After years of speculations, there are strong indications that BMW will finally offer all-wheel drive for their M5 sedan. The next-generation F90 M5 is due out in 2018 and sources say it will come with the highly-praised xDrive system. While European customers will get the xDrive as an option, the source say the U.S. market might only have the all-wheel drive version.
Continue Reading Below
Currently BMW only offers the xDrive AWD used on the BMW X5 M and the X6 M. Audi and Mercedes-Benz are already offering high-performance sedans and wagons in the segment.
BMW has also hired a man who knows quite a bit about this sort of thing — Franciscus van Meel, former boss of Audi’s RS division.
“I wouldn’t like to use the word four-wheel drive because it’s always connected a little bit – emotionally – to straightforward driving and that’s not what we’re talking about,” van Meel said a few months ago. “So if we go on a direction of four-wheel drive, for us it will really be like a rear-wheel drive with more traction.”
At the time, van Meel suggested the xDrive be put in the M5 and M6, but not as a full-time 50/50 split. What he’s suggesting is that it act like the current xDrive system does now, with 100% of power going to the rear and only sending some to the front to increase grip as needed.
We expect to see the same 4.4 liter V8 turbocharged under the hood, but now developing 600 horsepower, just like the M5 “30 Jahre Edition.”
The M5 will be a lighter car, thanks to the new G30 5 Series platform. BMW has learned a lot from BMW i and CFRP and aluminum components will be at the core at all future models, not just the F90 M5.
I thought this was all but confirmed. I wish they’d at least keep RWD optional, but I understand the business spin. Hopefully they make it a little more engaging, AWD or not.
awd is optional
why the fuck would you want RWD and 600hp? RWD never made sense for M5
This only makes sense as the engines put out more power and the weight goes down, it was inevitable. I know it shouldn’t bother me as much as it does but this V8 is just getting boring to me. How much longer can it go in terms of power output, emissions, and mpgs?
I remember that Van Meel interview. There is a reason why Enthusiast or a brand new customers keep flocking towards the Roundel. It’s a “Drivers Car!”. You will never hear a single soul on this planet that will say that the olympic-ring Vag brand is a drivers car. Or Mercs.
Catastrophic mistake to only offer a full time AWD ///M5 here in the US. That’s a suicidal move. Current clients including myself will rip Munich apart.
“Current clients” don’t even know if their car is FWD, AWD, or RWD.
True. But my aunties, uncle, mom and relatives all know their Bimmers are RWD. All my group of friends know a bimmer is RWD. But I’m sure there plentiful of those who DON’T, but not in my side of town.
M clients should. That’s the point.
@ Crux
If you think Mercs arent drivers cars, then you obviously have never driven one. Your wirting is pure nonsense.
Pure logic: F90 M5 but G30 5 series.
I wonder if the weight savings through the use of carbon fiber will be enough to offset the extra bulk of xDrive.
Same thing I was thinking. 1.8 metric tonnes with xDrive fitted is acceptable but we will have to see.
Don’t forget the subsequent power increase as well. They’ll probably find away to shave off 200lbs or so and then with the power increase will make this a quick as hell M5. The AWD will make it even quicker off the line by way of increased grip.
Don’t all AWD systems favor a majority of traction to one end (rear for most luxury makes, front for Acura and Subaru), and then transfer power as needed by conditions? So an xDrive M5 will still be mostly RWD, it will just weigh and cost more!
Sure, there will be a RWD bias, but the steering will still be corrupted, drifts will still be inconsistent. It doesnt matter how much goes front or rear as most cons Of AWD are still present. Now, if the AWD is comparable to Ferarri FFs, then im interested.