Exclusive images show lighter, smarter new 5 Series set to take the fight to the new Jaguar XF
With the hi-tech new Jaguar XF on sale later this year, BMW is working on a major overhaul for the 5 Series. And our exclusive images show how it could look, after our spies caught the car testing at the Nürburgring race track in Germany.
According to a company source, the new exec is now unlikely to arrive before 2017, but will feature a host of autonomous tech borrowed from the larger 7 Series, as well as a new lightweight carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) construction.
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BMW insiders told Auto Express to expect class-first autonomous features, such as remote parking – which won’t require anyone to be behind the wheel – plus gesture control for answering Bluetooth calls and adjusting radio settings.
The lightweight CFRP construction – also set to be used on the 7 Series – means the 5 Series could be around 100kg lighter than the current generation.
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A plush new look – as revealed in our images – is also a given. A slimmer version of the familiar BMW kidney grille is expected at the front, while more prominent bumpers could also feature, as could a more angular profile.
However, the revamp doesn’t stop there, as BMW will introduce a fuel-sipping plug-in hybrid version alongside new diesel and petrol engines, which will be offered in the new 7 Series, too.
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Rumours continue to circle about the introduction of downsized three-cylinder engines, which are bound for the next 3 Series, but there’s no official word on whether they’ll be an option in the 5 Series.
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