Although it received a much-anticipated facelift for the 2014 model year, the current-generation BMW 5 Series won't be around for more than a couple of years. A completely redesigned version is being tested as we speak, and the Germans are readying for a 2016 launch. Much like every new generation, the upcoming 5 Series sedan will debut alongside a Touring brother, or as we call it here in the States, a station wagon. Both vehicles have been spotted in the past wearing swirly camouflage and prototype lights.

It's been a few months since we've last seen a 5 Series and our spy photographers have stumbled upon the 5 Series Touring this time. Nothing has changed camouflage-wise, but this time the vehicle was riding on its own wheels and not on a truck. Actually, the photos show the wagon is already stretching its legs on the Nurburgring->ke999 track, which suggests the Germans have reached a new development stage.

What's more, our paparazzi also managed to snap some shots of the interior, a premiere in the case of the next-gen 5 Series. Read on to find out more about the newest details surrounding BMW's upcoming midsize luxury car.

Click past the jump to read more about the BMW 5 Series Touring.

Spy Shots

Covering everything but the wheels and the roof, the black-and-white camouflage doesn't let any details trickle to the surface. No need to be frustrated though, as this specific 5 Series is still a prototype and lacks many of its production parts. For instance, it still has its prototype lights on, and the production kidney grille and the side skirts are not yet in place. However, we expect the next 5 Series to carry a familiar design, while embedding some of the new styling cues seen on most BMWs->ke178. For instance, the kidney grille will grow in size and reach the headlamps, the revised taillights will likely resemble those seen on the X4->ke2999 crossover, while the bumpers will feature a more aggressive design.

We expect big changes to occur in the cabin as well, starting with a redesigned dashboard, upgraded convenience features, and improved legroom and luggage capacity. Unfortunately, the cabin photo we received from our spies isn't too revealing, as details are either covered or borrowed from the current 5 Series model.

What we do know is that the next-gen 5 Series will use BMW's new G11 platform, a lightweight, aluminum and CFRP (carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic) architecture that will also underpin the upcoming 7 Series->ke323. Powertrains will include a selection of 3.0-liter, inline-six gasoline and diesel engines, as well as a hybrid drivetrain based on the one seen in the X5 eDrive Concept.

Why It Matters

The 2016 BMW 5 Series Touring has hit the Nurburgring quite early. As usual, the Germans are focusing on performance and dynamics, and it appears the wagon won't lag too much behind the sedan in terms of agility. One thing's certain, the next-gen 5 Series Touring will provide strong competition to similar offerings from Mercedes-Benz->ke187 and Audi->ke14.