It’s been nearly four months between sightings, but our spy photographers have once again caught up with BMW’s 2011 5Sseries and it has shed most of its heavy camouflage. We now have the latest and most revealing pictures fresh from Germany.
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.
Under the hood, this 5-Series is expected to use variations of existing engines in BMW’s line-up. Base power will likely come from a 2.5-liter straight-6, while top-of-the-range models will use the current 4.8-liter V8. A wild card could be thrown into the mix if BMW attempts to combine its latest turbo technology with a V8 of slightly smaller displacement. Also in the works is a more powerful version of the M5’s 5.0-liter V10.
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.
10/20, 10:30 AM
posted by:
hangonbig3
If the seven series improvements are an example of what we will see in this car, they have a home run on thier hands.
10/20, 11:00 AM
posted by:
bmwmpower
Amen that. This is what a car should be. Style. Reliability. Class. Power. Quality. Safety. Athleticism. Screw GM with their overpriced rental-car, plastic low-rent fisher-price “my-first-car” interiors.
-LotsOfOilForBMW
10/20, 11:01 AM
posted by:
A4
The design of the E60 has grown on me when it is done up right. Sure they look ugly with 16″ BMW basic rims and a terrible rear valence, but with dual exhaust, the huge wheels off the M5 or 550i, and cohesive valences all around the car looks great.
10/20, 11:07 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
What the heck is that white thing in the background of the first picture? I don’t recognize that logo on its hood.
10/20, 11:10 AM
posted by:
A4
the Citroen C1?
10/20, 11:37 AM
posted by:
SomeGreek
More agressive, athletic lines. Good choice for Bmw!
10/20, 11:38 AM
posted by:
SomeGreek
More agressive, athletic lines. Good choice for Bmw!
10/20, 11:47 AM
posted by:
DeepSeaBlue535i
LLN, come on. the M5 was confirmed long ago to have a twin turbo V8. how can you not know this? and the 4.8 liter is NOT being used. do your homework
10/20, 12:01 PM
posted by:
Welty Roundel
I view BMW as a company the same way I view Honda. Do what you do well, no compromises. Do not try to become something you are not. Seems to keep them going foreward even in hard times. The newly suggested FWD platform scares me for BMW, I only hope it “feels” like a BMW. This car as hangon said will be a home run.
10/20, 12:49 PM
posted by:
Gantra
No mention of diesel or electic motivation. Major oversight but i’m sure they will offer at least diesel in the US. Down the road hopefully PEV.
My dream car is PEV M3.
Not today’s gas hog that gets 16 mpg combined!
10/20, 12:52 PM
posted by:
And The Winner Is...
Johnny, I think that white thing is the Peugeot version of a Toyota (Aygo?) that they sell in Europe. Has the Peugeot Big Gulp grill ans looks like the Lion badge as well.
10/20, 1:04 PM
posted by:
And The Winner Is...
A4 is correct, it is actually the other version of the Aygo, sold by Citroen, the C!.
10/20, 1:18 PM
posted by:
SomeGreek
It is the Citroen C1. The Aygo’s French cousin.
10/20, 3:21 PM
posted by:
save saab
It’s completely obvious that white car is a Citroen C1 you can clearly see the badge, but that’s one sweet looking 1-series in that photo.
10/20, 3:55 PM
posted by:
A4
..ok wait is it a Citroen C1? I figured id say it twice since everyone else feels like they have to.
10/20, 6:38 PM
posted by:
SomeGreek
You put a quenstionmark that’s all. And by the time i posted my answer, And The Winner Is… had already posted his.
10/21, 9:50 AM
posted by:
Genesis101
looks like a fat 3 series
10/22, 4:51 AM
posted by:
kiumars
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am one of your customers who have always been faithful to BMW cars.
My current vehicle is BMW X3.
I am thinking of changing my car and buying another model of BMW.
I would like to know if your 6 series will have a different design in 2010.
when will the 6 series be renewed? What about X3 models?
Thanks a lot for your kind response.
Kiumars Vasei
11/07, 5:55 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomer
Motor Trend magazine just published a photo(shop?) of the new 5-sedan that looks even smoother and leaner than the Larson illustrations above.. and if it’s correct, 5-series GT notwithstanding, BMW will have a definite hit on its hands!