BMW throws in towel - next M5 likely to be AWD

[DeerHunter]

Not surprising, given the trouble it currently has putting all that power to the ground:
http://driving.ca/bmw/m5/auto-news/news/bmw-considering-all-wheel-drive-for-next-m5

[Bruno_Rosada]

What took them so long? MB climbed on board with the current gen E63/CLS63. About time.

[HedonismBot]

If I'm not mistaken that means it can no longer qualify as "The Ultimate Driving Machine™" [:p]

[RyanMedina]

"I love X-drive!"
-No one, ever

[VeryBadman]

Not a real surprise, the modern performance cars produce outrageous power and it's next to impossible to put that number on the ground and make it driveable for the majority without killing themselves. The famous flying M4 clip that came out recently just proved that point so it's only the matter of time when BMW has to follow suit.

[moosehead1]

I joined a buddy today during his purchase of a CPO X5M. Unexpectedly, I found myself lusting after both the M4 and the sensuous M6 Gran Coupe. My first ignorant question to the salesman was do either of these come in X drive? He visually slumped and said no, and that the lack of X was his biggest hurdle to moving these spectacular vehicles, at least here in the Rockies. The Alpina sounded interesting.

[VeryBadman]

I joined a buddy today during his purchase of a CPO X5M. Unexpectedly, I found myself lusting after both the M4 and the sensuous M6 Gran Coupe. My first ignorant question to the salesman was do either of these come in X drive? He visually slumped and said no, and that the lack of X was his biggest hurdle to moving these spectacular vehicles, at least here in the Rockies. The Alpina sounded interesting.

No kidding, I almost pulled the trigger on M6 myself if Audi Concord didn't call me and put the killer deal on the table for RS7. M6 is a great looking car but all in all I still prefer Audi.

[VVG]

Not surprising, given the trouble it currently has putting all that power to the ground:
http://driving.ca/bmw/m5/auto-news/news/bmw-considering-all-wheel-drive-for-next-m5

What amazes me is that most ordinary car enthusiasts knew from the beginning that this kind of turbo-driven torque in a heavy, front-engine sedan would be useless without AWD. How can BMW designers and engineers not know this? RWD is great for overall driving dynamics and steering response, but that dynamic feel is best suited to moderate levels of normally aspirated power. Cayman GTS for example, or the previous gen M3. Even the power delivery of the previous M5's V10 was smooth and linear and well suited to RWD, However when you produce over 500lb-ft of torque, early in the power band, you better have all four wheels grabbing.

[Delurker]

I got a ride in a new (tuned) M3 a couple weeks ago at SupremePower. Jeebus that thing was in need of AWD - the rear end really wanted to get ahead of the front.

[VeryBadman]

Hey! And after I looked up more about the news, I found out that the new chief of M division Frank van Meel came from quattro GmbH so it's even less surprising why he wants to make the next M5 AWD LOL.

[moosehead1]

No kidding, I almost pulled the trigger on M6 myself if Audi Concord didn't call me and put the killer deal on the table for RS7. M6 is a great looking car but all in all I still prefer Audi.

Same here, both because of Quattro and aesthetic design preference. To my eye, there also seemed to be a lost decade or so where BMW just fumbled design, and became rounded and soft.

The Bimmer coupes and sedans seen yesterday had both curvy appeal and edge, very sharp (other than the GT which looked like a failed experiment, and the base X5 which still is a bit bland). Even the i3 looked appealing and athletic which is something I can't say for other electric econocarts. Their top end wheelsets showed nice touches including concavity, staggered sets, and custom finishes.

[EYE4SPEED]

I had a 335d, loved it but got rid of it due to lack of awd. There was rumors of an M5 with xDrive and diesel produced, but was not available here in the States. If they make the diesel/xDrivel option available with the M5, I might have to go back.