Next-gen 2017 BMW 5-Series to feature triple cylinder diesels

For a while now, BMW has been downsizing its straight six 3 liter motors to a 1.5 liter-3 cylinder layout, in both turbo petrol and turbo diesel forms. While smaller cars such as the 1-Series and 2-Series models were the likely recipients of the fuel efficient and low emission turbo petrol and turbo diesel engines, AutoBild now reveals that the next-generation version of the 5-Series sedan could also get the 1.5 liter-3 cylinder turbo diesel in its entry-level variants. 

Note: BMW 5-Series sedan image used in this report is illustrative in nature. 

The 1.5 liter turbo diesel motor could output 150 Bhp and a fuel efficiency figure as high as 25.6 Kmpl. Downsizing of engines in the interests of higher fuel economy, lower tailpipe emissions, lower weight and better packing is here to stay with even luxury car makers taking to downsized, forced induction engines in a big way. Along with downsizing, hybrid car models are becoming mainstream across the luxury car pack, and BMW is likely to add 3 hybrid variants to the 2017 5-Series line up.

BMW is said to be developing a common platform for the next generation models of the 3, 4, 5 and 6 series. The common platform would entail the sharing of engines, transmissions and other aggregates to drive down costs. The next-generation version of the BMW 5-Series is said to be lined up for a July 2016 launch. The car is likely to get lighter than before while adding new technology to keep up with competition, which also plans to bring in new models on a similar time frame. 

Mercedes Benz is working on the next-generation E-Class, a car that is likely to debut in March 2016, months before the all-new BMW 5-Series. A year down the line, Audi will give the A6 a complete makeover with the car scheduled to debut in November 2017. The next-generation Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes Benz E-Class are all likely to get long wheelbase versions for the Chinese car market.

The current 5-Series sedan that BMW sells in India is one of the fast selling models for the German luxury car maker and the car is assembled through the completely knocked down (CKD) route at BMW India's factory in Chennai. Also, the car maker recently facelifted the 5'er in India. Expect the next-generation version of the BMW 5-Series sedan to be launched in India soon after the car's global launch.