BMW M550i XDrive

The BMW M550i is one heck of a set of wheels. If that new M5 weren鈥檛 such a bonkers performance machine, we鈥檇 scarcely think it鈥檇 be necessary. In fact, looking at this particular machine, we can鈥檛 help but wonder if this wouldn鈥檛 be the one we鈥檇 want. On display at the world鈥檚 largest BMW dealership, located in the Persian Gulf emirate of Abu Dhabi, is a brand-new M550i xDrive, all decked out in white with a deep brown leather interior. Making it even more tempting is the optional M Performance body kit it wears and those oversized 20-inch alloys in a dark grey finish. Even more compelling is the price gap from this model to the full-on M5. 75k. That鈥檚 a heck of a difference - about enough to buy a base Ford Mustang with the EcoBoost turbo four. If we didn鈥檛 have the six figures to spend, we get the feeling we鈥檇 be plenty satisfied with the next best thing. Shame that, with new emissions regulations coming into effect, the Bavarian automaker has reportedly had to shut down production of the M550i - albeit only temporarily. Here鈥檚 hoping that when it reemerges with new restrictions in place, it won鈥檛 prove any less tempting.

And then there鈥檚 the suspension. Carbon-ceramic brakes are still available, but a new decelerating system (optional on the Cayenne and Cayenne S, standard on the Turbo) has enormous 415-millimetre front and 365-millimetre rear discs coated with tungsten carbide. Rear-axle steering is an option for the first time, which turns the back wheels up to three degrees in opposition to the fronts until speeds reach 80 kilometres per hour, and in the same direction above that mark. The difference this makes in real-world driving dynamics is especially noteworthy. This is perhaps more technical than some might care to be when shopping for a premium SUV that will most often shuttle around a family of four. But the true appeal of the new Cayenne, which could very well end up on more Canadian driveways than any other vehicle in the Porsche lineup, is its remarkable diversity. It transitions from smooth on-road manners to off-road competence and yes, even to outright performance that genuinely fits in on a racetrack. It鈥檚 unquestionably the most all-around capable vehicle that Porsche has ever produced. Indeed, beauty can run far deeper than skin.

The 2019 Porsche Macan is a compact luxury crossover that competes with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. The Macan is newer, smaller and less expensive than Porsche鈥檚 original SUV, the Cayenne. Available with up to 348 horsepower from a twin-turbocharged V6 engine, the Macan is capable of a 5.1-second 0-60 mph time and a top speed of 157 miles per hour. The Macan has received a midcycle update for 2019 that includes a restyled front fascia, new colors, new wheel designs, an upgraded 10.9-inch infotainment screen and stiffer aluminum suspension components to improve handling. A new wheel design and new colors are part of the 2019 Porsche Macan. The Macan has a wheelbase of 110.5 inches, an overall length of 184.9 inches and a width including mirrors of 82.6 inches. The Macan comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that has 248 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The Macan S comes with a 3.0-liter V6 engine that has 348 horsepower and 352 pound-feet of torque. Both models come with a seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.

The Macan is rated to tow up to 4,409 pounds. Fuel economy estimates for the 2019 Macan have not been released. The Macan comes standard with lane-departure warnings, a hill-control system, rollover detection and an alarm system with ultrasonic interior surveillance. Available options include lane-keep assist, lane-change assist, adaptive cruise control and a parking-assist system with a surround-view camera. The 2019 Macan includes a 10.9-inch display with SiriusXM Radio, internet access and more. The Macan comes standard with a 10.9-inch display that has SiriusXM Radio, wireless internet access, navigation, a 150-watt sound system, four USB ports and voice controls. Apple CarPlay and Bose Surround Sound are available in the Premium Options Package. The Macan comes standard with cruise control, tri-zone automatic climate controls, high-gloss black interior trim with silver accents, leather and Alcantara upholstery, a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, folding rear seats, clothing hooks and a cargo cover. The Macan S comes with special model badges and 19-inch wheels. Options include heated seats, ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof and 14-way memory power seats. Available performance options include a torque-vectoring system, adaptive air suspension, a sport exhaust system and ceramic composite brakes.