BMW M5 AWD Confirmed in Spy Photos

Jason Siu
by Jason Siu

How does an all-wheel drive BMW M5 xDrive sound to you?

It appears that the German automaker is working on an M5 xDrive model as AutoGuide.com‘s spy photographers have caught this unsuspecting sedan testing on one of the ice tracks used by BMW. At first glance, it appears to be your everyday M5 but upon closer inspection, an undercarriage photo of the M5 reveals a driveshaft at the front wheels meaning this M5 is all-wheel drive.

SEE ALSO: 2014 BMW M5 Officially Revealed with Minor Updates

Our spy photographers also saw the M5 drifting with all four wheels spinning, but unfortunately it’s more likely that BMW is testing an all-wheel drive setup for the next-generation M5 rather than for the current model. The German automaker’s road map for the 2016 model year doesn’t have an M5 xDrive listed, but we all know that’s not set in stone. It is worth noting that the former BMW M chief engineer, Albert Biermann who is now with Hyundai, had said in the past that the current-generation M5 would never get all-wheel drive.

GALLERY: BMW X5 AWD xDrive Spy Photos

Discuss this story at our BMW forum

Jason Siu
Jason Siu

Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.

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  • Craig Cole Craig Cole on Jan 23, 2015

    There's nothing wrong with all-wheel drive as long as you can get it with a manual transmission.

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