Now BMW has invited us to the unveiling of the new, sixth-generation car at its design studio at the home office in Munich. The company is quick to point out that we’re among the first to ever be allowed access to the ultra-secret facilities, but perhaps BMW figures now that Herr Bangle is no longer around there’s significantly less risk of a journalist’s snarky comment leading to an all-out brawl.

The new car certainly looks better than the E60, with subtle and not-so-subtle styling elements—the hard crease running through the door handles, for example, as well as the hood detailing and the contours of the body sides—adding a level of depth and aggressiveness that far exceeds that of the previous model. Inside, it’s not unlike the current 7-series—the gauge cluster is similar, as is the general layout. However, the materials, as we’ve experienced in the new 5-series GT model, are much richer than those of the outgoing 5-series. Leathers are softer, the wood trim is far more upscale-looking, and the seats are extremely comfortable—10-way power adjustability is standard, and there are heavenly optional seats that include various additional adjustments including separate upper and lower seatback angle for the ultimate in shoulder support.

Source: http://www.caranddriver.com/news/car/09q4/2011_bmw_5-series_528i_535i_550i-official_photos_and_info