BMW’s M5->ke2922 is rumored to get a healthy boost in power while the rest of the 5-Series->ke317 lineup gets some additional features both inside and out. That’s according to the German website Autobild, which reports the changes will come with the next generation of BMW’s->ke178 full-size sedans->ke142.

Leading the headlines is a rumored 626-horsepower M5->ke2922 that will feature all-wheel-drive. Not much is know on how BMW plans on producing that power, but it’s a possibility the automaker will still use the same twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V-8. Currently that engine produces 560 horsepower, so adding an extra 66 horsepower shouldn’t be an impossible task.

The next-gen 5 Series lineup is said to also roughly 100 pounds lighter, thanks to extensive use of aluminum in place of steel. Despite the added lightness, the Bimmer will feature more premium interior materials. The iDrive controller will be revised to use smaller turn/push knob and its voice recognition software will be easier to use. The car’s automated driving features are also set for an extensive update, making fully automated driving a closer reality.

A plug-in hybrid is also set for release. Its 109-horsepower electric motor will work in conjunction with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine, itself producing 240 horsepower. The hybrid->ke147 is also rumored to have inductive charging abilities.

The remainder of the BMW 5 Series lineup will get power updates as well. The top version of the 3.0-liter I-6 will produce 354 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque; the diesel will produce 324 horsepower with a respectable 486 pound-feet of torque; and the M550xd will kick out 402 horses and 553 pound-feet of torque.

We can expect the new 5 Series to hit German roads for the 2016 model year.

Click past the jump to read about the current BMW M5

Why It Matters

The 5 Series is an immensely important vehicle for BMW, so changes and improvements are highly scrutinized. With adding power, more refined luxury, better electronics systems, easier-to-use iDrive controls and hybridization, BMW seems to be on the right path for continued success. Only time will tell if these rumors are true and whether the U.S. will get the same updates as the rest of the world.

BMW M5

The current BMW M5 is a stellar car and an excellent compromise between a supercar->ke177 and a family sedan. The levels of both luxury and performance are nearly unmatched by its contenders. Though the M5 has undergone plenty of changes over the last several decades, it’s continued to be considered the benchmark for practical performance.

The M5 is powered by a twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V-8 making 560 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch automatic or a six-speed manual tranny. For those looking for extra grunt, BMW offers the Competition Package, which boosts horsepower to 575 and tweaks more than a few suspension and computer programming settings.

The M5 isn’t cheap though. Its MSRP is listed at $91,825 and a long list of options will tip the bill past the $100,000 mark.