With the rising popularity of high-powered super sedans, the industry’s leading automakers are pushing to make their offerings more versatile and appealing to all areas of the globe. Consequently, a selection of super sedans are now available with all-wheel drive and it has already been confirmed that the next-generation Mercedes-AMG E63 will arrive with an advanced AWD system.
Now it seems increasingly likely that we can add another car to that list in the form of the F90 BMW M5 due sometime in 2018. Reports about the next M5 being available with all-wheel drive aren’t new but BMW Blog is now reporting just what kind of drive system could be adopted by the automaker.
It is claimed that rather than utilising an all-wheel drive with a full-time or even part-time 50/50 power split, the new M5 will adopt a system which sends all power to the rear wheels and only provides drive to the front wheels when necessary. That is a similar system to the one found exclusively on the X5 M and X6 M and would be fitting for the upcoming M-badged 5-Series.
The man being tasked to developed the drivetrain of the 2018 M5 is Franciscus van Meel, who once led Audi’s famed RS division and is well versed in high-performance all-wheel drive cars.
Interestingly, it is claimed that the xDrive all-wheel drive system will be available as an option for the F90 M5 throughout Europe while xDrive may be the only version sold in the United States.
Beyond its drivetrain, the new M5 will be powered by an uprated variant of the existing 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8, with power likely sitting at over 650 hp. The extra oomph will be complemented with a 220 pound drop in weight thanks to the new aluminum and carbon fiber reinforced plastic chassis of the next-gen 5-Series.
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