The new BMW M5 will have all-wheel drive

Munich - BMW will launch the sixth generation M5 in 2017 complete with an M xDrive system, an all-wheel drive system offering the driver different configurations for driving conditions. 

Power is derived from a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine, with an eight-speed M gearbox with Drivelogic. 

The driver can choose from five different configurations based on combinations of the DSC modes (DSC on, MDM, DSC off) and M xDrive modes (4WD, 4WD Sport, 2WD).

Engine

Lurking under the bonnet of the new M5 is the latest version of the 4.4-litre V8 engine featuring M TwinPower Turbo technology. The further improved high-revving engine outperforms its predecessor in terms of power output and torque.

BMW says the enhancements implemented by the engineers include higher injection pressure, new turbochargers, more powerful lubrication and cooling systems, plus a modified, lighter exhaust system, which generates an even clearer rendition of the unmistakable M soundtrack.

M-specific set-up

The principal hardware components of M xDrive are based on those of the xDrive all-wheel-drive system and the Active M Differential, while the M-specific driving dynamics control software ensures innovative deployment. The drivetrain has been reinforced for greater rigidity and strength to factor in the high torque, rear-biased configuration and 2WD option. 

How fast is the new M5?

Every time the engine is started, the BMW M5 defaults to 4WD mode with DSC on. Even in this basic configuration, which initially allows a certain amount of slip at the rear wheels to produce the agility for which M models are renowned, M xDrive offers tangible benefits in situations such as accelerating out of bends. The sedan completes the 0 to 100km/h or 200km/h sprints in the sort of times that leave its predecessor trailing in its wake says BMW.

Display

The driver-focused cockpit of the new BMW M5 now has an even clearer layout courtesy of the lowered instrument panel with freestanding Control Display. The M-style instrument cluster featuring two classical circular dials and red needles also accommodates an additional digital speedometer on the left-hand side, while the rev counter on the right includes a variable r/min pre-warning field and sporty shift lights when the Head-Up Display is switched on.

In the centre of the instrument cluster, the driver will find the readouts for the gear selection.