THE sixth-generation version of the flagship 5 Series due here in early 2018 will offer drivers three selectable modes, according to an informed contributor on the BMW Blog website.

The modes are said to comprise AWD, AWD Sport and RWD, changeable at the touch of a button – presumably an M one.

It follows the rival Mercedes-AMG E63 S released last year, which can switch out of its standard all-wheel-drive set-up with a pull of the paddles to instruct the car’s 450kW to go only to the rear tyres.

The M5 is expected to generate similar power to the Benz from its carried over but uprated 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, which will also switch from the former seven-speed dual-clutch set-up to a more conventional eight-speed torque converter auto.

BMW M550d gets quad-turbo engine

It will reportedly use the advantage of all-wheel-drive traction to complete the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.6 seconds.

That falls two-tenths shy of its Stuttgart nemesis, though at least restores order in the BMW world, as its current fastest-accelerating car (3.7 seconds) is the M760Li limo.

The G30 BMW M5 is set for a public debut at September’s 2017 Frankfurt motor show.

2017 BMW 5 Series review

Bonus: Watch the next-gen M5 testing at the Nurburgring below!