A set of spy shots haveemerged that showsthe next-generation BMW 5 Series as well as the next BMW M5.

Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

These pictures, which were taken in Europe recently,give us a great indication of the dimensions and shape of the all-new BMW 5 Series. The entire BMW 5 Series line-up was present too, ranging from the sedan, Touring (estate), GT and finally the flagship BMW M5. We should see the sedan revealed at the Paris Show in September 2016, with an expected South African market introduction in 2017.

The BMW 5 Series will be taking on the Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Jaguar XFand Lexus GS in the premium sedan segment. After being suitably impressed by the technology in the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, we believe that BMW will be going all out in thatrespect with the new 5. Expect several technological features from the BMW 7-Series to make an appearance in the new model and there'll be a degree of self-driving autonomous ability too.

Blue brake callipers, big alloy wheels and quad exhausts are signs that this is the next BMW M5.Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien

We expect the current 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 to be retained, but it'll probably produce more power than the current M5 Pure Metal edition (441 kW).

To see some earlier BMW 5 Series spy shots, click here.

To see what else BMW is bringing in the next five years, click here.

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