First good look at upcoming BMW Coupe and next 5-Series?

BMW is starting its first tests of the upcoming all new BMW 5 Series in public in the roads of Munich. The photos, taken this afternoon, are showing a first prototype.

About 35 years ago BMW started the first 5-series model range and in spring 2010 the 6th generation is scheduled for launch. Internally code named F10, the Bavarian car maker is developing an all new car. Its styling is overseen by BMW’s head designer Adrian van Hooydonk.

The next 5-series will be equipped with an eight speed automatic transmission. Four wheel drive will be optional, and a large choice of engines – four – six- and eight cylinders - will be available. A year later the M5 version will be due, and there will also be a 5-series wagon some time later.

Besides the Park Distance Control, the new 5-series will get also wide angle cameras integrated into the side mirrors to provide an overall view around the car.

Furthermore BMW’s engineers and designers are about to create a four door coupe based on the new 5-series. With this, BMW will enter the trendy market of four door coupes dominated today by Mercedes with the CLS, which sold over 100.000 units since October 2004. Audi joins in with the A7 four door coupe in 2009, and BMW ‘s 5-series coupe will be the last one to defend itself against the competitors.

BMW995 - 12/5/2007 3:23:30 PM

+1 Boost

I think the photoshoper took the outline of the MBenz CLS and grafted a BMW front and rear-end on it. How the hell did the guy come up with the tiny kidney grills is beyond me. No BMW front end is going to look like that.
Nevertheless, the side view looks great and will sell gobs of them.
By the way, the 4 pipes at the rear of the test mule may signify an early M5 prototype!

pacotacolol - 12/5/2007 4:59:59 PM

-2 Boost

it is OK. this is the end of the past?

Gennissen - 12/6/2007 5:59:22 AM

+3 Boost

the photoshop looks quite far from what the actual test car (spy garb) suggests. the c-pillar is totally way off.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 12/6/2007 7:07:06 AM

+1 Boost

No it does not

The M-series do not have the pipes at the ends of the vehicle, they are closer to the middle.

This is just the V6 & V8 engined variants that will use the Twin Exhaust layout like the E-Class, CLS, S- Class, Jag S-Type & XFR, XK, XJ......... List is endless

theoptimisticpessimist - 12/5/2007 3:26:02 PM

+13 Boost

SEDAN NOT A COUPE! don' buy in to the marketing weasel hype.

Agent004 - 12/5/2007 3:37:27 PM

+1 Boost

+ Boost times 10

MBman320 - 12/11/2007 9:08:45 PM

+1 Boost

i think bmw is trying to pull of the look that the cls gave us. they both look pretty good

1stgenaristoTT - 12/5/2007 4:00:57 PM

0 Boost

the photoshop looks kinda L-finesse-ish

EL34 - 12/5/2007 6:50:58 PM

-5 Boost

That's because whenever Lexus designs a car they put up all German competition and Lexus tells the designers to come up with a car that will be more futuristic and then when the next BMW comes out some say it looks like a Lexus.

It will have to be a cold day in hell to fool EL34 ;)

EL34 - 12/5/2007 8:30:59 PM

-3 Boost

That's because Lexus doesn't have any heritage and so they steal heritage from other companies and their cars look like Disneyland rockets.

Cold day in hell to pull the wool over EL34 eyes ;)

Chip - 12/5/2007 8:40:22 PM

+3 Boost

"I have to agree with EL34 on this one, Lexus is more futuristic looking than the German competition."

Yeah I know, the Audi R8, BMW 650/M6 and Mercedes CLS/S/CL all look so retro.

dlin - 12/6/2007 1:32:15 AM

+1 Boost

They surely don't look retro.

CLS looks great.
S, M6 looks good, but something is not right.
R8 looks futuristic, yet downright ugly like a fat worm or something. I really cannot find anything I like other than its mid-engine platform.

Chip - 12/6/2007 1:52:35 AM

0 Boost

Dlin, I was being sarcastic.

LexSucks - 12/6/2007 12:09:45 PM

-1 Boost

The Lexus may look more futuristic But at the same time the look ages faster than the germans cars.

qweasdzxc - 12/8/2007 12:15:12 PM

+1 Boost

Worse than fat worm.

Someone kill designer of AUDI R8 for the ugliest mid-engine in the world.

Even MR2 looks better.

