It has been almost five years since the current generation of BMW 5-series was released. In 2014, the car received a major facelift, with the addition of more exciting features like the multifunctional instrument panel.

With the current model already fast approaching its time, car enthusiasts are now looking forward to the 2017 BMW 5-series. Although there is no exact date yet for the release of the new car, the next generation BMW 5-series will definitely be released next year.

According to a report by Nashville Chatterclass, based on spy shots of the much-awaited vehice, the new car in the BMW 5-series will have interiors that will look like a smaller version of the BMW 7-series because of the many similarities.

Like the BMW 7-series, the next generation BMW 5-series will reportedly have interior aspects such as a new gear lever and a steering wheel which prominently feature substantial portions of brushed aluminum.

Based on the report, the 2017 BMW 5-series will also see a change in the iDrive, the computer system used to control the car. Instead of being housed in the dashboard like existing models, the next generation BMW 5-series will have new iDrive that appears like a retractable screen.

There's more great news for those waiting for the 2017 BMW 5-series: it will also have one of the signature features of the BMW 7-series, the ambient lighting which gives care users the option to choose from different colors.

As for the exteriors, the next generation BMW 5-series is not expected to undergo any major changes. This decision is guided by the fact that the BMW look has been considered very successful and is already widely recognizable in the motoring world.

The most significant ones will be in the form of the headlights joining up with the signature kidney grill, as well as new bumpers.