BMW continues to be testing the upcoming F90 M5 sedan and some prototypes are already on U.S. soil. This particular test mule was spotted in the Los Angeles area wearing the typical camouflage hiding its finest details. Even though the camo does a good job keeping prying eyes away, the psychedelic tape is not able to hide the beautiful curves of the new M5. Just as all the M cars before, the F90 M5 delivers a super sporty front-end, the typical rear-end with the twin double pipes and the flared wheel-arches.
The thick kidney grille – brought to market by the G30 5 Series – is also part of the M5 design, same as the the new LED headlights. Other elements from the G30 5 Series are present as well, starting with the sporty hood and continuing with the aero flicks positioned in front of the front wheel arches.
BMW’s F90 M5 will not only receive a new design, but also a highly improved powerplant. BMW will stay true to its V8 TwinTurbo engine which replaced the iconic V10 S85 5.0-liter rider on the M5 E60 of the Bangle era. During the development of the new M5 F90, there were several rumors about new engine downsizing, which essentially would have given the F90 M5 a powerplant similar to the one found in the new M4 and M4 GTS. But even the track-focused GTS – with its innovative water injection technology – only outputs 500 horsepower. A respectable figure but still far less than the 600 horsepower delivered by the M5 30 Jahre Edition.
The F90 M5 will also bring the long-time rumored all-wheel drive system to an M5 and future M6 models. The xDrive system will be rear-biased, just like the one in the X5 M and X6 M SUVs, and it will be optional. The xDrive system has been developed specifically for the M5, with a specific task to retain the driving dynamics of a rear-wheel drive sportscar, with the bonus of having an effective grip and traction on all four wheels.
BMW is likely to unveil the F90 M5 at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show in March.
