autoevolution
 

2016 BMW G31 5 Series Touring Spied Breaking Down

BMW is currently hard at testing the new G30 platform that will be used to build the upcoming 5 Series and signs are they're now going deeper into engine research.
2016 BMW G31 5 Series Touring 14 photos
Photo: SB Medien
2016 BMW G31 5 Series Touring2016 BMW G31 5 Series Touring2016 BMW G31 5 Series Touring2016 BMW G31 5 Series Touring2016 BMW G31 5 Series Touring2016 BMW G31 5 Series Touring2016 BMW G31 5 Series Touring2016 BMW G31 5 Series Touring2016 BMW G31 5 Series Touring2016 BMW G31 5 Series Touring2016 BMW G31 5 Series Touring2016 BMW G31 5 Series Touring2016 BMW G31 5 Series Touring
That’s because we’ve seen the 2016 prototypes out there before but not once did we notice such a huge amount of smoke coming out of the tailpipes. Apparently, the G31 5 Series Touring we’re looking at here was either breaking down or trying to see just how well the EU6 standard is respected in Germany. On the other hand, it could be that rumored quad-turbocharged engine we've been talking about...

New engines for the new 5er

It’s not a secret anymore that the upcoming 5 Series will be using the new generation of engines first introduced on the 2014 MINI Cooper Hardtop. The B-family of units includes everything we’ll be seeing on future Bimmers, from 1.2- and 1.5-liter 3-cylinder plants to 3-liter inline 6-cylinder ones. Rumors have it that a 4-liter V8 might also be in the works but that wasn’t confirmed yet.

These plants will be rolling out more and more as we get closer to the launch of the new 7 Series. At the moment, we’re seeing them being used on the X3 facelift, a couple of 5 Series models (518d and 520d) and more of the MINI range. Furthermore, the 1 Series LCI will also get them next year.

The goal with using them is to reduce manufacturing costs while also increasing efficiency and reducing pollution. As a consequence, diesel and petrol models have up to 40 percent interchangeable parts, from the pistons to cylinder heads, drastically driving costs down.

Carbon fiber and OLED technology could be introduced

The current 5 Series is a heavy car. It’s basically the heaviest in its lineage and nobody can say otherwise. With the new model, one of the goals will be to reduce weight as much as possible. That will be achieved by using large amount of aluminum, magnesium but also Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer or CFRP for short, the material BMW invested heavily into to make it cheaper.

CFRP will be used for a variety of purposes some even claiming that the B-Pillar could be made of the lightweight material. Of course, aluminum will be used for the chassis but it will be interesting to see if OLED technology will be integrated as well.

We already know that the G11 7 Series will have this kind of tech on-board, as previewed by the Vision Future Luxury Concept, but it remains to be seen if it will trickle down to the 5 Series range as well, as the mid-size sedan will be launched a year after the flagship.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories