The unique W10-powered BMW M5 E39

At the turn of the millennium, a truly unique automotive experiment took place—one that fused German engineering excellence from two rival manufacturers into a single groundbreaking prototype. Under the direct influence of Volkswagen AG’s visionary leader, Dr. Ferdinand Piëch, a special project was commissioned to explore the potential of an innovative W10 engine. The execution of this ambitious undertaking was entrusted to SWR Engineering, led by the highly respected Sabine Willeke. The result? A BMW M5 E39 unlike any other, powered by a one-off Volkswagen W10 prototype engine.

The development of the W10 engine stemmed from Volkswagen’s pursuit of a high-performance, naturally aspirated powerplant tailored for a powerful sedan with a manual transmission. However, as no existing model within the Volkswagen Group could adequately handle the immense power and torque of the W10, the team sought an alternative donor vehicle outside their own brands. Their search led them to the BMW M5 E39, a car renowned for its exceptional chassis balance, handling, and compatibility with high-output engines.

This bespoke M5 was no ordinary experiment—it became a true “unicorn” in the automotive world. Delivering an impressive 480 horsepower and 592 Nm of torque, the W10-powered M5 demonstrated remarkable drivability, as confirmed by recent power tests. The engineering prowess of this project was so extraordinary that Dr. Piëch himself chose to use the car for his personal transportation, a testament to its quality and performance.

This unique BMW M5 is more than just an oddity; it represents an important chapter in the evolution of Volkswagen’s legendary W-engine series. The development of the W10 was part of a broader initiative that led to the creation of the now-famous W12, W16, and even racing applications. The W12 found its way into luxury and performance models across the Volkswagen Group, including the Bentley Continental GT and the Audi A8. The most extreme realization of this engine philosophy, of course, was the W16, which powered the world-renowned Bugatti Veyron and Chiron, redefining automotive performance standards.

Today, this one-of-a-kind prototype resides in the hands of GDM Motors, which managed to acquire it through its extensive network shortly before the passing of Sabine Willeke in 2023. This extraordinary piece of automotive history stands as one of the rare fully functional prototypes in existence—a testament to engineering ingenuity and an unparalleled fusion of automotive excellence.