LONDON: BMW’s iconic M5 performance saloon may soon be introduced with an wheel drive system. At the 2015 Detroit Motor Show, Frank van Meel, head of BMW’s M division confirmed to Autocar UK that the next generation of high performance cars from the automaker’s stable will feature four wheel drive.
van Meel also expressed interest in developing M variants of the X4 and X3. Although the M division head did not state what models will be offered in all wheel drive first, the M5 and M6 may be the first in line with the new drivetrain.
Frank van Meel also stated that the four wheel drive system will be rear biased to avoid problems of understeer. As time progresses, an increase in power under the bonnets of high performance vehicles is inevitable. As a result, Mr. Meel stated that the manufacturer is looking at all wheel drive systems as a means of handling the large power outputs. Further, if the demand for manual dwindles, BMW stated that it may also discontinue a manual gearbox for its M range altogether.
Along with the new four wheel drive M5, BMW also stated that the manual variant may be discontinued
The M boss also stated that there are plans of introducing more models in the M Performance lineup, BMW’s mid-level performance range, a lineup that acts as an entry level platform for BMW sports car enthusiasts. Sadly, Mr. Meel revealed that there would not be any attempts at a full fledged collaboration with BMW’s i division.
The only interactions between the two subsections of the German car maker would be through the sharing of certain technologies such as carbon fiber. However, the future is electric and van Meel stated that the M division is researching innovative components such as electric turbochargers to improve throttle response times. Although the exact dates for the new all wheel drive M5 have not been announced, expect the M5 to be announced sometime in 2016.
