Rumors about a new 5 Series started ever since 2015 and a year later the car has been finally confirmed by BMW. The new 2016 BMW 5 Series will be using their all new modular CLAR platform which is also being used on the new 7 Series. Just like with most other new platforms out there, this one is being made mostly out of high strength steel and aluminum but BMW went a bit further and reinforced it in key areas with carbon fiber. This should allow them to make the new 5 Series up to 300 pounds lighter than before, all while being bigger and more powerful.
2016 BMW 5 Series Release date and Price
The release date is still unknown for now but we do expect BMW to showcase the car later this year and release it on the market in the early 2017. Just like before, the US market will receive a couple of powerful engines while Europe will also get a few diesels and even hybrid offerings.
The price should hover around $50,000 or more for a base model while its top of the range versions will top out at more than $100,000.
Just as we mentioned, the car’s platform is going to be the biggest change. This will also sport a longer wheelbase than before and it will allow BMW to create a roomier car as well.
The suspension system is going to be completely re-engineered in order to give the car a more compliant and comfortable ride without sacrificing the way it drives.
BMW 5 Series Engine
Under the hood of the 2016 BMW 5 Series we should see old and new engines as well. In Europe the base model is expected to get a 2 liter turbocharged mill which will be similar to the one before it but this time the engine will make slightly more power and it will be a bit more efficient.
The US market as well as the medium spec EU models are going to receive a 3 liter inline 6 petrol engine which should come with two different outputs, a 300 horsepower and a 400 horsepower version.
The top of the range model on the other hand is expected to make use of a newly developed 4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 based on BMW’s new engine architecture. This might make as much as 650 horsepower and over 600 lb-ft of torque while being around 5 to 10% more efficient than before.
A hybrid is also going to be made available shortly after the initial launch which is expected to use a 2 liter turbocharged petrol engine as a range extender coupled with a pair of powerful electric motors. This model might get more than 40 MPG on average while offering as much as 400 combined horsepower.
Design
Design wise, the new 2016 BMW 5 Series is definitely going to look more like an update of the current generation than an entirely new model.
While the car’s size will change slightly, the design is going to borrow some of the latest cues found on the newest 7 Series such as the new front end design with the wider grille and slimmer headlights and even the classy look of the back end.
Interior of BMW 5 Series
Inside the cabin, the 5 Series will definitely feel like an upgrade over the current model so the car will not only come with more features and safety options but also with better materials and a better driving position thanks to the new platform which will allow BMW to mount the seats lower into the chassis.
The base model will still feel a bit unequipped for how much it will cost but options will make it feel like a true luxury car with the behavior of a sports sedan.
