If BMW keeps its usual seven- to eight-year long product cycle, then the prototypes of the next, seventh generation 5-Series Sedan and Touring (estate) seen in these spy pictures will mature into production models sometime from late 2016 to early 2017, given that the current F10 was revealed in November 2009 and released in May the following year.

There are very few confirmed details about the new 5-Series, but we can expect some significant weight savings, possibly up to 100kg (220 pounds) on average over the current car through the use of more aluminum and other light materials on both the chassis and body panels, as well a wave of improved turbocharged gasoline and diesel, units.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants that will benefit from the cooperation between the BMW Group and Toyota, together, of course, with a range topping M5 version, will complete the range.

As for the styling, BMW is likely to follow an evolutionary approach, with these early (and heavily camouflaged) examples featuring a lower front end, and in the case of the sedan, a sleeker roofline ending as well.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

Update: As mentioned by some of our readers in the comments, the sedan model on the trailer is the next 7-Series sedan with a regular wheelbase length, and not the new 5-Series that is seen here in Touring guise.

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