Here are some early images of BMW's all-new 5 Series, seemingly codenamed G30. And judging by the outline we can make out, it stands a good chance of shedding the somewhat thuggish aura of the current model, with more refined and elegant lines.
Long bonnet and rear-set cabin look good
It's more evolution than revolution but there seem to be less pronounced swage lines along the body sides, and apparently less deeply sculpted sill lines. The pics also reveal the shape of the headlights and tail lights for the first time. There are smaller rear light clusters straddling a more upright boot, but the current 5's aggressive slant to the headlights is retained.
A shot of the cabin also reveals an all-digital main instrument cluster ahead of the driver, unfortunately blacked-out as the car was switched off when photographed. But you can see the bright-edged double-cowl-effect that definitely looks a lot cooler than the conventional current 5.
More beauty, less of the beast we'll be hoping
Expect to see Touring (estate) and Gran Turismo (hatchback) versions as well as the saloon pictured here when the new 5 Series is launched in mid-2016. Let's hope the GT follows the seemingly more svelte looks than the current 'bloated hippo' GT.
The words 'Hybrid Test Vehicle' also appear on the spy shot car, giving a clear indication of BMW's plans in the hybrid arena with the G30. The three-cylinder diesel currently in the 2 Series Gran Tourer is also set to appear in the entry-level 518d. At the other end of the scale rumour has it that the new M5 will feature an uprated version of the existing 4.4-litre V8 turbo, probably with more than 600hp, and the option of four-wheel drive.
[Photos: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien]