BMW would like you to know that development of the next-generation 5-series sedan is coming along nicely. Scheduled to make its debut within the next few months, the G30 generation of the Bimmer mid-size luxury sedan is the subject of a new press release about 3D modeling technology—but the real story is the quick glimpse we have of the new 5er’s bodywork, admittedly under camouflage.
Like the spy shots we published a year and a half ago, these photos show that evolution, not revolution, is the name of the game. Translation: The new 5-series won’t look too different from the old 5-series. The car’s overall greenhouse has a similar shape to the current, F10 5-series, and the rear end features rather familiar-looking LED taillights.
There’s more change in store under the skin; the 5-series is reportedly going on a diet. Extensive use of aluminum (and possibly carbon fiber) in the structure likely will slim things down by a few hundred pounds, potentially increasing fuel economy and—we hope—reversing BMW’s recent trend toward duller, less involving driving dynamics. Based on what we’ve heard from BMW’s product director for the new 5-series, Johann Kistler, new calibration for the car’s electric power-steering system should provide better feel.
Under the hood, expect the new 5-series to carry BMW’s newest generation of turbocharged four-cylinder (B48) and six-cylinder (B58) engines. New model designations, likely 530i and 540i (names that bring us back to the E39 5-series), will call out the updated powertrains. The diesel inline-six currently used in the 535d probably will carry over, and a plug-in-hybrid version is in the cards as well. We’re not sure what will happen to the 550i and its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8; that engine is still used in the 7-series, but BMW is rumored to be working on a new 4.0-liter V-8 that could make its way into the 5-series.
As for the M5, we’re told that at least 600 horsepower will be on offer, although that car will likely debut a few months later than the standard 5-series lineup—which will also include a Gran Turismo hatchback. Look for our first official look at the 5-series sedan before the end of this year, possibly at the 2016 Paris auto show in September.
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