Excluding the BMW M5, the 550i is currently the range-topper in the BMW 5-Series lineup. According to the guys over at BimmerFile, BMW began the process of trademarking the 555i badge last summer. Supposedly that nameplate will replace the 550i and the 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 from the BMW X6 xDrive50i will find its way under the hood of the new 5-Series.

Internally known as the N63, the engine produces 400-hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. We don’t expect the change to happen until the next-generation model arrives. The next-generation BMW 5-Series is expected to make its debut in mid-2009 as a 2010 model year.

We also expect a diesel variant to join the lineup (maybe a 535d) along with the 335d and the X5 xDrive35d that will arrive in showrooms later this year.

Source: BimmerFile

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