Facelifted 2020 BMW 5-Series Sedan Boasts Larger Grille, New Headlights

It’s only been a few weeks since BMW started testing facelifted 5-Series models on public roads, the first of which being a mildly-camouflaged Touring version.

Now, our spy photographers have caught multiple Sedans as well, with seemingly different specs. But before we get to that, let’s discuss what appears to be new on these updated 5-Series models, starting with the front fascia.

Looking to the 3-Series

Aside from new bumpers, the updated 5-Series is set to receive brand new headlights and a heavily revised grille. The former are way sleeker than the current model’s and actually kind of remind us of the 3-Series. It’s “funny” how BMW always seems to overdo it on initial designs, only to tighten things up during mid-cycle updates – the headlights on these prototypes definitely make the older ones appear rather bulky.

Speaking of overdoing it, the grille design is the exact opposite. We considered it reasonably-sized when we first saw the seventh-gen G30 5er, but now, it looks like it has grown in size quite a lot. Granted, it definitely won’t be as large as the one on the 7-Series or the X7, but the difference will be noticeable.

Moving on to the rear, it’s possible that these prototypes aren’t wearing their production taillights, because they don’t seem much different than the current ones, although to be fair it’s very hard to tell. We were kind of expecting a more pronounced design at the base of each lighting unit, but we’ll just have to wait and see if that’s going to be the case. Still, new graphics are a given.

Also read: BMW’s Power BEV Trial Vehicle Is A 710 HP 5-Series Sedan

As for the different specs we mentioned earlier, we believe the blue prototype seen above is rocking M bits on the outside, whereas the black model is not. What they do have in common however is the plug-in hybrid powertrain, which means we’re either looking at 530e iPerformance models, or perhaps a possible 545e xDrive, which is said to get the 388 HP six-cylinder unit from the 745e.

While we don’t have any shots of the interior, we expect to see BMW’s latest 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as the 10.25-inch infotainment display from the new 8-Series, both rocking the latest software.

The facelifted G30 BMW 5-Series should be unveiled either in late 2019 or sometime next year.