Next BMW M5 to close the gap on E 63 AMG

BMW’s M division insists that its next M5 super sedan will close the performance gap on the newly-released Mercedes-AMG E 63 – with or without all-wheel drive.

Speaking to motoring.com.au today, BMW vice-president of sales and marketing for BMW’s M division, Peter Quintus, said acceleration and handling are priorities for the seventh-generation M5, promising ‘very rear-wheel drive biased’ dynamics without confirming the model’s switch to all-wheel drive.

“As well as technology, we are also about philosophy,” explained Quintus. “I cannot confirm that we will go all-wheel drive for the new M5, but in case we do go all-wheel drive – as a company that has a long history of rear-wheel drive [models] – it would be very rear-wheel drive biased with different driving modes.”

Quintus also affirmed rumours that the upcoming M5 will match the engine output of its nearest competitor. Speculation says the M5 will be powered by an updated 4.4-litre twin-turbo quad-cam V8 -- coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission -- matching the riotous 450kW/850Nm outputs of AMG’s twin-turbo E-Class.

“A 600-horsepower car with only rear-wheel drive and ESP off is very difficult to handle – even if you are experienced,” Quintus explained.

“So maybe there are some ideas about how we can make a better handling car. In saying that, it’s important to stick to our philosophy: to be a good handling car, to stick to our racing genes, the technology, the agility and the precision that the M brand stands for, we will never compromise on that.”

When quizzed as to whether the new G30-series M5 could hope to match the straight-line acceleration of the new Mercedes-AMG E 63 S -- which can hit 100km/h in just 3.4sec, making it a full second quicker than the current M5 -- Quintus was non-committal.

“It’s not only about accelerating in a straight line, it’s about corners. That said, acceleration for us is also an important issue, so quite clearly we will close this gap.”

BMW is set to launch its all-new 5 Series in Europe this month with local sales slated for the second quarter of 2017. The M5 will make its official debut at the Geneva motor show in March before hitting European showrooms in May.