India-bound BMW 5 Series facelift spied with minimum camouflage

- The mid-life update for the 5 Series is expected to arrive next year 

- Updated styling will match the 7 Series

It has been more than two years since the current generation 5 Series was introduced and BMW has gotten busy with the mid-life update for the executive sedan. Spotted at the Nurburgring, in the latest images the facelift was seen hiding changes on the front and the rear while riding on massive M-spec alloy wheels. 

Going by BMW’s tradition, the facelift could come with either a blink-and-miss update or there might be significant changes in line with the new 7 Series. Looking at the test prototype, we think it is the latter. Under the camo, the grille will grow further as was seen in the flagship 7 and the X5. The headlamp design will be sleeker than the current model with different lighting elements and the front bumper will be reworked as well. 

At the rear, the tail lamps are expected to be sleeker as well like the one seen on the 8 Series. The M-badge on the fender explains large brake callipers and sporty bumpers at the back. Similar to the exterior, the cabin will surely get new features and equipment. We suspect few features from the 7 and X7 to trickle down in the updated 5. 

As for the powertrain, the facelifted 5 Series might get new hybrids which will be shared with the 7 Series hybrid. The 545e xDrive guise will get a 3.0-litre turbo straight-six paired with an electric motor with a combined power output of around 350bhp. The rest of the engine options will remain more or less unchanged. We do expect some additional hardware under the skin too. 

BMW is expected to bring the new and updated 5 Series next year as an MY2021. Its Indian-debut will take place once it goes on sales in the international markets.