BMW’s third-generation X5 goes on sale from 16th November 2013, and re-joining the range is the M50d, fitted with the most powerful in-line six cylinder diesel engine in the world.

The first generation M50d engine fitted to the X5, X6 and 5 Series was criticised by some for its harshness, so with the new X5 it’s received some ‘detailed refinements’ but still dishes out the same gargantuan performance.

Its 3.0-litre displacement is amplified by three-stage turbocharging and common rail direct injection to produce 376bhp and 546 lb-ft (740Nm) or torque. This translates into a 0 to 62mph acceleration time of 5.3 seconds (0.1 faster than before) and thanks to BMW’s BluePerformance technology the engine is now EU6 compliant and delivers an average consumption of 42.2 mpg and CO2 emissions of 177 g/km – that’s 12% more efficient than the outgoing M50d (+4.5mpg and -22g/km) and considerably ahead of its nearest rivals.

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  • BMW-X5-M50d_G15

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Whether or not we’ll see a return of the X5M in this third generation model, BMW have made sure to add plenty of their M Division know-how to the M50d. It comes as standard with Adaptive M suspension including Dynamic Damper Control and air suspension at the rear axle, as well as Electric Power Steering.

Of course you could also tick the option marked ‘Dynamic adaptive suspension package’, which comprises Dynamic Performance Control and Dynamic Drive active roll stabilisation, while the standard 19-inch alloy wheels are replaced with the X5’s trademark footprint of 20-inch wheels fitted with 315/35 x 20 tyres at the rear and 275/40 x 20 at the front.

BMW promise a more agile, refined and yet quicker M50d, which from December 2013, can be further enhanced by dipping into the new BMW Individual catalogue.