Bumper prototypes don't usually get us excited, but this one for the 2010 BMW 5-Series is very revealing. If this photo is correct, then the styling may be a little tamer and less 7-Series-like than we were all expecting.

Until now most sites, including ours, pegged the next 5-Series to have a rounder take on the 2009 7-Series' front end styling. From this picture, the front end seems to keep similar headlights to its bigger brother, but it will use smaller kidney shapes in the grille and will be flatter overall than expected.

True BMW fans should be happy about this front end. The company built its reputation on tame-looking sedans that had sports car performance. This bumper may be a step back into BMW tradition.

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