BMW 5 Series: Arriving in 2011

Motoring Channel Staff - 11/March/2009

Munich, Germany – The new 7 Series has just been launched but everyone's attention is now turning to BMW's mid/large prestige model, the 5 Series.

Expected to be unveiled at a motor show in 2010, possibly late that year at the Paris motor show, the new generation 2011 model 5 Series has been caught testing in recent times, but the camouflage makes it difficult to get a clear idea of the new design.

That hasn't stopped the online community from piecing together the design of the Chris Bangle-styled vehicle.

An enthusiast by the name of Jon Sibal took a very revealing image from a leaked brochure of the new 5 Series along with another leaked photo of an unpainted front apron and came up with the topmost image you can see on the right.

The design looks good and is the clearest interpretation yet of what we can expect from Bayerische Motoren Werke.

The headlights draw a lot of inspiration from the new 7 Series range and also BMW's new Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo. The new grille and engine hood are also similar to these two vehicles.

If the 2011 BMW 5 Series is anything like the artist's rendering, and there's an increasing chance it will be, it shows a big shift away from the current model 5 Series, designated the E60.

The new 5 Series face has a more conservative look than that of the E60 and our take on the design is that it's too mellow. 

The current E60 model was a trend-setter while the next generation 5 Series looks to be a far less dynamic design, and more of a safe design.

It is, however, expected to be one of the most sophisticated cars in its class.

BMW will showcase a range of new technologies in the new 5 Series saloons, which are expected to include things like an updated iDrive system with 3D satellite navigation, an improved head-up display (HUD) and various Adaptive Driving aids.

Many of the innovations pioneered on the new 7 Series are also expected to make their way into the next generation 5 Series, such as the new 8-speed automatic transmission and LED head and brake lights.

Engine options will be broader, including a larger number of low emissions powerplants that will fall under the EffecientDynamics header. This will include 4-cylinder direct injection turbo diesel and turbo petrol engines that could be badged as 520d and 522i models.

Drivers who want performance will also be catered for with a range of of twin turbo engines, including the 3.0-litre twin turbo engine which will output slightly more than the 225kW (300hp) it develops in the 335i.

Updates to the 3.0-litre twin turbo diesel engine are also expected to improve power and economy for what is a strong selling model in Europe.

The range-topping high performance models will be powered by the 4.4-litre biturbo V8 petrol that was first seen in the BMW X6 vehicle. Tipped to be badged the 550i, this model will output more than 300kW (400hp+).

BMW has released a number of hybrid 'concept' cars at recent international motor shows that look production ready, which lends weight to the emergence of a 5 Series hybrid model that would aimed squarely at Lexus's effective hybrid cars.

Of course there is also the prospect of an all-new M5 to think about.

Traditionally one of the most powerful cars in BMW's range, the next generation M5 isn't expected to arrive until 2012, but it has already made us ponder: will it be powered by an updated version of the M5's current V10, or will it adhere to BMW's current engine evolution that comprises of high output twin turbocharged petrol engines?

Watch this space.

Related Links:
- BMW Concept 5 Series GT (2009)
- BMW Z4 (2010)
- BMW Concept X1 (2009)
- BMW Concept CS (Concept)
- BMW 3 Series (2009)
- BMW 335i Coupe (Road Test)
- BMW 7 Series (2008)
- BMW M3 Coupe (2008)
- BMW X6 (2008)
- BMW 130i M Sport (Road Test)
- BMW 120i (Road Test)
- BMW 5-Series: E60 (2004)