As good as it is, the current generation G30 BMW 5 Series is starting to feel a bit long in the tooth, which is doubtless why the Munich-based automaker has been readying a replacement for some time. Recently, we caught a glimpse of the production-ready head- and taillights but now we get to see what the upcoming E-Class rival is like at high speeds.
Caught testing at the Nurburgring, it appears as if the 5er will retain its reputation as the athletic choice in its segment. The test driver appears to be hustling the sedan at high speed, pushing the BMW through corners as if it's a sports car. However, the 5 Series remains unruffled. It takes everything in its stride, cornering flatly and with precision. Save for protestations from the tires, there's very little sign that the Bimmer has reached its limits.
The engine note is unremarkable and, frankly, we're not surprised. Look at the rear and you'll note a sticker that reads, "Hybrid test vehicle." With that in mind, this particular test unit most likely sports a four-pot engine with an electric motor. For reference, the current 530e PHEV produces combined outputs of 288 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
While the newcomer will certainly boast more power, this model will likely serve as the bread and butter model of the 5 Series lineup. Those craving more muscle will be better off waiting for the all-electric i5 or the M5, which is expected to use the hybridized V8 from the XM SUV.
The heavy camouflage makes it very difficult to make any judgments about the styling, but the overall shape retains the classically elegant BMW profile. The Hofmeister kink is present, and the pronounced hood is reminiscent of the elegant F10 5 Series. Hopefully, the kidney grilles won't be quite as pronounced as the items found on the new 7 Series.
Speaking of the 7 Series, we can expect some of the range topper's features to make their way into the new 5 Series. According to a respected source, BMW will ready both models for Personal Pilot (the company's Level 3 autonomous driving system). The smaller of the two sedans will receive this technology from July 2024, but only for the Chinese and European markets. BMW is yet to comment on this.
The eighth-generation 5 Series is set to be a class leader, as it has been for most of its life. However, that's not to say rivals aren't working on equally impressive competitors. Arch nemesis Mercedes-Benz is working on an all-new E-Class and, if it's even half the car the S-Class is, the BMW is in trouble. Elsewhere, Ingolstadt's luxury brand is cooking up a facelifted A6, which may possibly be the last ICE-powered variant.
