BMW M5 pics leak online ahead of premiere

The long-anticipated BMW M5 facelift should go live and start shipping this summer, but in the meantime, let’s have a glimpse of the performance sedan while we can.

The car depicted on the leaked photos boasts the iconic Imola Red paintjob dedicated to Ralph Schumacher’s victory on the Imola Raceway during the 2001 San Marino Grand Prix. The BMW E46 M3 was the first production model to don the Imola livery, and now, the M5 follows suit.

On the outside, the new 5 Series M boasts a redesigned radiator grille, new bumpers and LED lights. Its 20-inch black wheels look exactly the same as before, however.

It is safe to expect minor interior changes, but the engine palette will likely stay the same. This means the same 4.4-liter V8 TT rated at 600 hp (447 kW) or 625 hp (466 kW) for the Competition spec, as well as 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque for both specs. The M xDrive system and ZF auto transmission will also stay stock, unless there is some kind of last-day surprise we’re unaware of.

Later additions will include the BMW M5 CS with its bolstered engine power, enhanced aerodynamics, tweaked chassis, and carbon-ceramic brakes.