Photo: Autogespot
It’s no longer a secret that BMW is working on the new 5 Series model already. After the facelift of the F10 generation was launched last year we can expect a fully new model somewhere in 2016 when the current 5er will turn 7.
As you can see from the photos, development is still in its early stages, the tests made on the Nurburgring (the car was spotted in Nurburg, Germany) probably being focused on the chassis and suspension setup as the body of the car is clearly not the one the production model will be boasting.
That does leave the acclaimed 2 Series Coupe in a rather peculiar place. Most reviewers (us included) really appreciated the car due to its combination of a precisely tuned chassis and plenty of power for the rear axle. We’ll have to wait and see what the Management Board decides both for the regular models and the highly-anticipated M2.
3-liter 6-cylinder plants will also be introduced as well as 2-liter 4-cylinder ones. The big question is how low the displacement will go. Will BMW fit the new models with a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder plant? With enough weight reduction, we think yes.
In that case, the usage of a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder could very well be possible both by its own but also in conjunction with an electric motor for a hybrid version. Since on the i8 we have a plant that’s making 231 HP, that could be enough for a mid-size sedan as well. There's also talk about a quad-turbocharged diesel going around but nothing's been confirmed just yet.
At the same time, the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 will be kept with the power going up to roughly 600 HP and 700 Nm of torque. All-wheel drive is rumored to come out as an optional feature.
Of course, all the models we have now will be kept in the future as well. Therefore we’ll get the sedan, Touring and Gran Turismo in 2016 when the car is going to be unveiled.
The G30 5 Series will be using the 35up platform
In accordance with BMW’s target of reducing manufacturing expense at all costs, all the new models with rear-wheel drive will be built on the 35up platform. As the name suggests that includes the 3 Series and all the bigger models from there on out, with the 5 Series as well, of course.That does leave the acclaimed 2 Series Coupe in a rather peculiar place. Most reviewers (us included) really appreciated the car due to its combination of a precisely tuned chassis and plenty of power for the rear axle. We’ll have to wait and see what the Management Board decides both for the regular models and the highly-anticipated M2.
New B-family engines are a certainty
Right now, at the rate things are going over at BMW, we’re certain that the new 5 Series will be using B-family engines. They are even present on the current model, in the 518d and 520d. Admittedly, those are the only new plants for the mid-size sedan for now but they do show potential for the future.3-liter 6-cylinder plants will also be introduced as well as 2-liter 4-cylinder ones. The big question is how low the displacement will go. Will BMW fit the new models with a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder plant? With enough weight reduction, we think yes.
Weight will be reduced by using CFRP
The revolutionary Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) BMW has been heavily investing in for the last few years will be used on the new 5er as well. Just like before, the 7 Series will pave the way for the rest of the models and the 5 Series will follow suit, dropping weight in a similar fashion. That could translate into a 220 lbs (100 kg) drop.In that case, the usage of a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder could very well be possible both by its own but also in conjunction with an electric motor for a hybrid version. Since on the i8 we have a plant that’s making 231 HP, that could be enough for a mid-size sedan as well. There's also talk about a quad-turbocharged diesel going around but nothing's been confirmed just yet.
What about the M5?
The new M5 will also be using CFRP, aluminum and magnesium in most parts of the car. The critics the F10 received focused on the weight of the car and BMW has been listening.At the same time, the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 will be kept with the power going up to roughly 600 HP and 700 Nm of torque. All-wheel drive is rumored to come out as an optional feature.
Of course, all the models we have now will be kept in the future as well. Therefore we’ll get the sedan, Touring and Gran Turismo in 2016 when the car is going to be unveiled.
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