BMW will offer all-wheel drive on future iterations of its non-SUV M models, Autocar is reporting. As early as 2013, then-head of the M GmbH performance division, Friedrich Nitschke, told us that all-wheel drive is being considered for the upcoming M5.

Without specifics as to which models will get all-wheel drive, it is safe to assume that the M5 and the M6 will be the first to join the X5 M and X6 M as all-wheel drive flagships of the division. This will allow them to compete with the Mercedes-AMG E63 and the Audi RS7 Sportback, which feature all-wheel drive, as well. Only the Cadillac CTS-V is still offered with rear-wheel drive, just like the current M5. Alternately, the next M5 could be offered with both rear- and all-wheel drive.
BMW won’t confirm the rumor, but it offered a statement that leaves the door wide open for a new powertrain strategy: “M GmbH stands for a philosophy, not dogmatically for a technology. The products stand for precision and agility in the high-performance segment. Should all-wheel drive be compatible with these values, then it is a topic for M GmbH.” And it promised: “An all-wheel drive car by M GmbH must feel like a rear-wheel drive car?just with a plus in traction.”
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More options are always good. Just keep rear-wheel drive as...