A sneak peek at the new 5-series

Click here for the first official look at the E60 BMW 5-series.

The general consensus on BMW's new-generation 7-series luxury sedan isn't what you'd call rosy. While those who have taken a drive in the latest Beemer flagship have nothing but praise for its on-road manners, it's the styling that's the sore point.

The rear-end is 'ugly', according to our office junior, and perhaps he is right. BMW can't be too pleased with the majority of the motoring fraternity laying verbal waste to its masthead, which brings us to the new BMW 5-series.

Not keen to make the same styling choice on the new 5-series (E60), early shots of the rear-section look new-age, but still have that BMW-look to them.

The new E60 profile, in general, is very pleasing to the eye, but as you can tell from the frontal shot, it mirrors the new-look headlight cluster from the 7-series.

So, will the new E60 models perform in sales department? If BMW buyers make their choice on looks, then yes, why not? But more than just outward appearances, the new E60 promises much in terms of drivability, performance and technology.

Taking a leaf from the ill-fated 7-series, the innovative iDrive system will be available on the 2003 5-series, which essentially simplifies a multitude of controls and separates them into 'comfort' or 'driving'.

The new E60 will also take advantage of new design technologies, such as new chassis construction. The front-end will be an aluminium spaceframe, while the aft section, making up the passenger and rear-end areas, will make use of a more traditional steel monocoque design. This new hybrid chassis will significantly reduce weight, and will also be used on BMW's upcoming Rolls-Royce.

Linked to this new-fangled chassis will be a more sporting suspension setup, at least compared to the outgoing E39 5-series. Featuring independent suspesion comprising a multi-link layout at the rear, the front-end will be endowed with the ever-popular MacPherson struts. It's anyones guess as to how improved the E60s ride and handling will be, but with BMWs solid track record, you'd have to admit that the outlook is positive.

Other new features for the next-generation 5-series will also be borrowed from the 7-Series, such as automatic damping and body roll control, plus a new feature, Active Front Steering, will make the cut. This will correct the angle of the front wheels when things get nasty, like during intense braking or a sudden 'external input' - also known as a bingle.

As far as engines go, expect the current 5-series 2.2 and 2.5-litre mills to be there and the 2.8-litre inline six may increase in capacity to 3.0-litres, which would be worth a reported 164kW. A wide range of diesel powerplants from 2.0 to 4.0-litres will ship to European and American markets as well.

Transmissions on offer will comprise both a six-speed manual and auto, with the latter using the semi-auto Steptronic system. The 3.6 and 4.4-litre V8s, again sourced from the 7-series, also make the cut, and one could be cruel and say the new E60 is simply a 7-series parts bin special. But that'd be cruel...

The new M5 based on this E60 platform should be a rip-snorter, with insiders claiming it'll come with a 5.5-litre V8, with plenty of Formula One technology included, and could be capable of some 330+ kilowatts. Interestingly, there is talk of the 6-series making a comeback, which would be based on the new E60 platform. If the talk is to be believed, then we could be seeing 5-series coupes and convertibles under the 6-series moniker, which would certainly boost BMWs street cred and give Mercedes something to think about.

BMW seem to have hit the nail on the head in the styling department, and it would be fair to say that these early photos will be very indicative of the final product. Together with the revamped chassis and suspension, the new E60 platform could prove to be the best 5-series yet. We'll have full reports on the new 5-series range when it launches in 2003, but for now, check out the snapshots and pray that BMW doesn't rework the rear-end.