PARIS MOTOR SHOW: BMW gives first glimpse of new 5 Series

BMW has released a video that provides a brief glimpse of its all-new 5 Series ahead of its French motor show unveiling on September 29.

The short video, produced for BMW Germany, shows a darkened image of the both the rear three-quarter view of the next 5 Series and a shadowy side profile, and reveals the new light signature of its full-LED tail-light.

From first impressions, it appears the next-gen premium sedan picks up stylistically from where the current F10 version left off with the new version looking more evolution than revolution in the design department.

But don't let the new 5 Series look deceive you; under the skin the BMW's Mercedes-Benz E-Class rival is shaping up to be a technical tour de force.

Despite being bigger all round and offering more passenger and boot space, the new 5 Series, on average, will weigh in at least 100kg lighter. That's because it will share its platform with the current 7 Series limo that blends advanced, lightweight composites like carbon-fibre with aluminium.

Taking full advantage of its lighter kerb weight will be a range of both powerful and efficient range of petrol and diesel engines that will include a quad-turbo 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel to power the M50d.

A new M5 will arrive soon after launch, but the most advanced powertrain will be the plug-in hybrid powerplant that combines a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four with a 90kW electric motor to give a total power output of 245kW.

The plug-in hybrid initially will have a 50km pure electric range that will increase during mid-life teaks to around 100km.

All models are expected to come, initially, with the same ZF eight-speed transmission seen in the current range and all models will have a new multi-link rear suspension to ensure the large BMW sedan is nothing less than best-in-class for handling.

Like the current E-Class the BMW will come equipped with a semi-autonomous cruise control system that will steer, brake and change lanes up to 130km/h. But unlike the Mercedes, the 5 Series will come with the firm's latest gesture-control command system that is set to go even further than the 7 Series to reduce distracted driving.

Finally, the 5 Series will be offered with a high-speed internet connection and a next-gen infotainment system that will feature downloadable apps claimed to enhance the experience of owning a BMW.

Stay tuned, because more will be revealed following its unveiling at the Paris motor show at the end of this month.