New executive/luxury cars for 2013
31 December 2012
- New executive and luxury cars due in 2013
- Includes BMW 5 Series and Bentley Flying Spur
- Full details and exclusive spy shots
BMW 5 Series
What is it? Face-lift of BMW's executive car
Price from £30,000 (est)
On sale October
There's little wrong with the current 5 Series, but BMW will launch an updated model next autumn.
The main changes will be cosmetic – most likely new bumpers, and tweaks to the light lenses and front grille – along with new infotainment systems and interior trim.
There are no details of any mechanical changes, but we expect revised engines with improvements to efficiency and emissions. Currently, the most efficient version is the 520d ED, which emits just 119gkm of CO2.
Updated BMW 5 Series will get subtle cosmetic changes; likely to be limited to new bumpers and light lenses
It remains to be seen whether BMW will choose to standardise the 5 Series' Variable Damper Control (VDC) system. An option for the current car, it vastly improves ride and handling.
Although BMW has added xDrive four-wheel-drive cars to the 1 Series and 3 Series ranges, there are no plans to introduce 5 Series xDrives to the UK. These models are available in other markets, but BMW says right-hand-drive models have not been engineered to accept four-wheel drive.
Bentley Flying Spur
What is it? Lighter, sleeker Continental saloon
Price from £125,000 (est)
On sale Autumn 
New Flying Spur with share much with the latest Continental GT and GTC models
The new Bentley Flying Spur will give the brand a much more competitive rival to the Rolls-Royce Ghost and range-topping Mercedes S-Class models when it goes on sale in the autumn.
More flowing lines echo the Mulsanne saloon and conceal lighter mechanicals. The car will also get a version of the Continental’s 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, and probably an update of the current W12.
The new, smaller engine should mean a lower starting price than the current Continental's £133,200.
Maserati Quattroporte
What is it? Luxury car is first of two new Maserati saloons due in 2013
Price from £75,000 (est)
On sale Spring
2013 Maserati Quattroporte is larger; now a proper Mercedes S-Class rival
Maserati doesn't launch new models very often, but the Italian marque is going to introduce two all-new saloons in 2013.
First to arrive – in spring – will be the all-new Quattroporte. It’ll be longer than the current model, providing more rear legroom and making it a proper S-Class rival. Power will come from V6 or V8 petrol engines, and higher-powered cars will be available with four-wheel drive for the first time.
In autumn 2013, Maserati will launch the Ghibli, a smaller saloon rival for top-end BMW 5 Series and Mercedes models. It's understood to be based on a shortened Quattroporte platform, and will be the first diesel-powered Maserati. Prices are likely to start from around £55,000.
Mercedes
What is it? Face-lifted saloon and estate, with more high-tech kit Price from £29,500 (est)
On sale January
Face-lifted E-Class loses the distinctive curves over its rear wheelarches
The Mercedes saloon is getting a 2013 makeover to keep it up to date with its rivals and upcoming versions of the C-Class (2014) and S-Class (2013).
The current four-headlamp design has been replaced by single-lens units, complemented by new bumpers, light lenses, bonnet, tailgate and grille. Those distinctive rear wheelarch curves have gone, too.
Just one trim level – Avantgarde – is offered, and two new four-cylinder petrol engines have been added to the range.
Prices will go up slightly, but all versions will be better equipped.
New Superminis for 2013
New Small family cars for 2013
New 4x4s for 2013
New SUVs for 2013
New MPVs for 2013
New Compact Executive cars for 2013
New Coupes and Convertibles for 2013
By Leo Wilkinson
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