With a new Mercedes-Benz E-Class on the way, it comes as no surprise BMW is readying a redesigned 5-Series. In addition to recent spy photos, we got a glimpse at the car’s front fascia just last week. Today, we’ve put all the pieces together with an exclusive photo illustration of how the finished car will likely look.

Sources in Europe claim this BMW will move away from the polarizing design of the current model. Already under development with the internal codename “F10,” the next-generation BMW 5-series will soften the harder lines of the current E60 with more conventional-looking headlights and a cleaner front-end design.

New European pedestrian safety standards are expected to drastically alter the design of many European cars for the worse, but BMW will not only maintain its classic twin-kidney grille design, it will reduce the length of the front overhang.

As is typical of most recent BMW redesigns, this 5-Series will add some space between the wheels by extending the wheelbase nearly 10 centimeters and widening the track. The overall length will grow by less than 2 centimeters, while its height will be reduced slightly and its width increased by a fraction. A set of 17-inch wheels will be the smallest available with 18- and 19-inch wheels optional.

When the new 5-Series finally arrives at dealerships, it will be available with the same twin-turbo V8 found in the X6. Just as in X6-guise, the twin-turbo V8 will make about 400 horsepower in the 5-Series — which would put it in the same neighborhood as BMW’s E39 M5.

It is also believed that the base 5-Series will be available with the same twin-turbo six found in the BMW 335i and 135i.

The next-generation 5-series is expected to feature an eight-speed automatic transmission with an all-wheel drive option being available. The new 5 will also have Park Distance Control and an around view monitor system, similar to Infiniti’s Around View Monitor.

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