Caught in wagon form wrapped in plastic camo, spy images of BMW’s new 5-series show the mid-sizer is taking shape with a broader snout and a larger twin-kidney grille similar to that of the new 2009 7-series. A rounded tail also alludes to a more conservative familial resemblance as the German automaker continues to tone down the controversial flame-surfaced styling of the current 5-series.

While we expect more information at an auto show later this year, the new 5-series will be slightly longer, wider, and lower than the existing car when it arrives in early 2010. It will again feature a hybrid steel-aluminum structure, with the doors, hood, and roof made of the lighter metal. However, this is in contrast to the existing car’s design, which employs aluminum for nearly the entire front half of the vehicle for optimum weight distribution. The new structure is easier and less expensive to manufacture, yet still could aid handling by offsetting the weight of the engine and lowering the center of gravity. Rear-wheel drive is standard and the automaker’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system will again be optional, and expect the torque-vectoring active differential from the X6 crossover to be offered as an option on certain models.

Turbos and Technology

Although Europeans will be able to opt for the company’s slick 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged diesel, it's uncertain if BMW will expand the use of the mill in the U.S. beyond the current X5 and 3-series. U.S. buyers will likely only be able to choose from gasoline-fueled six- and eight-cylinder engines, with the 400-hp, 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 (currently used in the X6 and new 7-series) likely leading the charge and replacing the existing 360-hp, 4.8-liter V-8 in the 550i. Count on the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six to be the volume powerplant in the guise of a 535i and to launch concurrently or shortly after the V-8.

While the current ZF six-speed automatic transmission may be offered initially, expect the new car to follow the path of the 5-series Gran Turismo and sport new 8-speed automatic gearboxes across the range. A hybrid model will likely follow shortly after launch. Nearly all 5-series variants also will sport start-stop systems, which use a larger starter motor to allow the engine to quickly shut down and restart after prolonged stops, but BMW has declined to offer such systems in U.S. market cars in the past. Also sure to be included is the latest version of iDrive with updated menu buttons, along with a head-up display and the 7-series sedan’s pedestrian-recognizing night vision and roadsign recognition technology, although it has yet to be confirmed if these features will make it to the U.S.

What About M?

While it likely is too early to begin speculation of a new M5, a boost in power and a more user-friendly transmission are safe bets. M5 mules have been spotted with cutouts in their front fascias, indicating they may be packing a pair of turbos and intercoolers underhood. Another possibility is a tweaked version of the 555-hp, twin-turbo V-8 used in the X6/X5 M. And given the criticisms leveled on the current M5’s clunky SMG single-clutch automated-manual transmission, the adaptation of the M3’s seven-speed M DCT dual-clutch unit would be a boon to performance, drivability, and efficiency. As always, stay tuned for additional details.

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