2017 BMW 5 Series Prototype Caught Testing in the Wild [Spied]

2017 bmw 5-series spied spy prototype
2017 BMW 5 Series out testing in the wild.

TFLcar staffer, Brian Waring, snapped this photo in Southern California of what appears to be a 2017 BMW 5 Series out testing in the wild.

The shape is unmistakably BMW, and the scale puts it right in the midsize 5 Series dimensions. Judging by the car’s silhouette, it appears this test mule is a standard 5 Series, as it’s missing the more aggressive bumpers of the M Series cars.

Not much is known about the seventh-generation 5 Series, but reports indicate that it might be unveiled at the Paris Auto Show in September and that base models may have a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Seeing as how it’s a BMW, their signature straight-six engine will most likely be offered in higher trim levels.

The new 5 Series will also purportedly be much lighter than the current one thanks to the use of carbon fiber.

BMW should be releasing the first official images of the 2017 5 Series sometime this summer. Check back with TFLcar to find out more about the upcoming 5 Series as we get it.

The 5 Series used to be the most sporting midsize luxury sedan on the planet. However, increasing competition from other company’s products, most notably arch-rival Mercedes-Benz’s E-Class, have tarnished that reputation. The current 5 Series is also a heavy car, which also takes away from its sportiness. Hopefully the weight reduction helps return the Bimmer to the top of the heap.

Check out this TFLcar video review of the 2016 BMW 750i: