Audi makes the RS6 all-wheel drive wagon; Mercedes puts too much power in every AMG model. Pretty soon, there will also be a BMW sedan that does both.
We are talking about the F90 or next-gen M5 that has been spied once again at the Nurburgring track, where all the cool kids hang out.
Everybody is going to buy the M5 when it comes out. With a 600 horsepower version of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 and AWD, this sedan will be faster than some supercars. We're thinking 0 to 100 km/h in about 3.5 seconds and a top speed of around 185 mph when de-restricted.
All the rumors about it being a hybrid have gone quiet, which means it should also be very light... at least by M5 standards. You see, the current one weighs about 1.9 tons, so it's about the same as some big crossovers. The replacement model will have to deal with added electronics. But the engineers have been tasked with making the chassis as light as they did with the M3.
It's not the only BMW we've been keeping our eye on. The regular 5 Series will be good enough for most people, thanks to a range of new engine technology. The 550i will take on the S6 with its 450 horsepower 4.4L (some rumors indicate a 3-liter) while the diesel fans will (eventually) get a quad-turbo M550d with 400 hp.
Judging from the state of this test prototype, we figure the debut will either be in January at the Detroit Auto Show or next March in Geneva (or both).
There has never been a truly beautiful 5 Series, but the new BMW design language is starting to grow on us. They've completely reinvented the halo light rings, updated the fascia and subtly improved the interior design with the 7 Series. And all those features will be applied here as well.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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