, they offer a ‘Power boost level 1’ option for the cheaper X50i model (MSRP $82,800 against $105,100 for the X5 M) that boosts the power from 530hp to 630hp and adds 90Nm on top too, 840Nm in total now, which betters the X5 M from BMW.
And the best part is that, even with the increased, limited top speed of 270 km/h, the X5 M50i DCL Dähler Competition Line has been WLTP-E6d-temp tested and approved for sale in the EU and Switzerland, with a corresponding supplementary warranty in addition to factory warranty … but wait, there is more … Dähler is already working on a ‘Power boost level 2’ package that promises even more power … 700hp here we come.
The X5 M50i “babbles” and “blubbers” with the unmistakable, unadulterated V8 sound that so many fans love, and Dähler created a 4-pipe stainless steel exhaust system for their car, with four ceramic-coated tailpipes that show some impressive size … 101mm in diameter, not only does it look amazing, it also works in perfect harmony with the factory-installed gasoline particulate filters (GPF).
Unfortunately, the CAN bus-controlled valves in the exhaust, allowing the driver to control the sound level at any rpm or speed, isn’t EU/CH approved, so you can’t use it on the open road … but it will wake up the neighbors if you start your Dähler BMW X50i in the morning with the valves open.
The BMW X5 M50i comes with an EDC electronic damping system, so the lowering springs from Dähler had to be custom made for this car, they not only lower the car to the tarmac, but they also increase driving stability, decrease rolling movements … and they just make the car look better, at the moment Dähler is even working on a complete coilover suspension that will come with adjustable height and hardness.
Standard fitment on the BMW X5 M50i are 20-inch wheels, the X5 M comes with 21-inch from the factory … naturally, Dähler had to top those, so they came up with massive 23-inch forged wheels, called CDC1 FORGED these 11-inch wide wheels receive massive 305/30 R23 tires, and they are still up to 35% lighter than conventional light-alloy wheels.
