We’re only a few weeks away from the unveiling of the redesigned BMW 5-Series, but a purported picture of the model has surfaced online.
While we haven’t been able to determine the source, the image was posted by Autogaleria and appears to be the real deal. That remains to be seen, but the car features streamlined bodywork that lacks the prominent character line found on today’s sedan. Instead, there’s an angular shoulder line and minimalist door handles.
The updates continue out back with slimmer taillights and what could be a small spoiler. Unfortunately, there isn’t much else to see besides an edgier Hofmeister kink.
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We can’t see a model designation, but BMW has already confirmed the car will be offered with internal combustion engines as well as plug-in hybrid powertrains. There will also be at least two fully electric variants as the automaker has previously announced plans for an i5 eDrive40 and i5 M60 xDrive.
Sticking with the performance theme, BMW has already confirmed the car will come with a ninth-generation Vertical Dynamics Management system that uses “wheel speeds, steering angle, yaw rate and acceleration to establish the ideal damping forces.” While that doesn’t sound too special, BMW noted the system no longer relies on mathematical models as it now favors “physical calculation of data on the current driving condition” and this promises to deliver “clearly defined body control and precise suspension response in every driving situation.”
The model will also be offered with an Adaptive Suspension Professional system. This promises to help the car have 7-Series levels of ride comfort as well as the agility of the 3-Series.
The 5-Series will be getting a significant technology upgrade and one of the highlights is Highway Assistant, which allows for hands-free operation at speeds up to 85 mph (130 km/h). A camera monitors the driver to make sure they’re paying attention to the road ahead and the system features an automated lane change function that can be “controlled using eye activation.” Drivers simply look at the mirror closest to their desired lane, and the car will change lanes once traffic allows and the driver has confirmed that’s what they want to do.
The redesigned BMW 5-Series will debut on May 24th and go into production this summer at the company’s Dingolfing plant. It will then be launched in October.
