For all its merits – and it has many in terms of space and versatility, the 5-Series GT never managed to persuade buyers to look beyond its polarizing appearance, so BMW’s designers went back to the drawing board for its 2nd generation.

Scooped here in prototype form, the new Gran Turismo sheds most of the bulkiness of today’s model, especially at the rear, gaining sleeker proportions that appear to split the difference between the practical 3-Series GT and the better looking 4-Series Gran Coupe with a more fastback styling.

While more pleasant to the eye, the new GT is expected to provide similar amounts of rear-legroom and boot space as the current car, as it will ride on an extended wheelbase version of the next 5-Series sedan and Touring’s OKL platform shared with the new 7-Series. In addition, the lightweight architecture is believed to help shave around  100kg or 220 pounds over the current car.

As a member of the 5-Series family, the GT will get the same interior styling and engine range as the other two models, including the latest variants of BMW’s 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel and petrol fours, and 3.0-liter straight six diesel and petrols. There will also be a fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid version powered by the same 313PS 2.0-liter turbo four and electric motor combination used in the X5 xDrive40e. Depending on the market, both rear- and all-wheel drive versions will be on offer.

The new 5-Series GT is expected to make its world premiere in 2017.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops

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