Ever since Mercedes-Benz released their all-wheel-drive E63 AMG everyone started wondering why BMW didn't do the same with the M5. It's easy: the M5 always was and will forever be rear-wheel-drive.
It's not just an issue of pride or prejudice, it's just that BMW also cares about how a car handles corners, not only straight lines. That is where rear-wheel-drive is better than AWD and that's why the M5 will stay the same.
Now, if you're looking for some AWD fun in a car that has the M letter on the boot, you have a couple of options. The 2 most obvious ones are the X6 M and the X5 M but also the M50d versions found on the 5 Series and both SUVs.
The guys from TTAC (the truth about cars) took a 2013 BMW X6 M out for a drive to see how the xDrive system handles all the power delivered by that monstrous 4.4-liter V8 under the bonnet, baring the name S63.
In the X6 M it was tuned to produce 555 HP and 501 lb-ft (680 Nm) of torque. That is hooked up to an automatic ZF 6-speed transmission (yes, the DCT is not available on the X6 M because it was built to be able to tow things too, not just race).
The benchmark numbers stunned the crew over at TTAC. According to their measurements, the X6 M reaches 60 mph in 4.04 seconds with the launch control, a number extremely impressive for a car that weighs 5,400 lbs (2,450 kg).
By comparison, the much lighter CLS63 AMG did the same run in 4.1 seconds, just to get a picture of how fast this beast is. Furthermore, cornering in this car is an amazing experience, especially due to the xDrive system.
Bottom line, the X6 M is an incredible machine. High-performance is an area where it feels comfortable and everyone knows it. Not only that but its practicality cannot be put in question, with 25.6 cubic feet of luggage compartment and a towing capability of 6,600 lbs (3,000 kg).
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