G30 BMW 5 Series will launch in 2016

CAR Magazine reports that the sixth-generation G30 BMW 5 Series will be coming to market in 2016, followed by the second 5 Series Gran Turismo and Touring model in the same year. These models are built on an all-new high-tech platform called “35up.” The naming convention designates all the models from the 3 Series all the way up to 7 Series and it’s both a rear-wheel drive and xDrive platform. The platform mixes high-strength steel, aluminium and carbon fiber that will allow for a weight reduction of around 80 kg from today’s 5 Series.

The next M5 is also expected to shed around 180 kg while the power output will be increased to 600 horsepower. The publication also reports that an all-wheel drive M5 is possible.

The 518d will have a 1.5 liter turbocharged engine producing 150 horsepower and an impressive 4.0 liter per 100 km. This is the first time that a three cylinder engine will be deployed in the 5 Series.

BMW is grouping 500cc cylinders together to create three-, four- and six-pot engines, with 60% common parts. A 2.0-litre four-cylinder will power the 520d and 231bhp 525d. As a result,  smaller-engined 5 Series share front axles with the next 3 Series, but go for a six- or eight-cylinder 5 Series and you’ll get the front axle from the next 7 Series instead.

At the high-end, BMW will offer the 333 hp 530i, 375 hp 540i and 400 hp for M550d. The diesels will also get a power increase, 286 hp for 530d and 333 hp for 535d. Hybrid versions of the 5 Series will be offered too, including a plug-in version that lowers its charge adapter to a garage floor-mounted plate for inductive charging.

There is an abundance of new technology that will go into the G30 5 Series, starting with self lateral parking and automated lane changing with overtaking. It’ll use radar-based cruise control to stay in its lane, detect a car ahead, and signal before pulling out and passing the car in front.