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Spy Shots: 2010 BMW 5-series

Spy Shots: 2010 BMW 5-series

James Martinez January 23rd, 2007 James Martinez By James Martinez Author January 23rd, 2007
  • Articles Contributed: 893
  • Comments Posted: 100
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December 31st, 1969 Though the updated version of the current BMW 5-series was just revealed last week, the all new model is due to arrive by late 2009 for the 2010 model year. Test-mules have already been caught by spy photographers in Munich resembling the current model, but with pumped fenders to accommodate a wider track and new body panels housing an extended wheelbase. This latest rendering by external design company Schulte-Design is based on the 3-series Coupe shows that the new ‘5’ will follow the same design direction. Styling of the current generation has been criticized as being too busy, and sources from Europe claim the next model is expected to have a more conservative look overall but still retain its sporty and aggressive appearance. The length of the front overhangs will be shortened to meet the latest European pedestrian safety standards, while the headlights will feature sharper angles and include LED highlights. Most of the planned changes are skin-deep. Under the new sheet metal, BMW will continue with its new found love of turbocharging. A new 4.4L twin-turbo V8 is expected to appear in a range topping model, while more turbo-diesel variants are expected to join the lineup as well. BMW is currently developing its second generation common rail system for its diesel powerplants, which operate at greater pressure for improved performance. The transmission systems will include a six-speed manual and a six-speed Steptronic semi-auto gearbox. Coming in towards the end of 2010 will be the next-generation M5 sporting a larger displacement 5.5L V10 with around 535hp on tap. Performance will also be improved thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials including carbon-fiber and aluminum. The car’s construction will be a hybrid of an aluminum spaceframe for the front section, and a traditional steel monocoque for the passenger compartment and rear. This will ensure a favorable front-to-rear weight distribution and improved handling. Up front will be an independent suspension with MacPherson struts, with a multi-link layout for the rear. High-performance models will include carbon-fiber body panels to shed even more weight. Inside, the car will have a more spacious interior, especially for rear-seat passengers, while the centre console will be oriented more towards the driver and run an updated version of iDrive. Headroom will be similar to the current model, despite a shorter roof for the new car, while trunk volume will grow to 550L. Wheel sizes will range from 17, 18 and 19in, and a new electrohydraulic brake system will also be added, which will improve braking distances and stability.
Spy Shots: 2010 BMW 5-series

Spy Shots: 2010 BMW 5-series

Enlarge Photo

Though the updated version of the current BMW 5-series was just revealed last week, the all new model is due to arrive by late 2009 for the 2010 model year. Test-mules have already been caught by spy photographers in Munich resembling the current model, but with pumped fenders to accommodate a wider track and new body panels housing an extended wheelbase. This latest rendering by external design company Schulte-Design is based on the 3-series Coupe shows that the new ‘5’ will follow the same design direction. Styling of the current generation has been criticized as being too busy, and sources from Europe claim the next model is expected to have a more conservative look overall but still retain its sporty and aggressive appearance. The length of the front overhangs will be shortened to meet the latest European pedestrian safety standards, while the headlights will feature sharper angles and include LED highlights.

Most of the planned changes are skin-deep. Under the new sheet metal, BMW will continue with its new found love of turbocharging. A new 4.4L twin-turbo V8 is expected to appear in a range topping model, while more turbo-diesel variants are expected to join the lineup as well. BMW is currently developing its second generation common rail system for its diesel powerplants, which operate at greater pressure for improved performance. The transmission systems will include a six-speed manual and a six-speed Steptronic semi-auto gearbox. Coming in towards the end of 2010 will be the next-generation M5 sporting a larger displacement 5.5L V10 with around 535hp on tap.

Performance will also be improved thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials including carbon-fiber and aluminum. The car’s construction will be a hybrid of an aluminum spaceframe for the front section, and a traditional steel monocoque for the passenger compartment and rear. This will ensure a favorable front-to-rear weight distribution and improved handling. Up front will be an independent suspension with MacPherson struts, with a multi-link layout for the rear. High-performance models will include carbon-fiber body panels to shed even more weight.

Inside, the car will have a more spacious interior, especially for rear-seat passengers, while the centre console will be oriented more towards the driver and run an updated version of iDrive. Headroom will be similar to the current model, despite a shorter roof for the new car, while trunk volume will grow to 550L. Wheel sizes will range from 17, 18 and 19in, and a new electrohydraulic brake system will also be added, which will improve braking distances and stability.

Tags: Spy Shots

Posted in: 2010, BMW, Spy Shots, Sedans, 5-Series


Comments (9 total)

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  1. By Renton #1, Posted: 1/23/2007

    Looks all good from here. As an owner of a 335i coupe, I like the direction the styling is going.

    Can't wait to read about the new performance gains of turbocharging the V8s for the non-///M cars.

  2. By Jim #2, Posted: 1/23/2007

    come on!! i used to think motorauthority have nice blogs..

    get those photoshoped E92 out of here..

    those pictures are just unreliable and make people think twice of your creditability.

    sincerely,

    a daily reader.

  3. By admin #3, Posted: 1/23/2007

    Hi Jim,
    Thanks for your comment. While we agree that the chop is very close to the E92 Coupe, numerous sources are stating that this is what the new 5-series will look like. Additionally, these spy shots are done by an external company so we'll just have to wait and see what the final product will look like.
    Motor Authority team

  4. By james #4, Posted: 1/23/2007

    were is the image of the back of the car

  5. By Conor #5, Posted: 1/23/2007

    This is a preposterous rendering of the next 5-series. I agree with Jim in that this is simply a photoshoped 3-series coupe front slapped on a sedan body. Despite sources that say the new styling for the 5 will head toward a sleeker more conservative looking car, like the new 3-series, this rendering is an inaccurate and oversimplified creation of that direction of design. I do not question the credibility of Motor Authority, but find the use of the phrase "spy shots" misleading, as this is just a computer created image.

  6. By Jim #6, Posted: 1/23/2007

    sorry.. i back down with my strong and rude critiques

    I appreciate Motorauthority's effort and time for creating a site like this. I just felt disappointed when i saw the picture..

    thanks Conor for putting the thoughts together in a more polite way!

    keep it up, MA.

  7. By bill #7, Posted: 4/7/2007

    Chris Bangle has recieved too much abuse over "flame surfacing". The styling of the current 5 series is still appealing three years from its release. Any efforts to tone down this trend will just make these visually exciting models blend into the background. After eagerly awaiting current Lexus GS and LS versions, I have been disappointingly underwhelmed. And think of the money, time and prestige FORD has wasted with Mays and team.

  8. By mike #8, Posted: 1/28/2008

    Why is it that AWD is not very compatible with manual transmission? I like the stying of the computer renditions of the 2010 5-series (God, I hope it doesn't change like the 6-series did from protype to production.) I also hope that BMW can push for a better hybrid version for the US market without saxcrificing performance.

    My expectations for my next car are environmentally friendly (very low greenhouse gas emissions), high performance (undetectible roll, and power to the wheels needed for turns--i.e., AWD option, coupled with a 6+ speed manual gearbox option), high horsepower and torque (300+), and sporty look with luxurious interior. I'd be willing to pay $50K. Is that too much to ask for??

  9. By ahmed tahlak #9, Posted: 2/12/2008

    when would it come to uae like i ment what year ?

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