New BMW M5 (spyshot)
The next iteration of BMW’s super saloon will
represent a major turning point, as the new M5 is reportedly going to power all
of its wheels instead just the rear axle, though it's believed that a RWD
version will still be on offer.
Rumors of BMW M’s decision to give the next M5 an
all-wheel drive system have been around for quite some time, but now it’s the
first time we get to hear it from a BMW official.
BMW M boss Frank van Meel, told Auto Express that “the M5 has to drive like an M5 does today, but
with better traction as well.” Blame the never-ending power war within the
segment but in order for the new M5 to get more than 600 hp safely on the road,
an all-wheel drive system was deemed necessary.
But this doesn’t mean that the all-wheel drive BMW
M5 will be less of an exciting car. “We don’t want to ruin the balance. An M
car must have agility, precision, and dynamics”, said van Meel. “These are cars
designed for the track.”
The BMW M boss has said in the past that despite
opting for an all-wheel drive system, the new M5 will always behave like a
rear-wheel drive car. That means that they will probably go for a trick
rear-biased system that can shift torque to the front when necessary.
Van Meel has previously spoken about the new M5's
all-wheel drive system, saying “It wouldn’t be branded as xDrive. We have to be
sensitive about equity built up with rear-wheel drive.”
Let’s not forget that one of its biggest rivals, the
new Mercedes-AMG E63 is also getting an AWD system and according to the latest
reports, it will have a dedicated drift mode, during which the car will send
all of its power to the rear axle alone.
Source : Carscoops
