We spy BMW M5 testing AWD xDrive!

[Jason]

BIMMERPOST NEWS

Spied: AWD xDrive testing on BMW M5!

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As we've shown you in recent spy photos, BMW is currently conducting cold climate testing for its prototypes in Northern Sweden where the F10 M5 has made an unexpected appearance. At first glance, there's nothing unique about this M5, but a quick peak underneath shows the big secret that it's hiding - an all-wheel-drive drivetrain! The undercarriage photo shows a driveshaft at the front wheels.

Does this mean that the F10 M5 will see an AWD xDrive model in its lifetime? Skeptics would say unlikely considering the next generation 5 Series (G30), upon which the next M5 will be based, will debut next year. There is also no M5 xDrive listed in BMWUSA's model map for the 2016 model year.

Rumors of a production AWD F10 M5 have been around since 2011. But, Albert Biermann, former BMW M chief engineer, addressed this on record by saying there will be no AWD for the current F10 M5 model. So, what we're looking at may be a prototype to test AWD for the next generation M5/M6.

While it's shocking to actually see the AWD drivetrain on the M5, the company has been softening us up for the possibility of a future AWD M5 / M6 for years. Statements from BMW representatives about the possibility go back to 2011 and the new head of BMW M, Franciscus van Meel spoke recently on the topic:

"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 so much torque and power that we need to think about those solutions."

"So if we go on a direction of four-wheel drive, for us it will really be like a rear-wheel drive with more traction."

"Whatever technology we’re talking about, the properties of an M car must remain rear-wheel drive; very agile, very precise. And I don’t like the phrase ‘four-wheel drive’. Emotionally it sounds stoic, neutral and understeery. If we are talking about M I think we’re talking about rear-wheel drive with added traction. We are looking into those things because power and torque will only increase, and we will run into the necessity of these kind of systems."

F10 M5 with AWD xDrive

[RPiM5]

Hooooly Schnikes!

[Nqwjx30]

OMG AWD

[infamousq]

Man this next one is going to be something else!!!!

[Needsdecaf]

Boooooo.

Hope it's optional.

[stealth.pilot]

Maybe they are testing the AWD system on the M5 to get a sense of the pros and cons for the next gen M5 or for the M770Lxi which I assume will have similar power and weight to the F10 M5.

[Das Johnson]

WHAT

[M3 Adjuster]

Never ceases to amaze me how bimmerpost " spy photos" come with such amazing details.

That's pretty amazing that the spy photographer was able to get under the car like that. :-)

Laying on the ground in the cold for us.. You shouldn't have !

[Ghetto2315]

I obviously see the reason/need for AWD but this BETTER be an option

[RPiM5]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

Maybe they are testing the AWD system on the M5 to get a sense of the pros and cons for the next gen M5 or for the M770Lxi which I assume will have similar power and weight to the F10 M5.

Indeed. Let's not forget the M770Lxi is coming out. (Try saying that 5 times fast). Also, the all new ///M7 may have AWD too. There's going to be over 100 models of BMW's and ///M Cars by the time the next gen M5 is out. Lol!

[VCP]

For M4 too please! 3 sec 0-100 in our grasp!

[Twitch Massacre]

Omg no. Please. Leave it out of the M6. don't want it.

[Falafel Combo]

///M boss dropping hints of AWD M5 last week. Spotted testing this week.

[Doctor///M]

...and it begins!!!

[3M TAPE]

Here we go about time!

[MMM3PWR]

Cars and coffee guy should look into the swap for his m4 when it comes out

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by Falafel Combo

///M boss dropping hints of AWD M5 last week. Spotted testing this week.

Lol, indeed!

[DeeKay]

Still think the F10 M5 looks marvellous!

[Mfanatik]

Originally Posted by MMM3PWR

Cars and coffee guy should look into the swap for his m4 when it comes out

hahahahahahahahaha!

[jbeene]

For cold climates this is a big win. For the moment we are limited to the 550i which is hell of a car but not an M.

Having driven the F10 M5 I have to say my impression was that it was always struggling to maintain grip - even in the dry. While I'm a purist and always go for MT and rwd I can see the performance benefits of awd when a car is putting down the numbers that the M5 does.

Will be watching with interest. If they will just bring the wagon over too I won't have to worry about wanting an E63 AMG 4matic.

[Blackraven]

Originally Posted by RPiM5

M770Lxi is coming out.

Also, the all new ///M7 may have AWD too.

Is that still pushing through? I thought that the 760Li with the upgraded V12 engine (N74 family) will serve as the performance flagship for the G11/G12?

Also, I remember BMW stating that they don't seem interested in an M7 (because they said that majority of the target market for the 7 series are rich BUT old folks who can't drive triple digit speeds)

[X2Board]

Originally Posted by MMM3PWR

Cars and coffee guy should look into the swap for his m4 when it comes out