The sixth generation will come in 2009 as a four-door sedan and also a station wagon it is expected in 2010. The next generation 5-Series will grow in overall length, by extending the wheelbase nearly 3 inches and widening the track, so will be bigger then the actual one.

The 6th generation 5-series,internally codename "F10", will have active rear suspension kinematics capable of coping with higher g-forces, stability-enhancing active yaw control and the next-generation electronic damper control (EDC) which acts on each wheel individually. Active steering and Dynamic Drive (adjustable anti-roll bars) are familiar options.

The car will have bigger wheels comparing to the current model. A set of 17-inch wheels will be the smallest available with 18-inch and 19-inch wheels optional.

The 5-Series will be powered by a large choice of 6 petrol engines (ranging from 2.5 litre 218hp to 4.4 litre V8 biturbo 408hp) and four diesels (ranging from 2.0 litre 175hp to 3.0 litre 300hp). The diesel engines should get urea injection – as Mercedes is pioneering – to cut nitrogen oxide emissions. A stop/start system and upshift indicator for six-speed manual versions will help reduce fuel consumption, and the engines should be biofuel- and synfuel-compatible. Brake energy-regeneration, in combination with adaptive alternator control, should also save up to 10 percent more fuel too. Also in the works is a more powerful version of the M5’s 5.0-liter V10. The 5-series will have a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.