SPY PICS: Back to lithe and lean for BMW's '5'

The 'Bangle Bustle' may not be long for this world. Yes, the pics in our previous article on the next 5 Series (more here) and these ones here -- courtesy of the rapidly thawing spy photographers at Carparazzi -- clearly show sedans with the appurtenance perched there above the tail lights.

However, in a recent scoop (more here), the Carsales Network sprung a new, as yet unofficial 7 Series -- inflagrante delecto for some international advertising shots taken in, of all places, the well-to-do Melbourne suburb of South Yarra. That car is close to its international launch and, in styling terms, has ditched the dag on the boot for something a bit more svelte.

If that's the plan for 7 Series -- and the 5 is still some way from an international launch just yet -- will BMW persist with the bogus bum for the 5 Series? We think not.

The Carparazzi pics do show both the 5 Series sedan and wagon will gain an upswept door sill under the rear doors -- and we don't mind saying that looks good; somewhat reminiscent of the Z4's style, but less affected.

-- with Carparazzi