It may not show its age yet, but the eighth-generation BMW 5 Series is about to be completely renewed. The model will enter the Neue Klasse era officially for the mid-cycle refresh, which is due for the 2028 model year.
It’s usually the range-topping M5 that gets the spotlight when it comes to the upcoming 5er family, but in recent weeks, the regular 5 Series has started making headlines, too. We have seen a few prototypes recently doing their thing in the open, and this has obviously inspired the rendering crowd. But the most realistic digital illustrations that we have encountered so far are the ones shared above, which were signed by Kolesa’s Nikita Chuyko.
The pixel master obviously analyzed the scooped testers in order to come up with these CGIs, which definitely look out of this world to those unfamiliar with the design. In fact, some might argue that they are looking at an entirely new generation of the BMW 5 Series. But that’s not the case, because what we have here is a comprehensive mid-cycle update that revolves around the exterior and the cockpit, and probably the powertrains to some small extent.
Due to the entirely new front end, it is extremely easy to differentiate the upcoming BMW 5 Series from the outgoing one. It’s a Neue Klasse model, though the vizor-like front fascia is not identical to the new X5, the 3 Series, the i3, and iX3, because it looks a bit more restrained here. And to be honest, we could get used to this styling. It may sound controversial at first, but the design might age just fine a few years from now, and we really hope that we will look at it in the near future and say that the Munich-based auto marque has done a great job.
Photo: Kolesa
Compared to the current BMW 5 Series, the new one will have a shorter kidney grille with an entirely new pattern consisting of horizontal rather than vertical slats. The lighting units flanking it are much slimmer, and the feature a new daytime running light signature. The hood is also entirely new, and the front fenders had to be adjusted to fit the new design. The front bumper is similar to other Neue Klasse models, and sports a pair of vertical vents on the sides, and dual air intakes in the middle, separated by a vertical slat.
The profile carries over pretty much unchanged, as the doors, handles, mirrors, side windows, roofline, and so on are identical. The only things different here are the side skirts in these renderings, and the wheels, which appear to be a bit larger. The taillights sport different graphics, the rear bumper is on the very sporty side of things, and so is the diffuser. The quad tailpipes make us think of the BMW M5 immediately, but this is a regular 5er, and not the range-topping member of the family.
Even though the interior hasn’t been imagined, it will be a radical departure from its predecessor, especially when remembering that this is a facelift. Therefore, the upcoming BMW 5 Series will have a new dashboard panel, and will feature the Panoramic iDrive. That’s Bimmer slang for the pillar-to-pillar display stretching at the base of the windshield. We also expect it to get a new infotainment screen, a different steering wheel, and probably new trim and upholstery, among other bits and bobs.
Photo: Kolesa
We would not hold our breath for any significant upgrades beneath the skin, because it will likely carry over with the same powertrains, though some of them could be slightly updated. In case you forgot, the lineup kicks off with the 530i Sedan in the United States of America, which features a 255-horsepower (259 ps/190 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque 2.0-liter four-pot. An xDrive AWD version of this model is also available, and the 540i xDrive follows, with a 3-liter six-banger, making 375 hp (380 ps/280 kW) and 398 lb-ft (540 Nm) of torque.
Pricing for these rides starts at $60,500 for the 530i Sedan, $62,800 for the 530i xDrive Sedan, and $67,700 for the 540i xDrive Sedan. From $75,500, the 550e xDrive Sedan becomes available, with its 483 hp (490 ps/360 kW) in total. The i5 eDrive40, xDrive40, and M60 kick off at $67,100, $70,100, and $84,100, respectively, for the 2027 model year, and the BMW M5 has an MSRP of $123,300. The only station wagon version available in the States is the M5 Touring, which starts at $125,300.
BMW’s facelifted 5 Series will likely launch for the 2028 model year, given that the current one is a 2027 model year in our market, and that means that the official unveiling should take place a few months from now. Do you like the design based on these realistic renderings, or do you favor the outgoing one more?