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UPDATED: 2019 BMW M5 Spotted Out Testing Hybrid Powertrain

The hype around the new BMW M5 is already palpable. It might be too early if you ask us, but it looks like the Bavarians are already testing the new car as this new batch of spyshots seems to show.
2019 BMW M5 Spyshots 40 photos
Photo: Autogespot
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Of course, it was spotted on the Nurburgring and the dead giveaways were the four tailpipes at the back split in two, one set on each side. For now, we can’t really say what kind of configuration it will have but we have a couple of hints at hand thanks to the new head of the M division, Franciscus van Meel.

In case you didn’t know, the man came from Audi’s quattro division and has plenty of expertise in the field of all-wheel-drive powertrains. Is that a clear indication that the new M5 will also offer an AWD version?

No? Then you’ll be glad to know that the man basically confirmed it a while back in an interview saying that the M5 will get xDrive an optional feature and that it will be a special kind of all-wheel drive. That basically means that most of the power will be sent to the rear wheels most of the time, and the front axle will get some only when needed.

That means that the driving dynamics should be kept for the most part. Sure, the weight will increase by a bit but other weight saving features should solve that issue. For instance, a lot of the Carbon Core parts from the new G11 7 Series will be used and that includes carbon fiber crossbeams for the roof and other aluminum parts for the chassis.

In terms of performance, the engine should remain the same, the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 being massaged to deliver at least 600 HP and some 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque if not more.

Couple that with a drop in weight and xDrive and we’ll be looking at a car that would dwell under 4 seconds for a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint.

In terms of design, we can’t say for sure what the final outcome will be. We’re hoping to see OLED lights being used throughout the cabin and the headlights/taillights and there certainly is plenty of time for that to happen.

The prototype we’re looking at here is also a hybrid judging by the extra fuel cap on the left front fender. That could mean that one of the models in the future M line-up could use technology from the M division.

That would be a great step forward that would also allow BMW to downsize the engine under the bonnet that would also cut some valuable weight. It’s all too soon to say for sure right now.

One thing is certain: given that the development of the car started so early, BMW is clearly wanting to keep its crown in the future and that means the xDrive system will be brilliant and there could be even more surprises in the bag for the new M5.

UPDATE: We added 14 more photos of the early prototype, this time taken a lot closer, revealing more details. The cross drilled rotors coupled with the low and wide profile of the car provide further evidence that we're indeed dealing with the new M5 here.
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