We've known for a while that the next-generation BMW M5 would likely be fitted with all-wheel-drive, thanks to spy photos of a prototype with front driveshafts. Unlike its main rivals, BMW has never fit all-wheel-drive to its high-horsepower sedan

But that might soon change: BMW M boss Frank van Meel hinted in an interview with Auto Express that the next M5 would have drive sent to all four wheels."The M5 has to drive like an M5 does today, but with better traction as well," van Meel said.

It's more than likely that the next M5 will be more powerful than today's M5, which produces 600 hp in its highest state of tune, so additional traction is a necessity. All of the M5's main rivals, with the exception of the 640-hp Cadillac CTS-V, have gone all-wheel-drive.

Of course, it's entirely possible van Meel plans to increase the M5's traction using means other than a driven front axle, but given the prototypes we've seen, all-wheel-drive is likely. A video of an M5 prototype sliding around the Nürburgring earlier this year hints that the system will be primarily rear-biased.

Despite this dramatic shift, van Meel insisted to Auto Express that the M5 would retain the qualties that defined BMW's M cars.

"We don't want to ruin the balance. An M car must have agility, precision, and dynamics," he said. "These are cars designed for the track."

We hope van Meel makes good on his word, and maintains the excellent handling we expect from the M5. With the new 5-Series arriving before the end of this year and the M5 to follow, we'll find out soon enough.

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