[clbmw]

Originally Posted by goj

In other words: DRIFT MODE!

Exactly. New E63 4matic has this so I'd be surprised if the new M5 didn't. I think it's a great idea. If you want a lightweight sports car buy something else like a GT3.

Next if they added a lightweight mild hybrid touring option the next generation you'd have all the car you could ever wish for; very powerful, practical, good in all weather, ability to drift and then efficient in the daily grind that is slow moving traffic.

[kevinlevrone]

AWD is simply a must for optimum power and torque utilization, provided that the weight and parasitic losses can be kept low. Being an M car which goes from RWD to AWD for the first time, I expect the M division to put some extra effort in designing a light AWD system.

[WCH]

I'll be interested if this true. Even with snow tires I could not get up my driveway in the F10 M5 with any amount of fresh snow. Had to swap out of the F10 for a X5M. My experience was that on flat ground snow tires were fine but if you encountered a hill, you would need studded tires in the M5 to be sure of getting where you wanted to go.

Now that I have a X5M I realize how careful I had to be with the M5 or the traction control would intervene. With the X5M I almost never activate the traction control - push the pedal and it just goes.

BTW I put snow tires on the X5M too - i would not be able to get up the driveway without at least all seasons even with AWD.

Yes there is a weight penalty but we're not talking about a stripped down track car in any iteration.

[Paul-Bracq-BMW]

if BMW manages to keep the weight increase to about 50kg or 100 lbs, the AWD, if it's rear drive biased with torque vectoring can only help with traction with all that turbocharged hp and torque!

[Eddien123]

Originally Posted by Bosozoku

Find a good 1985-1988 E28 M5 then.
It's a featherweight at 3,417 lb. Less than an M2.
Because you're not hauling around all those modern luxury goods.

Let's see now. The outgoing F10 M5 weighs about 4,288 lb.
Here's the math: 4,288 - 3,417 = 871 lb.
You'd be saving 871 lb. and probably a lot of cash as well.

Note: The G-generation M5 might weigh less than the F11, but will probably cost more.

Source (for M5 model weights): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M5...2.80.931988.29

E39 M5 was a "fun" car. Very nimble and responsive at 4,000lbs. I didn't say it had to be 3400lbs I just don't see the need to keep adding weight. Make them two separate cars. RWD and AWD. Problem solved.

[Eddien123]

Originally Posted by DR_G

I have to disagree, there's plenty of AWD performance cars out there; in this case BMW are already shaving what? 100kg off the base car, and M are potentially giving you the option of tail happy fun-times, but with the ability to switch back to AWD?

Sounds like a winner, already really like the look of the new 5 series, looking forward to seeing what the M5 brings.

Not against AWD but for those who don't need AWD, they now have to lug that weight around pointlessly.

[f30nynj]

I would get that AWD/RWD

1. The G-series already shaved of 100kgs.so the ratio of weight saving should be proportional to to-be announced M5.
2. Better tuner engine with twin-turbo and nice torque line. With this beast of power the RWD may be able to handle it but AWD should give better steer and grip. I would take that.
3. Don't know how switching works but it does sound like win for RWD lovers as well.

Stop whining about 100lb extras. This is already offset by weight savings, better engine, newer least drag coefficient body, technology upgrades etc.

[Greer]

The new M5 will be a beast. I live in Cali and I welcome the AWD. More traction = like!

[VTECaddict]

Originally Posted by DominNYE24

Just buy some decent snow tires, it won't add any weight and you guys would be fine in any conditions! Leave M5 RWD as it should be!!

The F10M already struggles for grip with Michelin PSS on dry pavement.

[hovabongz]

Seems like it's going to be an automatic no DCT disappointing if true. Why they couldn't develop a new DCT like Porsche did with their Panamera I don't know. They went cheapskate !

[Draper]

Originally Posted by Bosozoku

Find a good 1985-1988 E28 M5 then.
It's a featherweight at 3,417 lb. Less than an M2.
Because you're not hauling around all those modern luxury goods.

Let's see now. The outgoing F10 M5 weighs about 4,288 lb.
Here's the math: 4,288 - 3,417 = 871 lb.
You'd be saving 871 lb. and probably a lot of cash as well.

Note: The G-generation M5 might weigh less than the F11, but will cost more.

Source (for M5 model weights): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_M5...2.80.931988.29

Fixed that for you.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by DR_G

I have to disagree, there's plenty of AWD performance cars out there; in this case BMW are already shaving what? 100kg off the base car, and M are potentially giving you the option of tail happy fun-times, but with the ability to switch back to AWD?

