The BMW 5 Series and i5 have been revealed but the missing piece of the puzzle, the BMW M5, has only been spied wearing camo. Until now, that is.
A photo of what appears to be an undisguised next-generation BMW M5 has been posted on Instagram by user _imran_arshad.
It reveals a prominent, split rear diffuser finished in gloss black. There are two exhaust outlets on each side, though they appear almost lost in their gaping cutouts.
There’s a subtle lip spoiler, while the unique rear bumper retains the vertically oriented reflectors.
Finally, there are unmistakably M wheels finished in black and wrapped in Michelin tyres.
While you can option M Performance Parts for the regular 5 Series and i5, these feature different spoiler and diffuser designs, leaving the M5 with a unique look of its own.
The next-generation M5 will be offered in both sedan and wagon body styles for the first time since the V10-powered E60.
BMW M5 Touring
The new M5 and M5 Touring will reportedly adopt the plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain from the XM crossover, which has 550kW of power and 1000Nm of torque.
The high-performance crossover has a claimed 88km of electric range thanks to its 25.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The current M5 uses a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 460kW and 750Nm in its most powerful CS guise and doesn’t offer any hybrid assistance.
BMW M5 Touring 
BMW M5 
BMW M could use the XM’s hybrid-specific M xDrive all-wheel drive system which includes an electronic rear differential lock in the rear axle transmission.
It also features an active anti-roll system, although it’s not clear if the lower-riding M5 will require the same tech.
The M5’s arch-rival from Mercedes-Benz, the E63, is also set to get plug-in hybrid power in its upcoming next generation. However, it’s understood to be employing an inline six-cylinder engine.
MORE: Everything BMW M5
