SPIED: All-New Spy Shots Of The Next-Gen BMW 5-Series — Is It Looking Like A SNOOZER?

Are you sure those aren't pictures of the prototype of the current 5?

Not the current 5.

Look close. You'll see air curtain vent integrated behind front axle.

Looks like a car in camo to me. I'll comment when we get some clear, camo-free pics.

Until BMW does something specific to differentiate the styling of the 5 series from the 3 series - the car - no matter how good it is - will continue to be an also ran.

For years - the E class had a different and obvious styling from the other Mercedes cars - something they stopped this time out which I believe was a bad decision. However - at least Mercedes makes its cars to look like the S-class - which came first. The problem is that both Audi and BMW make their larger sedans to look largely like their smaller ones - too much so. There is nothing inherently prestigious about buying a more expensive car that looks just like a smaller one. If either Audi or Bmw want to become big sellers of larger cars (They primarily sell small sports sedans) - they BOTH need the styling of those bigger cars to be more obvious that they are the bigger car. Size alone is hard to tell.

"If either Audi or Bmw want to become big sellers of larger cars (They primarily sell small sports sedans) - they BOTH need the styling of those bigger cars to be more obvious that they are the bigger car. Size alone is hard to tell."

Audi understands your viewpoint, TomM and that is precisely why it will make the upcoming A8 a differentiated and aggressively styled car that is packed to the brim with the latest technology features. The fact that the new A8 will be aggressive and differentiated has been repeated ad nauseum because Audi is on a mission.

It appears that BMW is going to continue with the current 5-Series styling and just make some minor design modifications. This will be a HUGE mistake and will come with very serious consequences. For example, the current 5-Series is already down 8.5% YTD in the U.S. and globally BMW is growing at half the rate of Mercedes-Benz.

Add in Audi's new design strategy that will start with the upcoming A8 and filter down to the A7, A6 etc. and onto the upcoming Q6 and Q8, and BMW is left as the also-ran that fails to keep up with its competitor's more interesting designs, more luxurious interiors and better driving dynamics.

If BMW keeps the design of the 5-Series the same I strongly believe it will fall to 3rd place in global sales by 2020.

Forget it Aspy 11, I rested my case with GermanNut not long ago as he continues to protect and excuse Audi when Audi does not even need his (or anybody's) intervention. His main nemesis: BMW, followed by Mercedes and then Lexus.

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/audi/96347/audi-luxury-range-revamp-fresh-details-on-new-audi-a7-a6-a8-and-q8

The whole reason people like BMWs is because they have generally understated styling suitable for adults.

If you want some edgy Transformers-style design, go visit Lexus.