When you think of luxury executive saloons, one car always comes to mind – the BMW 5-series. A class leader since its inception, the 5-series remains a crucial car in BMW's lineup so there's a great deal of importance surrounding the next-generation model. That car is due to arrive by late 2009 for the 2010 model year and heavily disguised prototypes have already been seen testing around the streets of Munich. These latest spy shots give us a better indication about what we can expect for the new executive saloon.
Most of the planned changes are skin-deep. Under the new sheet metal, BMW will continue with its new found love of turbocharging. The new 4.4L twin-turbo V8 from the recently revealed X6 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, however a new eight-speed unit from ZF is also expected to be available. Coming in towards the end of 2010 will be the next-generation M5 sporting a larger displacement 5.5L V10 and possibly forced induction for extra power.
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 center 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.
2010 BMW spy shots July 2008
2010 BMW spy shots June 2008
Reader Comments
Wed Jan 30 2008 6:43 AM
HECTOR says
Bland, bland, bland...
Wed Jan 30 2008 7:02 AM
freddy says
This future BMW looks like a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with the difference is only the badge. Looks like all the car manufacturing companies uses the same draughting programme. All the designers do is to copy and paste and then add their different car logos, and there you a new car model.......
Wed Jan 30 2008 10:51 AM
Gus says
I like it.
I would actually buy this car just to celebrate the new tail design!
Now if I could only scrounge up enough quarters.... :)
Wed Jan 30 2008 11:53 AM
germandude says
Audi and BMW cars are starting to look more and more alike =(
Wed Jan 30 2008 12:09 PM
Turkle says
Germandude is correct. With the cut line running through the door handles and the swell above the rocker panels looking a lot like Audi, I wonder how easy it will be to tell these cars apart from 150 feet. Oh, I can't wait for someone to say this looks a lot like the '08 Accord sedan, at least from the side and back.
Thu Jan 31 2008 1:49 AM
NaBUru38 says
Folks, don't forget that these are unofficial renderings.
Thu Jan 31 2008 1:43 PM
S.H. says
Yep, these are nothing more than photoshop's. You could pretty easily observe that by looking at the 'X6' choped tailight.
Thu Jan 31 2008 2:41 PM
C.S. says
Looks like a big 3-series.
Thu Jan 31 2008 8:25 PM
jjs says
Not bad but it looks a lot like a 2008 Accord. But what I would *really* love to see is BMW ditch iDrive.
Fri Feb 8 2008 6:12 AM
dhk says
Well if this pshop is anything of what the new 5 may look like then I like it. It follows the design cues of the CS concept, which is a beautiful car. Did any of you stop to think the new accord looks a lot like the E60 5 series? Look at the shape of the taillights and the c-pillar "hoffmeister" kink, as they resemble the current 5. The character line and lower body lines also look like that of the E92 3 series.
Fri Feb 8 2008 6:19 AM
dhk says
I do agree that Audi's and BMW's are starting to look alike to a certain degree because Walter de Silvia is beginning to curve the body shapes of Audi's like Chris Bangle did with BMW's. However I think Audi is doing a little better in styling, as seen in the new A/S5 and A4, since they've had some time to learn from all the mistakes by Bangle and Van Hooyidonk.
Sun Feb 10 2008 10:36 PM
Joeshmo says
is it just me or the old Beemer looks are starting to die out.
Mon Feb 11 2008 8:06 AM
dffjg says
wat the helll bmws and audis dont look the same.......might hav few similarities but they look very different from each other.....the 5 series does not look like audi A6 or an A4.... not even close.........audis hav their unique single frame grill thingy which can be spotted from miles....the bmw has its round lights and two grills which they hav had for as far as i can remember. This car looks godd and also looks like a bmw....does not look like a mercedes c class that thing is but ugly....it does not look like any audi theirs a big difference. doesnt any one see that...
Tue Jun 17 2008 5:13 PM
5cents says
It looks more like a 7 series in size...
Tue Jun 17 2008 5:27 PM
NoNameDenton says
More turbo engines, sign me up when I have the money
Thu Jul 17 2008 7:45 PM
NoNameDenton says
I heard the V10 might be dumped for a more fuel efficient powerful turbo V8 for the next M5
Fri Jul 18 2008 12:02 PM
cirquo says
Please don't suck, please don't suck, please don't suck, it is looking very boring like the new 7 series, aaah Bimmer lost it somehow. The 3 series is all they have left that is good.
Thu Jul 24 2008 3:46 AM
lamboguy says
i hate it,hate it,hate it, i really think it looks like crap.Shouldn't we be looking at something a little bit more futuristic. Haven't they seen the australian ad about the new toyota. It states "building toward our future" der the date is going up not down! .....(+[__]::).....
Tue Aug 12 2008 10:39 AM
mandla rsa says
all I can say is: what's wrong with copying a good thing. makes this design itself better, hey.
Sun Aug 24 2008 1:24 AM
tee says
I just love the 2010 BMW 5 series, I have completed an application for the 2009 BMW 535xi, after me and my coworkers saw the 2009 Hyundai tail light, that has a resemble of the 5 series BMW, I lost interest in the 5 series BMW, until I saw the 2010 tail light. How soon will I be able to place a order for the 2010? I am in the military on deployment and will be redeploying next year around May/June 2009, please send me some information on what I can do to order the 2010. Thanks
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