But will it get the X7's massive kidney grille?
BMW has been seen testing a slew of upcoming models lately including the next-generation M3 and the yet-to-be-revealed 4 Series Convertible. It may not be as exciting as a brand-new model, but our spy photographers have just captured the first glimpse of the facelifted 5 Series out testing.
This particular test mule is a 5 Series Touring, which, sadly, we do not get in the United States. Regardless of the body style, this prototype previews a new drivetrain that should also make its way to the 5 Series sedan in the US. A sticker clearly reads 'Hybrid Test Vehicle,' and the door for the charger on the front fender gives away that it is a plug-in model.
BMW currently sells a hybrid version of the 5 Series called the 530e xDrive, which is powered by a turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with an integrated electric motor producing 248 horsepower. This new plug-in model is expected to go by the name '545e xDrive' and use a detuned version of the drivetrain found in the 745e xDrive iPerformance.
In the 7 Series, the plug-in hybrid drivetrain is paired with a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine producing a total output of 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque with an all-electric driving range of 16 miles. The 5 Series is expected to have slightly less power, around 375 hp.
The prototype features heavily camouflage on the front and rear, leading us to believe there will be significant changes to the bumpers, lights, and grilles. It remains unclear if BMW will enlarge the kidney grille as it has done on the X7 and 7 Series, but by the looks of the spy shots, the grille will remain normal size. Expect to see some improvements to the infotainment system, putting the 5 Series more in line with newer BMW models. The facelifted 5 Series will likely make its debut in late 2020 or early 2021.
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