Currently reading: New BMW 5-series spied
The most revealing spy photos so far

These are the clearest pictures yet of the next BMW 5 Series, which will go on sale early next year.

The pictures reveal a BMW 5 Series with styling that is far more subdued shape than the current car's, with the nose almost identical to the 5 Series GT.

Hi-res BMW 5-series spy pictures

The car’s sober shape takes cues from the current 3 Series and features the trademark kinked C-pillar and a larger kidney grille.

The new 5 Series is based on the same platform as the 5 Series GT, itself a shortened version of the 7 Series platform.

This has allowed BMW to apply many of the lessons it has learned honing the 5 Series GT's ride and handling package to the new 5 Series, and company insiders report that it has made significant gains in these areas.

There will be new codenames for the the 2010 5-series: F10 for the saloon, F11 for Touring and F07 for the Gran Turismo.

The car will be slightly larger than the outgoing model but thanks to weight-saving measures it should be no heavier. However, BMW has abondoned its use of lightweight aluminium on key parts of the car, opting instead for an all-steel arrangement.

Although this is officially because of the problems presented by working in aluminium and steel, cost-savings are also thought to have been a factor.

However, clever aerodynamic features are expected to help lower the car's drag, helping to reduce fuel consumption and emissions nevertheless.

 

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Lanehogger 27 October 2009

Re: New BMW 5-series spied

I know looks are entirely subjective, but i never got to warm to the looks of the current 5-Series. To me some of the styling touches made the car look awkward, particularly the heavy rear side, which only appeared to worsen over time.

I'm sure the new model will look more boring, but may be a bit easier on the eye.

harvi_f 27 October 2009

Re: New BMW 5-series spied

Owning a current generation 5, which i thinks looks awesome, drives well, has a super-stylish interior.... i think they gone a step back in that respect.

they said evolutionary, but they done a scaled up 3-series.... so they will encounter the same problems they did in the 90's... maybe they'll call bangle back again for the generation after this....

moe360 27 October 2009

Re: New BMW 5-series spied

shortbread wrote:

Looks like the previous gen 5 series, (E39, 1995-2003). From the spy pics its pretty evident that BMW have played safe and boring but dont think anyone would dislike the looks.

The present gen. 5 series (E60) has been one of Bangle's best designs.

The current 5 series is still pretty modern looking and does not look dated after nearly 7 years, in M sport guise with the 19" alloys in black looks pretty cool. Shame about the poverty spec models which look rubbish

The new one is less offensive but it will never turn heads like the 03 model