A few weeks ago, some new spy shots picturing the 2021 BMW 5 Series LCI surfaced online, depicting the exterior and interior design. Spy photographers have managed to scoop two test prototypes while undergoing usual development runs on the Nurburgring track in Germany.

The two camouflaged vehicles spotted are an M Sport Touring version and, possibly, an M550i/M550d xDrive Sedan, given its Cerium Grey-colored body ornaments, exterior mirrors caps and the sports alloy wheels sporting bi-color styling and M Performance design.

Non-LCI model featured here

As previously remarked, the new 2021 BMW 5 Series LCI is up for some big changes. The exterior styling will be brought in line with the latest design philosophy. The upcoming business class model will also borrow some inspiration straight from the recently revealed 7 Series LCI and X5 SAV.

The inner graphics of the front lights appear to develop on the G11/G12 LCI theme, while also being rectangular. The headlights will continue to extend up to the radiator grille, which now looks to have become a bit larger and more tridimensional. The two kidneys also seem to be wider and are now connected in the middle.

At the rear end, we should note the revised tail lamps, which feature a more appealing LED pattern. You can also see a slight change in the rear bumper. As well, the front air intakes will be freshened up thanks to a new, bolder design.

Inside, there will not be major changes, as the 5 Series is more is quite confident in its current looks. Expect a new central display for the iDrive, as well as the live digital cockpit (which is also available for the pre-LCI generation).

BMW is rumored to bring another plug-in hybrid version, besides the current 530e / 530e xDrive. We are talking about the future 545e, which could be offered with the AWD xDrive choice right from the start of sales in addition to the rear-driven variant. It will allegedly use the 745e powertrain, which employs a straight-six petrol engine developing 210 kW / 286 PS (282 hp) and an electro-motor rated at 83 kW / 113 PS (111 hp).

The combined output of the plug-in hybrid architecture reaches 394 PS (388 hp) and tops a peak torque of 600 Nm. However, it is expected that the 545e will be slightly detuned, with the overall output possibly to be limited at around 360 PS (355 hp).

Apart from the electro-version, the 5 Series LCI will march on with its already popular variants: the frugal and powerful diesels in the form of the 520d / 530d duo, the complete lineup of low-ranging petrol engines comprising the 520i / 530i / 540i trio and the range-topping quad-turbo M550d with 400 PS (395 hp), the V8-powered M550i with 530 PS (523 hp) and the high-performance M5 / M5 Competition, boasting from 600 PS (592 hp) to 625 PS (617 hp).

The new BMW 5 Series LCI is due to bow sometime around mid-next year, with the markets following shortly after, in the fall of 2020.