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The latest iteration of the M5 now gets AWD and an eight-speed torqueconverter

BMW HAS LAUNCHED THE latestgeneration M5 (F90) performance sedan in India at a price of `1.43 crore (ex-showroom, India). The M5 has always been a car that has sought to marry sportscar rivalling performance with the comfort and luxury of a full-size sedan. This latest F90 model uses a revised version of the last-gen F10 M5’s 4.4-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine to dish up 592hp and 750Nm of torque.

The M5 now uses an eight-speed torqueconverter ‘box instead of the seven-speed dual clutch. Also, rather significantly, this new M5 is all-time AWD instead of the RWD that all versions before it have been – something that purists wouldn’t be pleased with. But hey, BMW has made a habit of using electronics and all sorts of tech-wizardry to churn out unbelievable cars that defy all norms. The car has been equipped with active M differential, which, when combined with the electronics emanating from the central intelligence control unit that BMW has used in the M5, combines the agility and precision of the regular RWD that BMWs are known for with the smoothness and traction of AWD. In fact, Frank van Meel, president, BMW M Division, says that the new M5 with the xDrive actually feels like a rear-wheel driven car, but with more traction. Besides, if you really want all the close-to-600 horses going to the rear, you always have the option of RWD lock, which confines all the power to the rear.