BMW M5, M6 Models May Get All-Wheel Drive
It might be almost 2020 when it happens, but BMW M models will finally bring all-wheel drive to its production cars.
Despite its German counterparts, including AMG and Audi, offering all-wheel drive in their high-performance lineup, BMW’s M models including the new M3 and M4 are available in rear-wheel drive only. But BMW’s M Division president wants to change that after acknowledging that 70 to 80 percent of the E63 AMGs sold in North America are all-wheel drive.
SEE ALSO: 2014 BMW M3, M4 to Make 430-HP, Shed 200 Lbs.
Unfortunately, all-wheel drive won’t join the conventional M lineup until we see the next-generation M5 and M6 models, which means it’ll be close to 2017 or even 2018 before AWD M vehicles become a reality. According to Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, all-wheel drive will be offered as an option and won’t be the only available model since many M owners still prefer rear-wheel drive.
That’s not to say that BMW’s M division doesn’t offer any vehicles with all-wheel drive. The X5 M and X6 M are both based on all-wheel drive architectures, but the coupes and sedans are all based on rear-drive platforms. Interestingly enough, Nitschke clarified that the M3 and M4 will never get an AWD option stating that “To accelerate out of corners with this rear-end architecture concept is so fantastic that it is not needed.”
GALLERY: BMW M3, M4 Technology
[Source: Motoring.com]
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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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