The next-generation G31 BMW 5 Series Touring has been sighted undergoing testing again. This time, our spy photographers managed to snap a test mule out in the cold, a change of scenery from our earlier spyshots of the wagon basking in the sun.
Still a heavily-masked prototype, the G31 here appears to sports hints of the current F10 BMW 5 Series’ styling, including the mellowed-down front-end. Based on the test mule seen here, it appears the new car will not undergo a radical overhaul in terms of looks.
Instead, expect evolutionary changes to take place instead. This includes new headlamps that meld into the more prominent kidney grill, as seen on the G11/G12 BMW 7 Series, as well as new bumpers and body panels. At the rear, faux tail lamps are fitted, with OLED units expected to be utilised on the production car.
Under the metal, the new G31 BMW Series Touring, along with its sedan (G30) and GT (G32) siblings, will most likely ride on the brand’s CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform, formerly known as 35up. The platform was first deployed on the G11/G12 BMW 7 Series, and is expected to provide the new 5 Series with a significant amount of weight saving over the outgoing model.
As for powertrain options, BMW’s range of petrol and diesel engines will most likely be offered for the G31, and the rest of the seventh-generation 5 Series for that matter. A plug-in hybrid setup could be offered here as well, similar to that used on the BMW X5 xDrive40e.
Inside, the next-generation BMW 5 Series Touring will benefit from the company’s fifth-generation iDrive system, where gesture control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available. The 5 Series is also said to be equipped with a 48-volt electrical architecture, allowing for advanced autonomous driving systems.
The seventh-generation BMW 5 Series is a very important car for the brand, which will compete against the recently introduced W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class. A global debut is expected to take place during the 2016 Paris Motor Show.
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