Updated BMW M5: Neue Klasse or Familiar Design?
Despite the fact that we already saw a prototype of the updated 5 Series last week, today’s spy photos show that the hot M5 sedan will also receive some design traits of the Neue Klasse. These visual updates will bring it closer to the new electric iX3 and the upcoming eighth generation of the 3 Series.
The car is easily recognizable thanks to its wide fenders, powerful side sills, and deep front bumper with numerous air intakes. The four exhaust pipes protruding from the rear diffuser definitively confirm that this is not an ordinary sedan.
The current 5 Series already has some characteristic Neue Klasse features, such as flat body side panels and sharp lines. Prototypes with minimal camouflage were spotted earlier, hinting at the appearance of a solid front panel, inspired by classic BMWs from the 60s-80s, similar to the iX3.
Earlier spy shots seemed to pour cold water on this idea. They showed an estate with a more traditional kidney grille, sparking rumors of BMW retreating from its Neue Klasse ambitions.
What is the Camouflage Hiding?
The question remains open: have the Bavarians really abandoned bold solutions? It is quite possible that the new look did not find support in focus groups, forcing the company to reconsider its plans. Or perhaps the engineers simply got reprimanded for overly revealing prototypes and installed additional camouflage.
That Batman-mask-like dual grille protrusion is merely an attached panel hiding the real design. This means that the solid front panel could still be present underneath it.
Technical Details and Competition
It is important to note that the wide horizontal slit for radiator cooling remains visible. It is necessary because the smooth Neue Klasse panel does not provide airflow between the headlights.
As for the interior, BMW may introduce the new panoramic iDrive system that debuted in the iX3. An increase in power and range for the hybrid powertrain based on the 4.4-liter V8, which currently produces 717 hp, is also possible.
After the facelift, the M5 will face even tougher competition, as the Audi RS6 and Mercedes-AMG E63 will also be updated and receive hybrid powertrains.
The question of whether BMW is retreating from a full-fledged 5 Series update in the Neue Klasse style remains without a clear answer. The camouflage successfully plays its role, maintaining the intrigue. The final design choice may indicate a balance between innovation and the expectations of the traditional, often more conservative, audience of buyers in this car class. In any case, technical improvements and intensified competition guarantee that the next generation of high-performance sedans will be the most technologically advanced in history.