With the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class expected in showrooms this summer, BMW is hard at work putting the finishing touches on its 5-Series executive sedan, which will go on sale as a 2011 model in early 2010. Although BMW has revealed the 5-Series GT hatchback in concept form, most customers will probably opt for the more traditional sedan configuration. As such, we’ve put together a series of illustrations depicting the styling of the finished car.
Developed under 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. As indicated by a recently leaked photo — and the front end of the 5-Series GT — BMW will move away from the polarizing design of the current model.
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.
04/28, 3:45 PM
posted by:
atoms
not bad, although I see a lot more 7 series then I would prefer to. Then again its an illustration
04/28, 3:52 PM
posted by:
Kid Icarus
Eh
04/28, 4:01 PM
posted by:
VR666
Better than the current one. It’s for the new lawyers and it’s exactly what they want. Having worked for BMW and Lexus this is what BMW needs. Something more conservative and let the people afraid of the Bangle-era Beemers to return.
04/28, 4:08 PM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
Looks to me like they are going the audi route in making their cars look somewhat similar so that the biggest will also be the most expensive. I like it!
04/28, 4:22 PM
posted by:
gugy
I like it.
I wish I could afford a new one.
Right now a 2 year old CPO is a much better deal.
04/28, 4:42 PM
posted by:
fitzla
If that’s actually what it looks like, Bravo!
04/28, 5:10 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
Ewww…
04/28, 5:11 PM
posted by:
Nesodian
I am not sure about this. I need to see the next generation A6, before I can decide. Definitely better than an E class though.
04/28, 6:00 PM
posted by:
anyclearer
The big grill ruins it for me, just looks like a pig from the front, side and rear look nice but front end for me is a no go
04/28, 7:12 PM
posted by:
bimmer_mann_18
a lot better than the GT concept
04/28, 7:33 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
I like it. Gets rid of that ’90’s Hyundai styled rear end of the current gen.
04/28, 8:16 PM
posted by:
DrFill
I see Audi A6 in the rear
Definitely a step back from the current bold style
Better than the new E, but so is Hyundai
DrFill
04/28, 8:32 PM
posted by:
Captain Crunch
Not what I was hopping for.
That hood is hideous…..say goodbye to the Bangle butt and & hello to the Bangle bonnet. The rear end sux too, it’s a combination of the X6 & GT concept.
04/28, 10:19 PM
posted by:
325e
except the 5 series from the 90s, the 5 series has not really been a looker. This one does not really do anything to improve its styling. Still looks like the awkward middle child of the pack.
It seems like only newly redesigned mid-pack luxury sedan that looks decent now is the A6. The E-class is super blocky and the 5-series is too much of everything.
04/28, 10:41 PM
posted by:
Other Man
For the most part, I love it. The current car to me never looked elegant or expensive. This is agressive and toned-looking, like there’s bulging muscle underneath (and there certainly is with two available twin-turbo engines).
Hope the interior is equally appealing, and I just might check it out.
04/29, 12:00 AM
posted by:
brocky
The front is alright but the rear 1/3 is just horrid. I was never a fan of the lines that pass through the door handles towards the rear.
04/29, 3:29 AM
posted by:
teahead
what’s w/the big arse nose?
04/29, 9:07 AM
posted by:
bdizzlefizzle
I think the illustration is really lacking. The rear door and Hoffmeister kink look like they were just cut out from a picture of a Passat (which apes BMW style, I know, but it looks like the current gen Passat, which isn’t a good thing). The rear is cheap looking…like a lower end model might look.
I’m sure it’ll look better in person, but this just don’t work.
04/29, 9:59 AM
posted by:
Borat
It is a good looking sedan, for a change from BMW. Higher levels (price) sedans are expected to be sedated and stately. This one definitely fits the bill.
04/29, 11:26 AM
posted by:
bmwmpower
Please, BMW don’t make that.
04/29, 12:37 PM
posted by:
The Stig
Anything is better than the new E class, including this.
04/29, 2:30 PM
posted by:
DeanDunbar
Looks like BMW is returning to the “Same Sausage, Three Lengths” look that Chris Bangle hated so much. Luckily this is a very handsome “sausage.”
04/29, 3:03 PM
posted by:
livelyjay
Looks too VW to me.
04/29, 8:51 PM
posted by:
jmayhew
Rear end is too small.
05/04, 8:01 PM
posted by:
forresth
So why is it that, other than Mercedes, the European car companies think that ALL of their models should look EXACTLY the same?! Look at Audi’s and BMW’s current/future cars and tell me I’m wrong! I’m atleast glad that Mercedes Benz has the brains to visually differentiate its lineup. I love BMW’s, but if they all look the same than whats the point?!
05/06, 1:55 PM
posted by:
hich
it looks like a 4 door coupe
05/07, 8:21 PM
posted by:
aggie531
front is bad. make the grille smaller. you just cant do that with bmw’s grille design. it looks like a pig. mabye the horn could be an *oink* *oink*. the rest looks great though
05/23, 6:33 PM
posted by:
goraddy
In early 2010 I will be in the market for a mid-sized Sports Sedan. It will come down to the 5 series, E-Class and Jag XF. Audi 6 is too boring for me.
If this is the new 5 series, I will cross it off my list. it is way too conservative. Sure, it will drive like a dream but its design is blah. However, since Bimmer has a loyal customer base they probably don’t care about attracting Generation X. I will wait and see but hope that BMW comes correct