Jörg Weidinger: In the new BMW M5, this technology is combined with the genes of an M Automobile: the Active M Differential, special kinematics, different track widths, the characteristic M suspension and damper set-up, larger rim widths and special high-performance sports tyres with more grip. This creates an overall system with a whole range of new possibilities.
Bernd Jacob: A key advantage of M xDrive also lies in the fact that all systems relevant to driving dynamics are controlled through a single source – the central driving dynamics management system which operates as the overriding intelligence. Central driving dynamics management is the collection point for a four-digit figure of all the relevant sensor data and the parameters calculated from it, including accelerator pedal position, steering angle, road speed, slip at the front and rear axle, longitudinal and transverse acceleration, friction coefficient, yaw rate, etc. – so it’s a lot of information. This has to be analysed so as to establish the vehicle’s current situation. One simple example is assessing whether the vehicle is currently in oversteering or understeering mode. A comparison with the target response of the vehicle is used to activate the so-called actuators. In the new BMW M5 these particularly include the Active M Differential and the transfer case in the all-wheel drive system.