Rumors about BMW evaluating all-wheel drive for their M models (besides their SUVs, that is) have been around for a while, but now, for the first time, we have hard evidence that they’ve moved from theory to actual field tests.

Our spies made the discovery when they took a sneak peek underneath an otherwise inconspicuous M5 tester playing on one of the ice tracks used by BMW. What they found is a driveshaft for the front wheels, meaning this M5 puppy was fitted with an all-wheel drive system!

“This M5 caught my attention some days earlier while playing on one of the ice tracks used by BMW,” our man with the long-lens told us. “While drifting, it sure looked like all four wheels where spinning wild and when I spotted the car parked up for lunch I just had to look under. The undercarriage photo clearly shows a driveshaft at the front wheels,” he said.

Just last week, BMW M boss  Franciscus van Meel hinted at the use of the firm’s xDrive all-wheel drive system on the next generation M5 and M6 models.

“If we continue the power increases in the future – especially regarding torque and also horsepower – then probably the next generation M5 and M6 will have so much torque and power that we need to think about those solutions [all-wheel drive],” he told Autoexpress.

“I wouldn’t like to use the word four-wheel drive because it’s always connected a little bit – emotionally – to straightforward driving and that’s not what we’re talking about,” he continued. “So if we go on a direction of four-wheel drive, for us it will really be like a rear-wheel drive with more traction.”

Given that the next 5-Series (codenamed G30) is due next year, the new M5 should arrive in 2017, so it’s highly unlikely that BMW would introduce AWD on the current car.

What we believe is going on is that, BMW M division engineers are evaluating a rear-wheel-biased, xDrive all-wheel drive system on a current M5 mule. Whether they’ve already reached a decision to offer AWD on the next M5 and M6 or if they’re trying to make up their minds, is something that remains to be seen.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

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