Updated M5 Sedan and Wagon on Tests
Following the presentation of the fully electric BMW i3, the company is already working on updating the powerful M5 sedan, giving it Neue Klasse style elements. Fresh spy photos from Germany show prototypes of both the sedan and the Touring wagon in the facelifted version, being tested near the BMW M development center at the Nürburgring.
There has been considerable debate about how far BMW will go with the Neue Klasse style on the M5. Some of the confusion arises from the dense camouflage film around the radiator grille, as well as the realization that the 5 Series is often purchased by more conservative buyers who may not yet be ready for the full NK experience.
New Front End and Design
The obtained images, the clearest to date, suggest that BMW is applying the same visor-like front end that debuted on the electric iX3 crossover and has now also appeared on the i3 sedan. It appears that the “kidney” area is closed off, with all cooling functions assigned to a long, thin slit below, similar to that on the ICE-powered Dodge Charger, as well as to aggressive air intakes in the updated front bumper.
However, the metal panel over where the “kidneys” are currently located still has a shape that continues their raised profile, so it would look odd if the “kidneys” were absent altogether. To know for sure what the production car will look like, we will have to wait until BMW removes the camouflage from the central section during later stages of testing.
Changes at the Rear
The changes at the rear are more of a “tidying up” nature. The new rear lights have different light graphics, and the diffuser appears to have been simplified. The somewhat overloaded V-shaped element in the center is gone, replaced by a more cohesive and less flashy detail.
Updated iDrive System Inside
The Neue Klasse style will touch not only the exterior of the M5. Previously published spy photos revealed a new touchscreen tablet and the absence of a separate instrument panel, hinting at the possible implementation of the panoramic projection iDrive display, as seen on the iX3.
Powertrains to Remain Largely Unchanged
Under the hood, no major changes to the powertrain are expected. BMW typically reserves power upgrades for full generational changes, not for facelifts. This means the hybrid twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 will remain virtually unchanged, continuing to deliver a potent 717 hp. The car is already incredibly fast, even if its electric range of 25 miles (40 km) is not impressive, especially considering the extra 500 kg of weight added by the hybrid system.
Expectations and Release Plans
The current generation M5 was introduced in mid-2024, and prototypes of the facelifted version have long been caught by photographers’ lenses. This suggests that the production version could be seen as early as this year, and it is expected to hit the roads as a 2027 model.
The transition to Neue Klasse design elements for such an iconic model as the M5 is a bold step that shows the direction of development for the entire BMW brand. Balancing a radical future with the conservative tastes of the target audience is a delicate art. Retaining the familiar powerful hybrid powertrain could be key to appeasing traditionalists, while the new interior with a panoramic display significantly modernizes the driver’s experience. The success of this update may determine how quickly classic internal combustion engine models will integrate the brand’s fully electric philosophy.