BMW 5 SEries to laUnch in February next year 2017

A strong contender for the Mercedes E-class, Audi A6 and Jaguar XF.

Due to arrive in dealerships in February 2017

Initial line-up will be available with two petrol and two diesel engines

Performance and fuel economy has been improved

In October, BMW will officially unveil the new Series 5, a fierce competitor for the Mercedes E-class, Audi A6 and Jaguar XF. Ahead of that date, the pre-production prototypes have taken to the streets, and some details have been revealed.

After a seven-gen 5 Series has been launched, it will be available with two turbocharged petrol (2.0-liter four-cylinder 530i, and the 3.0-liter six-cylinder 540i) and two diesel engines, 2.0-liter four-cylinder 520d (which is expected to account most sales) and 3.0-liter six-cylinder 530d.

A more powerful engine will probably have eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard, with a six-speed manual gearbox for less powerful machines.

Then in 2017, a plug-in hybrid, which is likely to use a 2.0-liter petrol engine combined with an electric motor, together with diesel and petrol engines are less powerful - the 518d and 520i - will also be available.

And BMW did not stop there, with the Touring (estate), GT (hatchback high) and M5 (sporty high performance) version is expected eventually.

BMW says that the performance and fuel economy has improved, and CO2 emissions are down about 5-10% compared to the current model. This may be partly due to the fact that the new model around 100kg lighter in the range.

lightweight materials have been used around the car, with the doors, roof and boot are made of aluminum, and the beam on the B-pillar changed from carbon fiber for magnesium.

Integrated Active Steering will be available as an option, which directs the rear wheels to help with stability at high speeds, and also helps with cornering. xDrive four-wheel drive will also be an option.

It is possible that the new 5 Series will be available in five trim - Standard, Sport, Pure Excellence, M Sport and Individual.

On the inside, well, it's still a bit of a mystery. From what I've seen, the interior style closely follows that of the 7 Series, with a digital instrument panel and dashboard.

BMW says there will be more interior space, although probably still a little tight at the back for those who are more than six feet. There is no specific dimensions of the boot has been revealed yet, but it seems to be comparable with the current generation.

Tech-wise, the optional motion control seen in the 7 Series would be an option, in addition to the updated iDrive infotainment system. The car also will feature an optional semi-autonomous driving and other active safety systems.

BMW 5 Series will be available in February 2017, and will likely be a bit pricier than the current car, perhaps to the tune of £ 1,500 +, depending on what model you opt for. However, for that extra money, you will get more standard equipment, and a lot of new technology.

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