Introduction
The 550i is offered only as a rear-wheel drive sedan and is powered by a 360-hp 4.8-liter eight-cylinder engine. A six-speed manual is standard, while a six-speed automatic with or without paddle shifters is optional. Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and six airbags, while more advanced safety features such as a lane-departure warning system and night vision are optional. The 550i is unchanged for 2009.