Scheduled to get replaced next year, BMW‘s super saloon continues its testing program.
The latest M5 prototype was scooped recently on the Nurburgring, but since the Germans are not eager to reveal any of the model’s secrets just yet, it remains hidden away under vinyl stickers.
However, Autocar reports that the next-gen styling will be influenced from the Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe Concept, presented three years ago, and will have a more raked rear window and sloping boot deck for a sleeker profile.
The interior will mirror the one of the latest 7-Series, with a new iDrive system, redesigned touchpad and touchscreen controls, updated rotary dial for its iDrive system and smartphone integration. Semi-autonomous driving tech is expected to be part of the package, too and it will include a self-steering mode operating up to a pre-determined speed, an anti-collision system and fully autonomous braking.
With the Mercedes-AMG E63 in its sight, which is also expected to debut in 2017 with as much as 600 HP from a tuned version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo from the AMG GT, the next BMW M5 is believed to use an upgraded version of the current 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. This will reportedly produce more than 600 HP, sent to the rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive through a 7-speed automatic dual-clutch gearbox.