[The Automotive Enthusiast]

The first prototype for the new BMW M5, created more than three years ago, was rear-wheel drive, Dirk Hacker, vice-president of BMW’s M division, confirmed to Autocar: “It was the natural, historic way to go – until we realised we were beyond the limits of longitudinal acceleration. Four-wheel drive was the only option.”

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/c...-v12-alive-and

[insanecoder]

I hope the option of switching from AWD to 2WD will be in the next gen M3 as well..
S58 + AWD + RWD = heaven on earth

[R3dliner]

Originally Posted by insanecoder

I hope the option of switching from AWD to 2WD will be in the next gen M3 as well..
S58 + AWD + RWD = heaven on earth

added weight and no 6mt option sucks though.

[KoenG]

Originally Posted by Mo@BMWofFairfax

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/c...-v12-alive-and

Don't understand it took those smart guys this much time to figure this out.

I took an M6 GC competition a few years back in Munich and after 20 mins it was already obvious that the RWD could not cope with the violence of the engine. Even in the dry, the DTC had a tough time at +100mph to keep the spin under control on the ridges in the autobahn on full throttle.

Although with the LSD it was big fun, it's not effective in converting torque into speed.

[gblansten]

I love the AWD setup in my X5M. I had a 2014 M5. I, too, thought that the car was a bit too overpowered for the RWD platform. Still loved my M5 though. Nothing wrong with a RWD biased AWD system. Nothing at all.

[Roadkiller]

I'm loving xDrive in the new M550i. For those of you concerned about the weight, they managed to reduce the G30 by 100lbs while including the hardware for the xDrive.

[KoenG]

Originally Posted by Roadkiller

I'm loving xDrive in the new M550i. For those of you concerned about the weight, they managed to reduce the G30 by 100lbs while including the hardware for the xDrive.

After having driven some of the M's, I would really advice only one thing: put a smart (vectorised) AWD on the V8s +600Nm immediately to provide every tire with the torque it can muster!

I also had the impression the M4 3.0 was not far off, but with 450bhp it was still ok (in very optimal, dry and warm conditions). No doubt the lack of traction would flip to frustrating under wet and chill/damp conditions immediately also. I felt the excellent pilot sports on the rear craving for grip on every 1st or 2nd gear exit but it was still very enjoyable then. No more when cold or damp and LSD would not have been able to compensate!!

Owners with more experience can comment better beyond doubt! I only enjoyed for less than 800miles. So every M driver knows this, no?

[kyrix1st]

Originally Posted by KoenG

After having driven some of the M's, I would really advice only one thing: put a smart (vectorised) AWD on the V8s +600Nm immediately to provide every tire with the torque it can muster!

Learning to drive fast with high HP FR vehicle is IMO an essential trait of an enthusiast.

What they could have done instead of going heavier, AWD, and more torque, is designing a lighter, more aerodynamic FR vehicle with torque curve reminiscent of Ferrari F488, making highest HP at near 8000 rpm with only a necessary amount of torque to fulfill the high revving experience.

I hardly see any benefit of F90 M5 over the upcoming E63 AMG (S or not). Yes, M5 will be a tad bit more sporty, but with the same engine characteristic as when it was released in 2011 and the mundane torque converter transmission that hates to rev beyond 7400 rpm and provides nowhere near the fierceness of MT or DCT downshifts. E63 AMG arguably matches M5's performance figure while providing ever more luxury that is apparently deemed necessary in this segment.

It is honestly sad to see that AMG of all brand now produces an iconic hybrid hypercar with 11,000 rpm redline and 1100 hp while BMW goes all eco with i8.

[Anthony3DHeli]

I don't believe, we saw a BMW F10 M5 back in 2014 testing AWD system on snow. the engineers at M Division knew from the very beginning that the F90 needed AWD to compete with the E63 AMG and RS6/7

[Anthony3DHeli]

Originally Posted by insanecoder

I hope the option of switching from AWD to 2WD will be in the next gen M3 as well..
S58 + AWD + RWD = heaven on earth

very likely this is the powertrain for the G80 M3/M4!

[SFT33]

The F10 just has too much hp and torque to put the power down. Turn off the DSC and you run the serious risk of putting your 100k car in the ditch. What I don’t get is why all the nannies are turned off in the new car if you want RWD. Give me at least the option of having some safety net.