Volkswagen-powered BMW M5 prototype to be auctioned

A unique BMW M5 prototype featuring a custom Volkswagen-developed W10 engine is set to be auctioned by Broad Arrow Auctions on October 9.

Developed in 1999 under the leadership of Ferdinand Piëch, the vehicle served as a test platform for Volkswagen to develop its own high-performance engines. Instead of the standard Bavarian V8, the car was fitted with a unique 5.0-liter naturally aspirated W10 engine, created by merging two 2.5-liter VR5 five-cylinder engines. The project cost approximately 4 million Deutsche Marks at the time.

The W10 engine produces an unofficial 353 kW (480 hp) and 592 Nm of torque, transmitted through a six-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels. This prototype provided the engineering foundation for subsequent W12 and Bugatti W16 engines. The vehicle is expected to fetch between 250,000 and 350,000 euros.