BMW tests its 2018 Z5 at the Nurburgring

BMW was spotted testing its new Z5 at the Nurburgring with extra panels on the production-ready body that has been heavily camouflaged. However, in this sighting, the prototype seems to be undergoing suspension tests. What gives this away is the high ground clearance especially at the front wheels.

Sources suggest that the head lamps and tail lamps may not be the final design either, since they haven’t been masked. However, the two large exhausts could ideally mean that this prototype may be a more performance-oriented version, possibly the Z5 M40i. If that’s the case, it may as well be sporting a 3.0-litre inline-six turbocharged engine with more than 300bhp on tap. This version could be introduced at a later time after the basic models hit the market. 

The base versions of the new Z5 will be equipped with four-cylinder engines and the range will also be joined by a hybrid powertrain that has been developed with inputs from Toyota. Rumours state that the new Z5 may be showcased as a concept at next month’s Pebble Beach Concourse d’Elegance, before BMW launches the car in 2018. Stay tuned for more news in the weeks to come.