Rumor has it that when BMW launches the new 5 Series family in 2017, the curb weight should fall by up to 100 kilograms, thanks to carbon that will be used in the body structure.
A Gran Turismo variant will be added to the traditional sedan and touring models. Interior is expected to have a redesigned dashboard with the free-standing LCD display and tons of premium features currently found in higher-end models like the new 7 Series. We will see the new iDrive system with touchscreen and gesture-based functions and the over-the-air updates for the car.
The new G3x family is built upon the originally called ‘35up’ platform, now CLAR, which will be found in the next 3, 5, 6 and 7 Series models. The platform mixes high-strength steel, aluminum and carbon fiber to drop around 80kg from today’s 5-series. CLAR, a contraction of Cluster Architecture, depicts the extra flexibility provided by fewer but more versatile submodules (clusters) which are more extensively adjustable in content, size and adaptability.
A plug-in hybrid is also planned for the 5 GT, similar to the one offered in the 7 Series lineup. The pure electric range should be around 50 kilometers.
BMW will most likely unveil the new 5 Series models late next year.
Source: Autobild