The battleground is being prepared for the next clash between BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

With the latest E-Class and A6 already spotted testing, this week it’s the turn of the latest 5 Series saloon, seen here at the Nürburgring.

Aside from the big kidney-grilled face, the rest of the car will be a subtle evolution of the current 5 Series.

The major changes are under the skin, with the engine line-up tweaked to reduce CO2 emissions and improved fuel economy.

Expect an eight-speed automatic gearbox to be available and a lightweight steel and aluminium structure.