With so many new models challenging its place atop the midsize luxury->ke505 segment, the BMW M5 probably needs an upgrade more than any other model in the BMW->ke178 lineup. Not that it's any of the car's fault; but with the arrival of cars like the Cadillac CTS Sedan and the Jaguar XF-R, the M5 needs its own shot in the arm to remain relevant.

As it turns out, BMW M GmbH President Friedrich Nitschke has a few plans on how to accomplish that. Talking to Auto Motor und Sport, Nitschke revealed that the next-generation M5 will receive a host of new changes, including the adoption of an all-wheel-drive system that will allow the M5 to be as balanced as some of its current competitors.

Another likely change to the next-generation M5 would be to make the car much lighter than its current configuration, possibly losing as much as 180 pounds in the process. The entire objective, it seems, is to give the M5 a more performance-oriented character that the current generation seems to lack, at least in the eyes of BMW.

Nitschke stopped short of officially confirming these changes for the next-generation M5, but the mere indication of wholesale changes to one of the most popular models of BMW's M division->ke546 seems to suggest that BMW is prepared to show the world that the M5 is far from a finished model.

Note: Current BMW M5 pictured here.

Click past the jump to read more about the current BMW M5.

Why It Matters

The BMW M5's heritage is arguably one of the most important things BMW has going on right now. It's also the reason why the company went to great lengths to celebrate the model's 30th anniversary. So yeah, there's a lot riding on the treatment of the next-generation M5.

With the rush of new competitors determined to drop the M5's status, it has become paramount for BMW to roll out the next-generation model with the intention of being the best of the best.

BMW M5

For 2014, BMW has updated the F10 generation M5 with a set of all-LED headlights and an optional competition package. The LCI facelift , as it is called, also includes a new twin-kidney grille element. Under the skin, the rest of the car remains the same. Powered by a twin-turbocharged V-8, the F10 M5 ’s engine puts out a meaty 560 horsepower which insiders claim, can propel the four-door sedan to almost 200 mph. Sadly, BMW limits the M5 to 155 mph.

With the optional Competition Package , you get 15 more horsepower and M-Ceramic brakes. BMW claims to have fiddled with the suspension of the car for a more aggressive ride and handling dynamics. Full LED headlights are optional but you do get M lightweight alloy wheels. The new on-board iDrive infotainment system can be operated via an optional Touch Controller.