Photo: SB-Medien
The current generation of M5 performance sedan was considered by many to be too much of a leap forward, as the twin-turbo engine made it feel like a GT. But BMW is not the type of company that shies away from change and will make another M5 that's even more of an oddball.
The first major change is that AWD will be installed, giving the super 5er more traction off the line. These latest spy photos also suggest the front wheels are driven. However, we were more concerned with the front end design. Until now, the M5 has been testing with a crude mockup at the front. But this prototype has the real thing, a production piece of lightweight material, complete with extra-large air intakes.
The idea of an AWD M5 has been around since 2014, when BMW M GmbH President Friedrich Nitschke said that the current M5 was "suffering" and all-wheel drive may be the cure. While nothing is set in stone, the Mercedes-AMG E63 already made the switch and most of the S63 sedans and coupes sold come with 4Matic as well.
Weight is another major issue for the sedan. While some of the more wild reports hinted at it being 200 kilos (440 pounds) lighter than the F10-based car, others say it's more like 80 kg (176 lbs) less. Nitschke has said he wants "significantly higher" savings than what the M4 coupe got, but we have to wait and see if carbon fiber reinforced plastic can deliver that much.
As BMW made us aware of with the Next 100 Concept, 2016 is a very special year. So engineers are under pressure to get the M5 ready to be shown by the end of the year.
Even so, no information has yet leaked out regarding the all-important engine aspect. Some reports suggest we will see a brand new 4.0-liter V8 engine, while others say the 4.4-liter will carry on being used. Whatever the case, this performance car should offer around 600 hp and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. While we're not sold on the rumor of it being a hybrid, since it would add weight, a torque filler motor would make sense.
The idea of an AWD M5 has been around since 2014, when BMW M GmbH President Friedrich Nitschke said that the current M5 was "suffering" and all-wheel drive may be the cure. While nothing is set in stone, the Mercedes-AMG E63 already made the switch and most of the S63 sedans and coupes sold come with 4Matic as well.
Weight is another major issue for the sedan. While some of the more wild reports hinted at it being 200 kilos (440 pounds) lighter than the F10-based car, others say it's more like 80 kg (176 lbs) less. Nitschke has said he wants "significantly higher" savings than what the M4 coupe got, but we have to wait and see if carbon fiber reinforced plastic can deliver that much.
As BMW made us aware of with the Next 100 Concept, 2016 is a very special year. So engineers are under pressure to get the M5 ready to be shown by the end of the year.
Even so, no information has yet leaked out regarding the all-important engine aspect. Some reports suggest we will see a brand new 4.0-liter V8 engine, while others say the 4.4-liter will carry on being used. Whatever the case, this performance car should offer around 600 hp and 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) of torque. While we're not sold on the rumor of it being a hybrid, since it would add weight, a torque filler motor would make sense.
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