2016 BMW 5 Series prototypes with production body caught [video]

A fleet of next-generation 2016 BMW 5 Series prototypes have been caught on video undergoing winter testing in Germany.

Despite heavily camouflaged and looking relatively similar to the current model, the prototypes appear to be wearing the next-generation production body based on the new door handles, front bumper and a different A-pillar layout.

Surprisingly, amongst the fleet of 5 Series was also a new-generation 7 Series – distinguishable from its larger proportion and different tailpipe arrangement.

Scheduled to hit the market mid 2016, the new 5 (codenamed G30) and 7 Series will both sit on BMW’s new CLAR (Cluster Architecture) platform and will use rear- and all-wheel-drive components set. The platform is comprised of high-strength steel, aluminium and carbon fibre to drop around 80kg from today’s 5 Series. The range-topping M5 will shed even more weight, with the new model reportedly shaving up to 180kg.

As a result of the reduced weight, BMW engineers are reportedly considering a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbodiesel engine pinched from the 2 Series Active Tourer to power the entry-level 5 Series!

Other engine include a plug-in hybrid and a quad turbo all-wheel-drive M550xd. Meanwhile, the next M5 is said to feature an uprated 460kW (626HP) version of the current 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 and the option of all-wheel-drive for the first time.

In terms of body style, the sedan will be joined by a Touring (wagon) model, while the odd-looking 5 Series Gran Turismo will also continue due to Chinese demand.