Sources claim this BMW will move away from the polarizing design of the current model. Already under development with the internal codename 'F10,' the next-generation BMW 5-series will soften the harder lines of the current E60 with more conventional-looking headlights and a cleaner front-end design. New European pedestrian safety standards are expected to drastically alter the design of many European cars for the worse, but BMW will not only maintain its classic twin-kidney grille design, it will also reduce the length of the front overhang.

As is typical of most recent BMW re-designs, this 5-series will add some space between the wheels by extending the wheelbase nearly 10 centimetres and widening the track. The overall length will grow by less than 2 centimetres, while its height will be reduced slightly and its width increased by a fraction. A set of 17-inch wheels will be the smallest available with 18- and 19-inch wheels an optional.