BERLIN, Germany - BMW's designers will probably take an evolutionary route with its sixth-generation 5 Series.
Spy photographers captured images of BMW’s next M-badged flagship at the automaker’s Nürburgring test centre.
For the first time in its history, the M5 will receive an optional xDrive all-wheel drive system.
NEW M-BADGED FLAGSHIP
Rear-wheel drive will be standard and power should be derived from the same twin-turbo V8 4.4-litre engine from the outgoing 466kW model.
IMAGE GALLERY: 2016 BMW M5 (Spy)
All that power will come in a significantly lighter package as the new 5 Series is expected to shed about 100kg as a result of making the switch to the new '35up' platform debuted on the new 7 Series.
For its next-generation M5, BMW might bring back the M5 Touring to tackle the Audi RS6 Avant, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Estate and other fast estates.
Automedia reports the new BMW M5 could be revealed at the 2016 Geneva auto show or Auto China 2016 in Beijing, with a possible launch in 2017.