Drive ability in Snow

I live in new England, and have been considering the new m5. I'm in a 2011 f10 550 awd which I love. But even my 550 has some problems in the snow. Is it crazy to even consider the m5 if I use it as a daily commuter and absolutely have to have the ability to drive it in any weather, including decent snow? Its hard for me to believe snow tires make it that acceptable in snow.

Snow tires make it driveable. Certainly not in deep unplowed snow but a plowed street with the proper tire will do just fine.

I am in MA and plan to get an M5 next year with the 20" and have the OEM 19" LM 408 with 255/40-19 tires all around as my winter wheel set, plan to order early as I have read those wheels went out of stock quickly. A month or two ago they had a studless option in that size, which I would consider, apparently is sold out now. I would not want to stick with a 20" winter setup. I do not know what you had in your 550, but mine with 17" winter wheels and tires did just fine during the winter, as long as one is careful.

With e63 getting 4matic- have any of you heard expectations around m5 with xdrive? I agree with op- my 550 xdrive is good but not grest in snow although i wasnt expecting great snow performace with m sport pack

Had e60 M5, the stock 19" wheels had Blizzaks for the winter (ran 20" Mod Society for summer). Winter tires made a huge difference especially compared to all season tires (which I ran at one point). As long as snow isn't too deep shouldn't have any issues. A few inches of snow and tires aren't the issue, it's the height of the car. There were plenty of times I passed front wheel drive cars going uphill with up to 2" of unplowed snow on the street confidently and safely. Just put Dunlop SP Winter Sport on my 2013 M5. Just had a dusting that put @ 1/2" on the street and the tires worked great. I would use the same 265/35-20 all the way around versus a staggered setup.

A good set of snow tires and ground clearance is going to be your biggest obstacle. The M differential will help put power to both wheels which will in turn help with traction and keep you moving. It's not going to be a 4x4 but it'll definitely get around town in the white stuff.

Ground clearance is the issue. Snow tires make a huge difference.