These are some of the most exciting times for BMW fans. Almost the entire lineup will be updated by the end of next year. Some models move to a new generation, while others receive a mid-cycle facelift. The 5 Series and M5 fall into the latter category, with LCI models arriving sometime next year.
BMW has now been spotted testing prototypes several times. The newer test cars look different than those in the first spy photos. It remains unclear whether the camouflage is playing a trick on us or whether Munich has rushed into a redesign. Regardless, our exclusive render shows the flagship 5 Series without the full Neue Klasse treatment.
Discovered late last year, the M5 appeared to hide an evolutionary appearance. This abolished the earlier and more radical transformation. Our design exercise is based on the latest spy images and we try to strip away the camouflage to reveal the design underneath. It remains an unofficial account, but offers a clearer idea of what to expect.
According to the latest images, BMW is retaining the current grille design with separate kidney elements. The prototype in question suggested that the kidneys were slightly smaller, although this may have been an illusion created by the additional layers of camouflage. What is certain is that the test car had completely redesigned headlights that were closely aligned with those of the next-generation 3 Series and i3.
That could be the ideal compromise. After all, this is still a facelift, so major design changes would be overkill. The slimmer headlights are reminiscent of the look of the Neue Klasse, while the kidney grille maintains the familiarity of the current M5.
The LCI is unlikely to change the side profile, apart from possible new exterior colors and rim designs. At the rear, the updates are likely to be limited to subtle bumper revisions and fresh taillight graphics. The 5 Series and M5 prototypes photographed in recent months may have included additional changes, but BMW’s heavy camouflage prevented a clearer look.
Even though the 2028 M5 takes a conservative, evolutionary approach on the outside, the interior is likely to be nothing short of revolutionary. BMW has committed to introducing iDrive X in more than 40 vehicles, which means a large central display. On the new iX3, the display measures 17.9 inches and is paired with Panoramic Vision, a pillar-to-pillar windshield projection with three fixed tiles in the driver’s line of sight and six customizable widgets on the right side.
It’s all but confirmed that the M5 facelift loses the traditional iDrive rotary controller and gains an optional passenger display. The “G90” sedan and the “G99” station wagon will also receive more Alcantara equipment and could adopt the new 3D head-up display from the iX3 2027.
Nevertheless, patience is required. Production of the M5 LCI is unlikely to begin until mid-2027, suggesting an official debut is more than a year away.
