Spy pictures show complete next-generation BMW 5 Series
range testing, with the line-up coming in 2017
BMW is
hard at work developing the next-generation 5 Series and now the more
practical Touring variant
has been spotted on the road for the first time, along with the GT and M5
variants. The range is expected to arrive through 2017 after the saloon, which
was also recently spotted, has been launched this year.
Although the body is heavily disguised, you can make out the
overall shape of each variant of the Audi A6 rival. The
design detailing and profile are familiar BMW, indicating an evolutionary step
on from the current car's design rather than a radical rethink. The
conservative route would be similar to that followed by the new7 Series - but the
squatter appearance and sloping rear window line do hint at a slightly sportier
look for the new model.
The next-generation
M5 has also been spotted again, and we expect it to get over
600bhp, from a tweaked version of the current 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged
V8 engine, with improvements to emissions and fuel economy as well as power
output.
Despite the sleeker back-end, we're expecting a marginal
increase in space for the Touring estate and GT hatchback models, which offer buyers
an extra dose of practicality. The seventh-generation model is likely to shed
around 100kg thanks to the use of light carbon-fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP)
in the bodywork and chassis. These materials were first used by BMW on the new
7 Series.
The cabin will also move further upmarket, with BMW sources
previously telling Auto Express the next-gen 5 Series will feature sector first
autonomous tech, with the use of gesture control to activate interior features
also possible. In terms of engines, nothing has been officially confirmed but
rumours suggest BMW could add three-cylinder petrol and diesels for the first
time, alongside four and six-pot units as well as a plug-in hybrid model.
source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/5-series/92397/new-bmw-5-series-touring-gt-and-m5-spied-testing
by Sam Naylor
http://www.boscheuropean.com
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