2017 BMW M5 to feature switchable AWD/RWD

THE sixth-generation version of the flagship 5 Series due here in early 2018 will offer drivers three selectable modes, according to an informed contributor on the BMW Blog website.

The modes are said to comprise AWD, AWD Sport and RWD, changeable at the touch of a button – presumably an M one.

It follows the rival Mercedes-AMG E63 S released last year, which can switch out of its standard all-wheel-drive set-up with a pull of the paddles to instruct the car’s 450kW to go only to the rear tyres.

The idea is to give owners the best of both worlds – the ability to get power to the ground more easily on the road and the ability to get sideways on a track.

The M5 is expected to generate similar power to the Benz from its carried over but uprated 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, which will also switch from the former seven-speed dual-clutch set-up to a more conventional eight-speed torque converter auto.

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It will reportedly use the advantage of all-wheel-drive traction to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.6 seconds.

That falls two-tenths shy of its Stuttgart nemesis, though at least restores order in the BMW world, as its current fastest-accelerating car (3.7 seconds) is the M760Li limo.

The first M passenger car to feature all-wheel drive is expected to reduce weight further over regular 5 Series models with more extensive use of aluminium for its body, plus carbon fibre for the roof and bootlid.

The G30 BMW M5 is set for a public debut at September’s 2017 Frankfurt motor show.

2017 BMW 5 Series review

Bonus: Watch the next-gen M5 testing at the Nurburgring below!