PlanB - 12/5/2007 4:06:27 PM

+1 Boost

Photoshop reminds me of the new Honda Accord. But then again they kinda copied BMW so whatever. But I think it looks good if it does turn out like this.

w209w114 - 12/5/2007 4:10:23 PM

0 Boost

What happened to the famous/imfamous Bangle Butt???

More like "HELLO Mercedes CL!" from the back. The resemblence is undeniable

gsh23 - 12/5/2007 4:13:01 PM

+2 Boost

love that altima rear end

Shredmo - 12/5/2007 4:18:31 PM

+2 Boost

Something very classic Citroën about this image. Not feeling the rear door area as BMW, but it is interesting.

Audiphile - 12/6/2007 11:32:52 AM

+3 Boost

You're right, the Mercedes CLS is beautiful and sleek. Unfortunately, if you're over 6'1" tall, your head will hit the ceiling!

bmwfan1513 - 12/5/2007 4:54:22 PM

+1 Boost

great looking car

pchera01 - 12/5/2007 4:58:42 PM

0 Boost

the photoshop looks great, if that is going to be thir CLS fighter, i want one

S4cabriofoxone - 12/5/2007 5:27:05 PM

+2 Boost

THAT IS A 7 SERIES.

Otherwise, I don't love the photoshop. I know BMW will do better.

Chip - 12/5/2007 8:45:45 PM

+3 Boost

Agree S4, I thought it was the new "7" at first, but the second pic clearly shows that the car is way too small for that to be true.

I believe this is the new 5-series. Cant wait to see either.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/6/2007 12:21:01 AM

0 Boost

Really? Because it looks EXACTLY like a smaller 7 Series, then.

I was hoping for a less squared-off look. Eh.

Maybe it will look good, though. We can only wait.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/6/2007 12:21:41 AM

-1 Boost

Nope, I reviewed them, and it's still a 7 Series.

mscottc1 - 12/6/2007 7:59:19 AM

+2 Boost

nope, it's a 5-er. trust me. I promise this is a heavily disguised 5-er. The next shots we'll be seeing of the new 7 will be very thinly disguised & it will be VERY clear they are of the new 7.

rok_altima - 12/5/2007 6:27:50 PM

+2 Boost

Can't tell anything with the spy shots. Its just a test mull with random body parts attached. Photoshops are never accurate, so I'll reserve judgement.

1970toyotamarc - 12/5/2007 6:34:25 PM

+1 Boost

It still seems to have a healthy, J-Lo sized Bangle butt. But I think thats a ruse, just camo to make it look like a 7. Bangle may have finally been euthanized.

0to60 - 12/5/2007 6:41:21 PM

-1 Boost

Whats up with every one wanting to copy the CLS??? Its a nice car but let's be original!

Yonder7 - 12/5/2007 7:37:33 PM

-2 Boost

Follow the Lider in one good design is not a bad thing, CLS is a great trend and with 100,000 sold, shure BMW, Porsche and any smart manufacturer will attempt to create their own CLS. This Bimer looks better than the CLS, sadly I am almost 100% , it won't be like this and if the car looks like this one, It won't be in production.

randy33 - 12/5/2007 9:54:04 PM

+2 Boost

The angular characteristics of the BMW photographed (the black one) do not correspond with those in the hobbyist's photoshop doodle (the blue car).

Thus, the photoshop blue car should be completely discarded.

investor27 - 12/5/2007 10:07:02 PM

+2 Boost

The photoshop pictures doesn't look anything like the mule test car.

StickShiftCamry - 12/5/2007 11:00:40 PM

-2 Boost

last pic made me wanna throw up.

TauronB2G - 12/6/2007 12:18:09 AM

+2 Boost

Looks like an Accord Coupe and a 3 Series had a one night stand!!! Give it the morning after pill..QUICK!!!!
R

DaHarder - 12/6/2007 1:17:51 AM

+1 Boost

There's far too much NISSAN INTIMA (concept) in the 'rendering' for it to have any credibility...

Porschinator - 12/6/2007 3:32:01 PM

+1 Boost

True..another photochop job.

EL34 - 12/6/2007 3:49:41 PM

+1 Boost

That is the BMW 8-Series.

carE10 - 12/6/2007 6:18:15 PM

+1 Boost

It has a very sporty stance w/ the low front, i like it. I also find the quad tail pipes interesting, usually seen on M cars, but prolly for the twin turbo 555 eight cylinder.

Milton - 12/9/2007 12:50:03 PM

+1 Boost

Wow.Chris Bangle and his team have a difficult job to do.Because the current design is just gorgeous.Is it possible to improve on perfection?