RUMOR: BIG News For BMW's Next-Gen M5 — Say It ISN'T So?

Since the launch of the current-gen BMW M5 there's been word circulating like vultures over a dead carcass.

"The next-gen M5 will go all-wheel drive."

"The next-gen M5 will NOT come with a manual gearbox."

Well, those close to the situation are reporting all-new information about the next-gen M5. They're saying that the motor from the current-gen model will be carried over — not a huge surprise given that the Bavarians have done this before with the X5/6Ms engine, generation-to-generation.

Here's the big news:

In addition, the next-gen M5 will only be offered with xDrive.

That's right, the rear-wheel drive is said to be going six feet under. While I will caveat this report with this is merely conjecture and speculation at this point, all signs seem to point to this being the direction BMW will be heading. The reality is that with Audi's RS7 and Mercedes-AMG's all-wheel drive high-performance models, the big daddy M cars don't have much of a choice but to adapt in order to remain competitive.

Having said that, do YOU think this is a move in the RIGHT or WRONG direction? What say you, Spies?

November 2015 Update:

New info:

740e and 760i are coming as MY2017, and M760i will be there either alongside 760i or as the only 12 cyl variant.
X2 is F39, not F47, and for now it's only xDrive28i for the U.S.
F34 LCI will be in 07/16 for MY2017.
F90 M5 is confirmed with the same engine as the current M5 (tweaks are possible of course) and xDrive only.
Wifi hotspot and wireless charging will be available for MY2017 in all 2/3/4 series cars.
MY2017 i3 (07/16 intro) will come with the 94Ah battery (the current one is 60Ah, so expect the new model to have 120 miles all-electric range; it is possible the 60Ah versions can be retrofitted with the new battery).
(So far unconfirmed, but the signals are strong) All UKL platform cars (both BMW and Mini) are going to get the dual clutch transmission some time in 2017.

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cidflekken - 11/28/2015 2:42:34 AM

+3 Boost

BMW needs to keep a RWD and AWD as separate optional models. I don't like the fact that Mercedes went all or nothing with the E63 4Matic.

PUGPROUD - 11/28/2015 6:30:46 AM

+1 Boost

Xdrive...you have to get the power to hook up and this is the way to do it. No manual...means no fun but its faster, easier to use in heavy traffic which is everywhere and it appeals to older richer buyers who have the money to buy these hyper expensive vehicles. Younger drivers will have to settle for high powered, great handling, much less expensive, manual Mustangs and Camaros...wish I was young again!

freeagent - 11/28/2015 8:45:03 AM

+3 Boost

This is inevitable. RWD cannot compete with AWD when so much power and computer aided dynamics. BMW cannot stand by and have the M5 beaten by its direct and indirect competitors that are AWD.

As for enjoyable driving dynamics, a balanced RWD car with a manual transmission will go from rare to exceptionally rare. The BMW to get will be the M2, and possibly the M235 is all you really need. Or a Cayman GTS. Anything above these excellent options is just a numbers game for bragging rights, not for a satisfyingly quick street drive.

MDarringer - 11/28/2015 9:27:20 AM

-2 Boost

Very few people who cheerlead for AWD have actually driven RWD and AWD back to back. The AWD may give incrementally better laps times, but I have yet to drive an AWD vehicle that didn't feel numb when pushed.

The people wheezing about after manual transmissions have likewise not had any track time. An automatic with paddles shifts a LOT faster and you can keep both hands on the wheel.

If the M5 is going AWD only, then its days of relevance are over.

Bring on the CTSV.

iamdabest1 - 11/28/2015 11:13:33 PM

+3 Boost

I've had a whole bunch of rear drive cars and x drive/ awd cars, rear is fun, but spinning out and not being able to get the power down to the ground defeats the purpose of having a fast car !

not everyone tracks their cars, and having awd in nyc is a must if its your only car. i loved the awd with the maserati ghibli and it was great in the snow.
now i have a 235xi and i love that the car just moves when you floor it whereas with the m3's you burn rear tires.
I WISH bmw offered the M2, m3,M4 with x drive. their regular cars , including the "m"235xi, 435xi just don't have that beautiful, true M look.
m5 is too big and too expensive so even with x drive, its just not a car i could consider.

W208 - 11/29/2015 10:59:34 AM

+2 Boost

Have to agree. AWD is ubiquitous. Everything is easier with it than without it. I have a FWD Ford Edge that peels out on cold days and slips in the rain with little input; it's very annoying.

Plus, I have a Dodge Magnum RT RWD. More often than not, the road is either cold, wet or cold and wet. Not that that dissuades me from hauling ass, but I guarantee you my butt is puckered when i'm taking faster than normal turns on Blue Ridge Parkway or gunning it from a stop light in the rain, just to overtake the slow starter in the lane next to me.

I find myself wishing I had just bought a Subaru WRX or some kind of sporting car with AWD. Next car will definitely have AWD.

W208 - 11/29/2015 10:59:44 AM

+1 Boost

CarCrazedinCali - 11/29/2015 2:11:25 PM

+2 Boost

I am surprised BMW is making it with Xdrive only vs optionally.