Sounds like a winner, already really like the look of the new 5 series, looking forward to seeing what the M5 brings.

+1. IMO the "AWD = pig of a car" argument holds true for low HP cars decades ago, but not today when cars are pushing 450-500 HP.

[avlnch]

Those of us that have owned E60 M5's appreciated the option of power. Usually used in rain, snow. Having the option of 4WD in the same manner would be nice, this time for rain, snow and better accel.

[antzcrashing]

This is very cool and innovative. Hope it happens and comes to non-ms

[Brake_Late]

Yes please

[AG23]

Really cool concept, hope it is true.

[infamousdiz]

All this complaint about AWD and performance and weight but the GTR comes to mind and the developer said for any non race car driver 4000 is the best balance. This was to reference about a lot of critics complain about the gtr's weight

[IB M]

Basically flip the switch for burnouts.

Otherwise keep it in AWD. Nothing says fun like stomping the throttle from a red light in the rain on an uphill like AWD and a V8 motor.

[brad850csi]

Originally Posted by infamousdiz

All this complaint about AWD and performance and weight but the GTR comes to mind and the developer said for any non race car driver 4000 is the best balance. This was to reference about a lot of critics complain about the gtr's weight

I've seen that interview and I'm honestly not 100% sure if I believe it.

But even then, the lightest V8 BMW is the M6 Coupe and that is 4250lbs so still some distance away from the 4000lbs mentioned.

[goj]

Originally Posted by Eddien123

This defeats the purpose entirely. For me, AWD is stupid for a performance car because it ADDS weight. Provided the weight distribution is good and the AWD is rear biased, it won't under steer. A RWD setting just means your car is rwd with a stupid amount of weight added for no reason. I mean honestly...

How is a company supposed to move into the future if they resist change?

[raysspl]

Would be nice to see this in RWD format without the on/off AWD system... wishful thinking but still hoping

[N & M]

Originally Posted by Marius16

According to bimmertoday the M5 will be a 4x2. This means that you can switch between four-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive at the push of a button.

source: http://www.bimmertoday.de/2016/12/12...uf-knopfdruck/

The complete article translated:

"The change of the BMW M5 F90 to four-wheel drive is supposed to make the power sedan from Garching even more appealing, but some customers are annoyed by the absence of the rear wheel drive, but there is good news for this clientele, because if our information is correct The new BMW M5 F90 at the push of a button: Depending on the driving mode, the driver can decide whether he wants to distribute the power of the V8-Biturbo to all four wheels or prefer the full power on the rear axle.

We assume that the corresponding mode with pure rear wheel drive can also be stored on one of the steering wheel buttons. If you want to be particularly dynamic, you can activate the driving mode for maximum driving pleasure with two short thumb movements and also enjoy the BMW M5 F90 with rear-wheel drive.

The option of rear-wheel drive at the push of a button is designed to take the wind out of the sails that make the new BMW M5 F90 less exciting than its predecessor due to its standard all-wheel drive. In many situations, however, the four driven wheels will offer advantages, not least in terms of acceleration. On dry asphalt, a maximum of 3.5 seconds will pass before the three-digit speeds are reached. Apart from this, the all-wheel drive naturally offers great traction advantages on slippery ground, which is to open up new customers in the alpine area and the North American Snow Belt.

The power sedan is powered by a further developed V8-Biturbo with a displacement of 4.4 liters, which is expected to press almost 600 hp on the crankshaft at the beginning of the market in 2018. Later variants such as the BMW M5 CS will continue to turn at the power screw and underpin the special wheel of the BMW M5 as a sports car in the business dress.

In order to be able to look even better on stretches with tight corners, the M GmbH has also parted with the weight of the BMW M5 F90. The top model of the new 5 Series G30 not only benefits from all lightweight construction measures of the large series, but also adds additional elements with elements such as the standard carbon roof. On the bottom line, the M5 should bring a few kilograms less than the predecessor despite the more complex drive train with all-wheel drive and more extensive series equipment. It goes without saying that the experts at M GmbH also do a lot of fine work on the chassis and thus also want to improve performance."

All of us purists would have preferred a RWD M5 but the realities of commercial decsions and egineering limitations stemming from keeping the car as close as production vehicle in terms of cost and drivability mean that AWD was the inevitable solution.

I believe BMW will pleasantly surprise us with the G30 M5 and can't wait to get behind the wheel of that car.