BMW is getting ready to bring the 5 Series sedan into a new, more electrified era.
The G60 5 Series has been caught testing by our spy photographers for the first time, revealing what looks like a more coupe-like, fastback shape.
It could be 2023 before we see the new 5 Series given the current-generation car was revealed in 2016, and was facelifted in 2020.
Details about the new 5 Series are hazy, given it’s a long way from its launch, but the large sedan is likely to offer a choice of internal-combustion, plug-in hybrid, and pure-electric power.
Expect the all-electric i5 to look slightly different to the petrol/hybrid car, much like the i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe.
The new electric 5 Series will have plenty of competition from BMW’s traditional German rivals. Audi is readying a new A6 e-tron, and Mercedes-Benz has confirmed an EQE is in the works.
It’s also tough to ignore the Tesla Model S, or sedans from startups such as Lucid Motors.
BMW has hidden most of how the new 5 Series looks, but there are a few things we can make out under the camouflage. The door handles are flush-fitting, and the nose looks upright and sharky in fine BMW style.
We know the X7 is moving to a split headlight design, it’s not yet clear if the 5 Series will take the same steps.
The new 5 Series is part of a broader push into electrified and pure-electric vehicles.
Currently the BMW Group has two pure electric cars available: the i3 and the Mini Electric.
A third EV was unveiled last year: the iX3, a fully electric version of the X3 crossover, which will go on sale in Australia later in 2021.
Two further pure-electric cars have been revealed: the i4, based on the internal-combustion 4 Series Gran Coupe, and the flagship iX crossover.
There will also be a fully-electric version of the next-generation 7 Series sedan, possibly branded as the i7.
