It isn’t any secret that BMW hasn’t as good an all-wheel drive system as Mercedes and Audi, but this is going to change in the near future. We know that because the Bavarian car manufacturer announced the debuting of the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with the new generation M5.
According to them, the system will come as a regular all-wheel drive, yet it will be able to operate as a rear-wheel-drive setup as well. In contrast to Audi Sport and Mercedes-AMG AWD layouts, this so-called M xDrive has the aforementioned RWD mode, which works really perfectly. A transfer case splits the drive torque between the front and rear axles and then the rear differential splits it further between the rear wheels.
Of course, the driver is in charge of choosing which one driving mode the car is using. The upcoming M5 will have all-wheel drive, sport-tuned all-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive. Still, the torque distribution pattern controls the Central Intelligence Unit computer. The driver will be able to switch off the car’s stability and turn on the M Dynamic Mode. This sportier setup allows greater wheel slip, which brings on better agility and controlled drift. However, even the MDM model will keep almost perfect handling.
The 2018 BMW M5 will combine the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with an amazing 4.4-liter twin-turbo engine. The mill will deliver a whopping output of 600 hp and 516 lb-ft of twist and will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Aside from it’s going to produce more power the new M5 will spend less fuel due to a new injection system, new turbochargers, and a lighter exhaust. Unfortunately, there will be no manual option available, but on the other hand, you can expect a 0-60 sprint below 3.5 seconds.
Anyway, the redesigned M5 will make its debut at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, so we should be able to check the abilities of the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system shortly after.