21:28 26-09-2025

Autonomous BMW 5 Series prototype spotted testing in Munich

On September 25, 2025, an autonomous BMW test car was spotted in Munich. The vehicle, distinguished by a roof-mounted array of sensors and lidar units, was photographed by local resident Max Hanselmann.

Photos suggest the current-generation BMW 5 Series serves as the base. The test mule carries a suite of cameras, radars and lidars, signaling on-road trials of self-driving systems.

For BMW, this marks an important step as the company steadily builds know-how in autonomous driving, competing with Mercedes-Benz, Tesla and Chinese automakers. Trials in real European cities help fine-tune behavior in dense traffic, complex interchanges and limited visibility—situations that expose edge cases better than any closed track.

It remains unclear whether BMW will push a proprietary autonomous stack or join forces with technology partners. Still, the very presence of these prototypes on Munich streets suggests the brand is ready to quicken development and prepare solutions for series production. Choosing the latest 5 Series as the development platform looks pragmatic: mainstream enough to reflect everyday use while robust enough to carry a full sensor suite.

Over the coming months, similar tests in Europe are likely to multiply, followed by the company’s first statements on when the technology could reach customer vehicles.