2012 BMW M5 to get 4WD? +M5 Concept Video

Will the 2012 M5 get four wheel drive?

It’s being reported that the 2012 BMW M5 is going to be offered with a 4WD option. And that it will get ‘only’ 552bhp

Autocar are reading a comment by BMW’s head of R&D, Albert Biermann, that “…there will be some all-wheel-drive surprises on M cars in the future.” as evidence that BMW are going to do the almost unthinkable and offer 4WD as an option on the 2012 BMW M5.

But it is of course an eminently sensible move for all but the M5 nutters. For it will give more certain traction in more extreme conditions and dial in a  degree of safety a RWD setup can never offer. And if properly set up – which it will be – it will emulate much of the driving sensations of a RWD car.

There are downsides, of course, but if BMW are to offer 4WD as an option rather than as a fait accompli – at least initially – it should cause no backlash. Yes, on a track, RWD can be preferable. But in the real world, on a car like the M5, and particularly in colder climates, it’s a wise move.

Other interesting titbits from Autocar’s Biermann chat seem to indicate that the 2012 M5 will ‘only’ get 552bhp, a long way short of the generally accepted expectations of something approaching 600bhp, and only a smidge up on the X5M, which sports the same lump.

But remapping to give crisper throttle responses and the extra torque the new twin-turbo V8 has – 510lb/ft, up a third on the old V10 – will make it a lot quicker under most circumstances than the old M5.

That extra torque will also allow for a longer final drive and taller gearing which will probably mean fuel economy improving by anything up to 25% on the old model, thanks also in no small part to stuff like stop-start and brake energy recuperation.

The 2012 M5 is stacking up to be very appealing.

2012 BMW M5 Concept Drive Video