- BMW’s Neue Klasse-inspired 5-Series facelift is being softened.
- Latest spy shots show grilles closer to today’s 5-Series sedan.
- iDrive Panoramic display likely coming to the updated interior.
Like all other BMW models, the 5-Series is being updated as part of the carmaker’s Neue Klasse era, adopting the new styling of recent concepts and the all-electric iX3. However, it appears BMW is already having second thoughts about the facelift.
Earlier this year, several 5-Series prototypes were spied testing with skin-tight camouflage, revealing new headlights and kidney grilles inspired by the Vision Neue Klasse concept. At the time, it seemed like a done deal. This was how the next-generation sedan would look.
Read: 2027 BMW 5-Series Looks To Join The Neue Klasse Era
However, based on these spy shots of the Touring variant, which is only expected to reach North America in flagship M5 form, BMW seems to have made some design changes partway through development.
What’s Different?
While the latest Touring prototype remains under wraps, the kidney grilles now appear closer in form to the current 5-Series. They’re still sleeker and more sculpted, but the radical Neue Klasse influence seems to have been dialed back. The headlights, too, have been subtly reshaped, becoming narrower and more tightly integrated into the front end.
It’s not just the front fascia that’s evolved. The rear has seen adjustments as well, with the taillights now borrowing design cues from the latest 3-Series. It’s a small change, but one that suggests BMW is leaning toward continuity rather than a dramatic departure.
What About The Cabin?
So far, no interior photos have surfaced. But if the iX3 is anything to go by, the 5-Series is likely to adopt BMW’s new Panoramic iDrive layout. That includes a central infotainment screen and a wide, curved display stretching almost the full width of the dashboard, tucked just above the cowl.
Both screens will run the latest version of BMW’s iDrive software. Also expected is the iX3’s four-spoke steering wheel, which has divided opinion. It’s likely to make its way across the rest of the lineup, the 5-Series included.
Familiar Powertrains with Small Gains
BMW isn’t expected to make wholesale changes to the 5-Series powertrain lineup. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, with its 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, will probably remain in place. The 3.0-liter turbo inline-six might receive a slight bump, possibly pushing output to 393 hp and 428 lb-ft.
In addition to the gasoline options, the updated range will include new diesel variants, a revised plug-in hybrid, and a refreshed all-electric i5, which may see gains in efficiency and driving range.
