Around since 2011, the current BMW 5 Series is scheduled to receive a replacement for the 2017 model year. Alongside the new sedan,->ke142 the Germans are also working on a new version of the Gran Turismo, the hatchback-->ke304style model that slots between the four-door and the wagon.->ke143

Much like its 5 Series->ke317 siblings, the Gran Turismo will ride on the new platform that debuted with the 2016 7 Series, meaning it will benefit from a sportier chassis and will shed at least 200 pounds compared to the previous model. The exterior will also be new, blending styling cues from the next-generation 5 Series and a fastback-like rear end with a massive hatch as a trunk lid.

Expect important upgrades in the tech department, with plenty of state-of-the-art features borrowed from the 7 Series,->ke323 along with a more attractive interior layout. As for powertrains, the 5 Series GT should arrive with a comprehensive selection of gasoline and diesel->ke1917 engines, and according to recent rumors, maybe even a hybrid->ke147 drivetrain.

The launch date is still a mystery, but given that the standard 5 Series should break cover in 2016, the Gran Turismo model is likely to make its public debut by the end of next year. Keep it locked here for updates and keep on reading to find out what we already know about the 5 Series GT.

Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 BMW 5 Series GT.

Exterior

Recent spy shots indicate that BMW has yet to complete a production-ready prototype. Not only the car is camouflaged to the teeth, but the front bumper, the exhaust pipes, and the taillights have very little in common with the actual production parts. Still, the photos provide some hints as to what might change on the second-gen GT. Arguably the most important bit is the redesigned rear end, which should look way better than the current one.

Gone is the ugly, hunchback rear section of the car, having been replaced by a sleeker, fastback-like tailgate that reminds me of the 4 Series Gran Coupe. On the other hand, the fascia seems taller than the previous model, which gives the car a crossover stance. Though the new GT won't win any beauty contests, the redesigned rear end is definitely an improvement.

As far as other areas of the vehicle are concerned, expect the second-gen GT to borrow heavily from the standard 5 Series. The latter is also a mystery, but recent spy shots suggest the sedan will sport an evolutionary design with certain cues inspired by the new 7 Series. Look for new headlamps, a wider and slimmer twin-kidney grille, and a sportier bumper section. The redesigned model should retain the pronounced waistline and the crease above the side skirts seen on the current car.

Interior

Inside, the 5 Series GT will once again borrow from the standard sedan, which will have a layout based on the 7 Series'. Specifically, look for a new dashboard with a new infotainment screen and revised button layout for the center stack, a redesigned instrument panel, softer materials all over the place, new safety systems, and improved connectivity.

Like its predecessor, the GT will also offer enhanced roominess, especially behind the front seats, with rear-seat passengers to benefit from significantly more legroom. Also, due to the taller rear section and massive tailgate, the GT will also offer more cargo room. The current model boasts a 23-cubic-feet trunk capacity and a maximum load capacity of 62 cubic-feet with the rear seats folded. Expect these figures to increase with the new model.

Drivetrain

Although it will continue to offer diesel and gasoline engines with the 5 Series GT, BMW will ditch the current powerplants in favor of upgraded or new units. Like the 5 Series, the GT is also set to use the line of modular engines based on the inline three-cylinder -- 0.5 liters per cylinder -- in the Mini Cooper, meaning the lineup will include 2.0-liter, four-cylinder and 3.0-liter, inline-six mills, and, for the first time, a 1.5-liter three-banger. The range-topping 550i version should get a new V-8.

A plug-in hybrid variant with the same drivetrain as the X5 xDrive40e is also rumored.

In the U.S., the new GT will go on sale with gasoline inline-six and V-8 engines as before. Both units will come with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the 550i will get standard all-wheel-drive, the 535i will be offered in both RWD and AWD guises.

Prices

The new 5 Series Gran Turismo shouldn't cost more than $65,000 in standard trim here in the U.S. The current model retails from $60,900.

Competition

Audi A7

Due to its hatchback-like configuration and crossover-like stance, the 5 Series GT is one-of-a-kind vehicle. However, if you're looking for something similar but with a different badge, you should consider the Audi A7, a five-door liftback meant to hit the middle ground between the A6 and A8. Launched in 2010 and updated in 2014, the A7 is available in the U.S. with just one engine, a 3.0-liter V-6 that generates 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The German executive needs 5.2 seconds to hit 60 mph before reaching a top speed of 130 mph. As an alternative for the 550i, there's the S7, motivated by a 4.0-liter V-8 rated at 450 horses and 406 pound-feet. The extra oomph pushes the sedan from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and up to a top speed of 155 mph. Pricing starts from $68,300 for the A7 and from $82,900 for the S7.

Find out more about the Audi A7 here.

Mercedes-Benz CLS

Although it is marketed as a coupe and lacks the 5 Series GT's massive butt and tailgate, the CLS is also a fastback. Arguably more stylish than its BMW-badged competitor, the CLS can be had with either a 3.0-liter V-6 or a 4.7-liter V-8 in the U.S. The twin-turbocharged units generate 329 and 402 horsepower, respectively. Mercedes also offers a Shooting Brake version for those in need of more cargo space, but unfortunately the said model isn't available stateside. Pricing starts from $66,900 for 329-horsepower CLS400 and from $74,100 for the 402-horsepower CLS550.

Read more about the Mercedes-Benz CLS here.

Conclusion

Considered one of BMW's biggest mistakes since its arrival in 2009, the 5 Series GT refuses to die, despite being a slow seller in Europe and the United States. The hatchback-style body combined with the midsize dimensions makes no sense whatsoever, but with most automakers trying to innovate by creating new niches, it's not at all surprising that BMW wants to keep the model alive. Sure, the GT comes with extra legroom in the rear and a spacious trunk, but the difference is marginal when compared to the 5 Series wagon. With the production car a few good months a way, a verdict is impossible at this point, so stay tuned for an update.