Our spy photographers have outdone themselves this time capturing some of the very first photographs of the all-new 2010 BMW 5-Series’ interior as well as of the Touring model’s exterior without the obtrusive coat of riveted dummy panels seen in the previous prototypes. Both the sedan and Touring versions of the car are expected to arrive in 2010 and will share much of their appearance with the 5-Series GT fastback, otherwise known as the PAS, that will break cover this fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Today’s E60 5-Series model is considered by many -and we totally agree- as Chris Bangle’s best design effort during his time in power at BMW. These latest spy photos of the next-generation Touring model with the ‘light’ psychedelic camo point to a less radical design influenced by the new 7-Series and of course, the 5-Series GT model. Highlights include the smoothed metalwork without the hard surfacing and detailing of the current model along with the latest interpretation of BMW’s twin-kidney grille that has clearly grown in size. Engine choices for the new 5-Series Touring will be the same as for the Sedan and GT models. The gasoline range will consist of naturally aspirated and turbocharged inline-six cylinder units including the newest 3.0-liter twin turbo straight six with 326HP while the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 407HP will also be among the offerings. The executive station wagon’s diesel options will include 2.0-liter turbo and twin-turbo four pots along with 3.0-liter turbo and twin turbo straight six units.
The first spy photos of the bimmer’s cabin indicate that the dashboard design blends styling elements from the new 7-Series and today’s 5-Series model. From what we can tell by examining the pictures, the new 5er follows in the footsteps of its larger sibling featuring a more driver orientated centre console and a classic instrument cluster with four circular instruments.
Underneath the sheetmetal, the new 5-Series sits on a larger platform with shorter overhangs and a longer wheelbase meaning that both passenger and luggage space will be improved over the current model. The larger dimensions will be offset by the extended use of aluminum body parts and numerous other weight saving measures.
Last but not least, the highly anticipated M5 Touring will ditch the current model’s 507 HP 5.0-liter V10 in favor of the lighter and more compact 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine found in the X5M and X6M that cranks out 555HP at 6,000 rpm and a whopping 680Nm or 501-lbs/ft of peak torque available between 1,500 and 5,650 rpm. The M5 Touring model is expected to be introduced in 2011.
