5 Series Sedan

Make
BMW
Segment
Sedan

Last we heard the new BMW 5 Series was debuting at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show. But then our spies sent us these photos of two practically naked 5 Series sedans running wild on the streets. Now we're not so sure that the Bavarians will wait until Detroit to show off their new model. How does the 2016 Paris Motor Show sound for a reveal? Regardless of when the new 5 Series is shown one thing needs to be known: The majority of what's new and exciting won't be visible to the naked eye.

Even with practically all its camo gone the G30 5 Series looks strikingly similar to the F10 that came before it. Little things like the lights and the design of the side mirrors have been updated but those hoping for a dynamic exterior redesign will be sorely disappointed. But like we said earlier, the majority of the updates won't be superficial. The new 5 Series is expected to cut weight thanks to the use of aluminum and carbon fiber. It should also get some of the tech featured in the all-new 7 Series, a car so advanced it's basically a BestBuy on wheels. As for engines, well, we're hearing the new M5 could pack 600 horsepower and have optional AWD.

While all that sounds good on paper we are a bit concerned that the new 5 Series could fall behind the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class. BMW obviously isn't concerned with a radical exterior redesign but it will have to offer consumers something to get them into a car that may end up looking way too similar to its predecessor. Perhaps that's where the tech comes into play? In addition to the 5 Series sedan our spies recently caught the new 5 Series Gran Turismo out testing, although it was covered in much more camo. That's a good thing for two reasons. One: The 5 Series GT is butt ugly. Two: It means the GT may be farther away from ready than the sedan, meaning the latter may not have to share the stage should it debut in Paris later this month.