We don’t anticipate any major changes to the M5’s potent twin-turbo V8 hybrid system
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- BMW hasn’t confirmed the release date for the refreshed 5-Series, i5, and M5, but expect 2027.
- These renderings show the sedan with lights inspired by the BMW Vision Driving Experience.
- Several changes could also be made to the cabin of the refreshed models, including new screens.
The hybrid-powered BMW M5 is already one of the most imposing performance sedans on the market. But the German brand isn’t resting on its laurels. Work on a facelifted version is already underway, with one of the first prototypes spotted testing on the road much earlier than expected.
This month, our spy photographers caught a close-up glimpse of the updated M5, and now we have a couple of renderings to give you a better idea of what’s coming. While the current M5 certainly delivers on the bold, extravagant styling we expect from an M car, its front grille and headlights have always felt slightly out of place. The facelift might address these issues.
Read: BMW M5 Getting A Neue Klasse Facelift
The upcoming facelift, which will likely be applied not only to the M5 but also to the entire 5-Series and i5 lineup, draws inspiration from BMW’s Neue Klasse-based EVs. As shown in these renderings, the new design features headlights similar to those on the BMW Vision Driving Experience concept. Essentially, the headlights and kidney grille are now merged into a single, cohesive unit.
It’s a somewhat controversial change and won’t appeal to everyone, but at least it signals the end of the ever-growing kidney grilles that have plagued most BMW models in recent years. This solution looks a little sleeker while still referencing the brand’s past.
The lower section of the front bumper is mostly the same as the pre-facelifted M5, although the side air intakes adopt a slightly different shape. Alterations made to the rear may be a little less comprehensive.
These renderings by artist Nikita Chuyko from Kolesa show the updated M5 with similar taillights to the current model but refined to include new LED lighting signatures, again inspired by BMW’s most recent Neue Klasse concept.
Styling Updates for the Entire 5-Series Lineup
The facelifted M5 won’t be the only model to benefit from these updates. The rest of the 5-Series range, including the i5, will also receive the same styling changes. Although we’ve only caught the M5 testing in prototype form, the standard 5-Series models will likely feature a similar grille with unique styling details. Another digital render from Sugardesign offers an interpretation of the facelifted model, though their design appears to lean more toward what we expect to see on the i5, rather than the 5.
A New iDrive System and More Tech Inside
Beyond the updated exterior looks, it’s highly likely that the facelifted M5 will include the new Panoramic iDrive and Operating System X that BMW introduced at CES in January. This new system does away with the traditional iDrive controller, replacing it with a large pillar-to-pillar display stretching across the dashboard. The infotainment display will also feature a rhombus shape, adding a futuristic touch to the cabin.
When Will We See It?
While BMW hasn’t confirmed a launch date yet, given their usual four-year cadence for facelifts, we can expect the refreshed 5-Series and i5 to arrive sometime in the first half of 2027, with the M5 following shortly after. So, no need to rush, though we wouldn’t mind an early look at that shiny new grille.
