When BMW’s first 5 Sequence prototypes surfaced earlier this 12 months carrying what seemed like a full Neue Klasse face, the message appeared clear: the model’s subsequent design language was about to unfold quick. The spy pictures confirmed a sedan that appeared to borrow closely from the iX3, hinting at a extra unified, future-facing lineup. However the newest prototypes inform a unique story. New photos recommend BMW has quietly revised its plans, dialing again the extra radical parts and choosing a much more restrained facelift for the 5 Sequence than initially anticipated.
We heard earlier this 12 months that BMW might have reconsidered the sedan’s styling. In Could, we reported that the G60’s facelift wouldn’t be as radical because the spy pictures initially recommended. Certain sufficient, new photos now affirm our earlier reporting that the 2027 BMW 5 Sequence will skip a full Neue Klasse transformation.
An Evolution In Design
Seen right here is the extra sensible Touring, resting on a automotive trailer alongside the new iX3. Regardless of the full-body camouflage, it’s clear this prototype doesn’t match the one noticed a couple of months in the past. The entrance grille not merges with the headlights because it did on the sooner check automotive. As a substitute, BMW seems to have opted for a extra restrained facelift of the present mannequin.
Though the 5 Sequence received’t obtain the whole Neue Klasse makeover initially deliberate, noticeable styling modifications are nonetheless coming. The mid-cycle refresh brings flatter kidney grilles flanked by redesigned headlights. These new, additionally flatter lights apparently not lengthen upward to fulfill the corners of the hood. A reworked entrance bumper that includes a horizontal slat above the license plate suggests this prototype is fitted with the non-compulsory M Sport Bundle.
As a result of that is solely a facelift, the profile is more likely to carry over unchanged. The form and measurement of the taillights additionally seem like retained. Nevertheless, BMW might revise the inner graphics to clean up the rear. The prototype’s German license plate ends with an “E,” indicating we’re both a plug-in hybrid 5 Sequence or, extra seemingly, a completely electrical i5.
One factor we have to filter although: BMW has not formally confirmed any modifications to the 5 Sequence facelift design, and the corporate doesn’t touch upon ongoing improvement.
The Preliminary Redesign Was Reportedly Not Effectively-Acquired
Why is BMW revisiting the 2027 5 Sequence facelift? In line with our sources, the corporate continued to guage a number of design instructions for the mid-cycle replace effectively into the event course of. As a part of that work, BMW carried out design evaluations and buyer analysis on completely different exterior proposals, one thing the model routinely does earlier than locking in a remaining look. Exterior companies additionally allegedly do analysis for the model gathering sentiments from throughout the Web, and never solely. So it might be that these research confirmed a better rating for a milder facelift, extra in keeping with the present mannequin.
Because of this, the design crew went again to the drafting board and developed this revised facelift, and for this reason these new prototypes look utterly completely different. In a manner, it’s encouraging that BMW listens to buyer and person suggestions fairly intently, whereas on the identical time, their processes are much more leaner nowadays to permit for a fast turnaround on a brand new design route.
There might be additionally a monetary issue at play. It’s not far fetched to imagine that BMW will give the 5 Sequence Sedan and Touring one of the costly facelifts in its historical past. Whereas the automobiles will skip the Neue Klasse exterior therapy, BMW will nonetheless ship a dramatically reworked inside. iDrive X and the Panoramic Imaginative and prescient show will essentially change the dashboard, probably including an non-compulsory passenger-side display screen. Taken collectively, these modifications demand a full reengineering of the inside structure, from the dashboard construction to how house and parts are packaged.
Prohibitive Prices Had been Additionally A Issue
The initially deliberate exterior overhaul would have pushed prices even larger, making it troublesome to justify for a mid-cycle replace. That stage of funding would have made extra sense for an all-new automotive. By sticking with the G60 and the long-roof G61, BMW might additionally retain the house for Gen5-like batteries, that means the i5 must wait till the subsequent technology to profit from spherical cells with a better vitality density. Even so, the upcoming facelift might nonetheless ship a spread enhance by means of different partnerships.
The 2027 5 Sequence Facelift remains to be a way off. Manufacturing is rumored to start in July 2027, placing the official debut greater than a 12 months away. The G90 M5 sedan and G99 M5 Touring are more likely to subsequently obtain the identical therapy, forgoing a Neue Klasse exterior overhaul whereas adopting the brand new inside expertise first seen on the iX3.
Hooked up under are photos of the 5 Sequence prototypes hiding the unique facelift.
