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BMW X5, X7 M50d temporarily removed from Australian line-up

BMW Australia has been forced to temporarily stop accepting orders for the quad-turbo X5 and X7 M50d, robbing it of a diesel flagship for its big SUVs.


At the moment, the M50d accounts for 16 per cent of X5 sales and 12 per cent of X7 sales.

Both X5 and X7 M50d models are powered by a 3.0-litre inline-six diesel engine with four turbochargers, putting out 294kW and 760Nm.

With an eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel drive, the X5 hits 100km/h in 5.2 seconds from standstill, while the X7 manages the same sprint in 5.4 seconds.

A dealer bulletin obtained by Drive says circumstances beyond the company's control mean the X5 and X7 M50d will "no longer be offered for production with immediate effect".

The bulletin says there's enough parts inventory to produce a 'small number' of X5 M50d models – enough to cover current orders – before Australian production stops, but advises dealers to avoid taking any more orders.

"For customers interested in the M50d, we suggest introducing them to the new M50i," the bulletin says. Announced in May this year, the M50i puts out 390kW and 750Nm from its 4.4-litre twin-turbo petrol V8.

It's the same story with the X7 M50d, with BMW advising dealers "no further orders of this vehicle should be taken".

"Production capacity on X5 M50d and X7 M50d due to global demand has brought about the situation," BMW Australia said in a statement.

"We have just commenced production on X5 M50i and X7 M50i which will help alleviate any shortage."

BMW Australia doesn't know how long the production stop will last, but says it's a temporary measure.

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