[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by Laki021

So now we have all options covered, somebody is for sure going to be right

1. RWD only
2. RWD with an optional AWD
3. AWD only

As far as I am aware it will be market specific.

[Laki021]

What about the M550i, is it going to be available from the start?

[Wills2]

Originally Posted by Alpina_B3_Lux

Considering the hp / torque of these cars and their utter lack of driveability in anything but perfect weather / road conditions, in my opinion AWD is absolutely necessary. Other competitors have understood this already, it's just a matter of time until BMW does too.

You cannot be serious? "their utter lack of driveability"

This is a joke, right?

[SFT33]

BMW is not stupid. M cars are RWD except for the abominations (X5 & X6 M). Offering an AWD option is only going to increase their market share in the segment. Why wouldn't they offer it?

[Alpina_B3_Lux]

Originally Posted by Wills2

You cannot be serious? "their utter lack of driveability"

This is a joke, right?

Nope.

And it would be a real bonus if you were able to read sentences until the end. To remind you, the part you left out was "in anything but perfect weather / road conditions".

As soon as there is a bit of rain, wet surface, leaves on the road, slight moisture due to fog...you name it, the only thing the M5 is good for is permanent wheelspin and helpless oversteer. Or if you have not deactivated the electronic nannies, radical power cuts which means any FWD car is quicker than you.

I had the same issue with my 335i which is why I switched to a car with AWD and a different weight distribution - result is a quantum leap in traction under all conditions.

That is exactly why AMG with the E63 (and Audi anway with the RS6) have switched to AWD - these V8 twin turbo torque monsters can only use a fraction of their performance otherwise. At least outside of California or other sunshine states where you've got mostly dry weather - which isn't the case in Europe; where I live it's far more often rainy than dry, and I'd like to use the power on tap also under these conditions.

Simple, really.

With high-end supercars such as the Maccas, Fezzas or even AMG GT this is a bit less of an issue to remain with RWD as (i) they're typically used far less as daily drivers and (ii) their weight distribution and wider track / tires give them substantial traction advantages over something like an M5.

[SCOTT26]

Originally Posted by Laki021

What about the M550i, is it going to be available from the start?

No. Premiere at Geneva. With M550d.

[SCOTT26]

Another new element.
The new M5 seats.