BMW M5 2017 AWD system detailed

BMW has detailed the selectable all-wheel drive (AWD) 'xDrive' system in its all-new forthcoming M5 performance sedan, which will also feature a more potent version of the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 in the current model, as well as an eight-speed 'M Steptronic' automatic transmission.

Due to arrive in Australia around March or April next year, the M5 will feature all-new drivetrain technology that BMW says will strike a balance between the handling characteristics of rear-wheel drive with the traction and stability of AWD.

The xDrive system works by only using the front wheels when the rear wheels no longer have enough traction to transmit enough power to the road, retaining the rear-drive feel of previous M5s.

It is also selectable, with the dynamic stability control (DSC) and M xDrive modes configured in a way to let the driver choose from five different drive modes, ranging from pure rear-drive to full AWD to suit road and environmental conditions.