New BMW 5 Series

In an attempt to keep ahead of the Mercedes E-Class, BMW are to overhaul their best selling UK executive car 5 Series in 2016. The company knows that buyers of this class aren't after a radical styling and as such, the new model is set to retain a familiar profile, with refinements to details in order to make the model look a bit sportier than the current generation.

What changes will be made to the BMW 5 Series engines?

BMW's range of modular engines, built up of 500cc cylinders will feature under the bonnet. These are also found in vehicles belonging to BMW's subsidiary brand, MINI. These are the 1.5 litre three cylinder petrol and diesel engines, plus the 2.0 litre four cylinder in the Cooper S. A 2.0 litre four cylinder diesel will power the ever popular 520d and BMW is weighing up whether buyers will be willing to drive a three cylinder 5 Series.

Either way, the cleanest diesels are expected to dip below 100g/km, while plug in hybrids will be offered for the first time on the 5 Series. These will use a similar set-up to the BMW i8 supercar, which combines a 1.5-litre engine and an electric motor. The new M5 will get a refined 4.4-litre V8.
 

What changes will be made to the BMW 5 Series tech?

One of the main appeals of the BMW Group's 5 Series has been it's sharp handling and the company is looking to improve things further with a new lightweight platform that can be tweaked to underpin anything from the 3 Series to the 7 Series. By using more high strength steels, aluminium and carbon fibre reinforced plastic, BMW will hope to cut the kerb-weight by about 100kg. As well as improving agility, the new, lightweight materials should help stiffen up the 5 Series even further.

Every 5 Series sold will come Internet-enabled and fitted with a SIM card to let drivers access apps on the go, such as music streaming services and Google search or just turn on the heating or air-con from your smartphone.
 

The BMW 5 Series saloon is set to arrive in the summer of 2016, with prices starting from around £33,000.