In case you were wondering how BMW plans to make the M5 even quicker and actually let you explore all of the power by giving you optimal traction, well, it’s called xDrive.
In a conversation with Auto Express at the Detroit Motor Show, Franciscus van Meel, head of BMW M said that the new BMW M5 as well as the M6 could both be fitted with all-wheel drive, hinting to a major power and torque increase.
“If we continue the power increases in the future, especially regarding torque and also horsepower, then probably the next generation M5 and M6 will have to much torque and power that we need to think about those solutions“, argued van Meel. He did however note that the M5 would likely adopt a rear-biased setup (just like the Ferrari FF) instead of a classic 50-50 split – which is oh, fine by us!
A rear-biased all-wheel drive system would indeed help the car stay true to its driving characteristics such as oversteer, which is what people enjoy the most when they’re behind the wheel of their M car. That, and the awesome steering, body control and acceleration.
BMW purists might scowl at the idea of an M5 which isn’t purely rear wheel drive, but they need to seriously consider that in order to go faster, you need to be able to get all of the power down as fast and as efficiently as possible. In order to do that you need to ask your front wheels for help too. And in case you think that such an “automotive sacrilege” will follow to the next generation M3/M4, you might definitely be onto something.
If BMW will indeed take the all-wheel drive leap, it might end up being one of the best things that’s ever happened to BMW’s M Division.
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