With the introduction of the seventh-generation 5 Series for 2017, BMW ceased selling the M5. That's left us with nothing more than the M550i. With 456 horsepower on tap from a 4.4-liter V-8 and a 3.9-second sprint to 60 mph, it isn’t exactly a slouch, but its time on the throne is about to be cut short by the all-new M5.

Rumors and leaks about the M5 have been circulating for months now, but the fire is burning hotter than ever now that Instagram user abudhabi_motors has come out with details revealed in a closed-room viewing of the M5 in South Korea just a few days ago. Unfortunately, there are no pictures, as there was a strict no-phones-allowed policy, but beans have spilled, and the new M5 should see “more than 600 horsepower” and a new eight-speed automatic transmission. Reportedly, it will hit 62 mph in 3.6 seconds, but if history serves as a true indicator, it will likely be a bit faster.

Its overall design should be similar to that of the M3 and M4, but it will have a carbon fiber roof, just like the new M6. Marina Bay Blue will be a new color option, while a new set of five-spoke, 20-inch wheels will keep things sporting with a jet black finish that features silver accents. The usual twin exhaust outlets will reside in the rear while the spoiler on the rear deck will be nearly identical to that of the last-gen M5. A new rear diffuser is in the works as are new “M” mirrors that are a little larger than those of the M3 and M4. Inside, there will be a Formula-style steering wheel with red aluminum buttons, an updated M Power instrument display, and new seats with the unlit M5 logo.

It’s Coming Soon

So, this all sounds pretty exciting and should put the M5 in a good place to take on the Mercedes-AMG E63, while the M5 Competition package will easily take on the AMG E63 S. Outside of what we’ve already mentioned, xDrive will be standard on the M5, but it will have three different drive modes: AWD, AWD Sport, and RWD. There are no details on these modes, but we’re guessing that the AWD Sport will make power delivery more rear-biased, sending as much as 80-percent of power made to the rear wheels. There’s no word on pricing or official release dates, but it should fall somewhere between $94,000 and $100,000 and will be on sale this summer or fall as a 2018 model. Stay tuned for updates.