India-bound BMW 5 Series facelift spied in hybrid guise

-        This will be the first update for the current-gen 5 Series

-        Will get subtle cosmetic changes with revised features list and powertrain options.

-        Expected to break cover either later this year or early 2020

Lately, BMW is busy bringing in new generation models apart from introducing all-new models. Amidst all this, the Bavarian carmaker hasn’t forgotten about the 5 Series which is already two years old now.  The executive sedan was spotted last month under heavy disguise and now a hybrid variant of it was seen wearing bare minimum camouflage hinting at changes we could expect with the facelift. 

As far as BMW’s update goes, we assume this one will be blink-and-miss as well. There will be slight tweaks to the headlamp signature apart from minor changes to the fascia. But since the 7 Series facelift brought in the new, larger grille, we are unsure whether the refreshed 5 will also receive a similar treatment. In these pictures, the grille appears to be the same size as the current model though. 

The covered bumpers might also carry some changes but nothing can be said about them at the moment. At the rear, things will remain more or less unchanged. But we do expect new lighting signature for the tail lamps. On the inside, the cabin should also receive a minor update. More specifically, BMW might update the infotainment system with newer features. 

The hybrid sticker on the side could also mean that BMW is testing a newer powertrain for the 5 Series. Currently, the E-Class-rival has a hybrid powertrain in the 530e variant with an electric motor mated to a 2.0-litre petrol engine putting out 250bhp. The updated 5 Series hybrid might get the bigger powertrain from the 745e which is a 3.0-litre straight-six producing around 380bhp. However, in the 545e guise, the output might be down to 350bhp. 

The updated 5 Series is expected to break cover later this year or BMW might push it to early 2020. The 2021 model will also make its way to India after it goes on sale in the international markets.