The most eagerly-anticipated variant of any new BMW 5-Series launch is hands-down the M5.Since the first hand-built model came out in 1986, the world has made the M5 the benchmark for all other sports sedans. And now, BMW is about to unleash the all-new sixth-generation model.
We say “about to” since the car hasn’t official been revealed, yet the German luxury carmaker has unveiled a few juicy details to whet our motoring appetites. For one, the new BMW M5 will debut a new piece of tech called M xDrive. This innovative system will allow the M5 to toggle between rear- or all-wheel drive, depending on the driving conditions.
The system, BMW says, is biased more towards the rear wheels. Switching it to M Dynamic Mode puts it in 4WD Sport for a more driver-oriented vibe, especially since the rear bias is emphasized even further. But when the driver decides to switch the Dynamic Stability Control off (yes, BMW M allows you to do so), you can play in either 4WD, the aforementioned 4WD Sport or 2WD.
While BMW has not given out any power and torque figures, it did say that the new M5 will be powered by a more potent version of the 4.4-liter TwinPower turbo V8. This lump will be mated to an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox We can expect this new engine to outperform the already rocket ship-like current model.
This being an M model, a driver-centric cockpit is naturally part of the mix. The M style instrument cluster boasts two traditional round gauges—the speedometer on the left, and the rev counter on the right. Digital readouts are likewise integrated into the red needle-lit meters for a futuristic, racy look.
Expect to see the new BMW M5 within the year.
