CLAR-based 2017 BMW 5 Series GT snapped testing - Spied

Expected to make its world debut in 2017.

BMW is currently working on the next generation BMW 5 Series range, which includes the sedan, Touring and GT models. While the sedan is tipped to premiere at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, reportedly, the Touring and GT models are expected to debut in 2017.

Like the current 5 Series GT, spyshots have revealed that the front end of the next gen model will look slightly different from the 2017 BMW 5 Series sedan, which borrows design cues from the BMW Gran Lusso Concept. The rear-end adopts the crossover BMW GT styling, but with new taillights, revised bumper and dual exhaust ports. The rear deck appears longer while the roof is lower than the current model.

The new 5 Series range will be based on the all new BMW CLAR platform, which combines materials such as carbonfibre, aluminium, magnesium and high-strength steel in the body structure. This collectively helps engineers shed up to 100 kg (not confirmed) compared to the current model, that will make it more efficient and better to drive.

The petrol and diesel engine lineup will have 2.0-liter four-cylinder units, 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engines, and a revised 444 bhp 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine from the 2016 BMW 750i.

Also Read: 2016 BMW 7 Series snapped during Indian customer preview

The most powerful diesel variant, reportedly, is a quad-turbocharged version of the new six-cylinder B57 diesel, which will serve as a successor to the BMW M550d. A six speed manual and a 9-speed automatic are reported to be the transmission options, while an xDrive AWD system could be available in higher variants.

Other reports say that the 2017 BMW 5 Series GT would gain the new 7 Series' iDrive system with touchscreen and gesture-based functions, while a plug-in hybrid variant is also in the pipeline with a 50 km pure electric range.

BMW 7 Series - Image Gallery (Unrelated)

[Source: Auto Plus Reporter]