BMW M5 AND M6 TO GET ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE?
The concept of an all-wheel-drive (AWD) BMW M5 and M6 is once again in the spotlight. Apparently BMW’s M Division is seriously considering offering both M5 and M6 in all-wheel-drive, thus joining its German rivals Audi and Mercedes-Benz who already offer AWD high-performance sedans such as the RS 6 Avant and CLA 45 AMG respectively.
BMW has never been a fan of AWD in its range of sedans, preferring to go the rear-wheel-drive route instead. Since the X5 came along in 1999, the company has gone full swing into the technology, even offering the current 5 Series M50d in AWD (xDrive). Even then, M cars have been immune. Well that might soon change.
BMW M Division boss Friedrich Nitschke has been quoted as saying: “I’ve looked at the numbers and 70 to 80% of E63 AMGs are all-wheel drive in the US now. On our cars we are thinking of all-wheel drive, but it won’t come before we get the successor of the M5 and M6.”
While this is being considered, the upcoming M2 Coupe, M3 sedan and M4 Coupe don’t look as though they will be affected by this decision. When asked if the smaller M cars will get AWD treatment Nitschke apparently just said “No. Never.” Right. The same was said about an AWD M5 too just a few years ago.
