[530iDriver]

Originally Posted by The Automotive Enthusiast

And I'm okay with that. As much as I absolutely love the emotion, times have significantly changed. Porsche is cranking out 500hp+ with a naturally aspirated six cylinder engine and it's a monster. Just needs a little big of engineering and some effort and I'm sure BMW can make a six cylinder cranking out more HP and torque than the V8. Look at what AMG has done with their new turbo four cylinder. It's crazy.

I am sure they can. Next M3/M4 will be what? 500-600HP from a turbo in line 6?

And don't forget BMW also has a high output B48 4 cyl 2 liter turbo rated at "302HP", likely under rated in good old BMW fashion and probably making close to 350HP.

Here is the thing though. The last time a M5 was offered with a NA 6cyl was during the E34 era, which used the S38 engine. It's been 26+ years since the last E34 M5 rolled off the assembly line. E34 M5 production ended in August 1995. Every M5 since then has had a V shaped engine:

E39 M5: V8
E60M5: V10
F10: Twin turbo V8
F90: Twin turbo V8, all wheel drive.

So as you can see, BMW has been shoving down V8s and V10s in the M5 for the last 20 years. Today's M5 buyers expect a V8 as minimum baseline in their new M5s. Those wanting a 6 in line M car have to "downgrade" to either M3 or M4. (Or X3M, X4M if they tolerate SUVs).

I am not staying it isn't plausible, but I think it’s more likely for the next gen M5 is a fully electric than downsized to inline 6 engine. "Lucy" the G30 BEV prototype is a clear indication of where BMW wants to take the 5 Series next.

Why would anyone bother with a 6 cyl M5 today? If that's your thing, save the cash and get a M340i or spring for the upcoming 545e G30 hybrid. Far more interesting in my book.