This is the first photograph of the new 2010 BMW 5 Series Touring. 

Our spies snared the estate on test in Germany ahead of its launch next year.

Not for BMW an outright load lugger – its new wagon will place the emphasis firmly on style over baggage handling duties, as confirmed by the sloping rear end.

If you need more space, there will be a third 5 Series derivative, dubbed internally the Progressive Activity Sedan.

It’s a strange mix of estate meets MPV, a taller 5 Series with a double-hinged boot similar to that on the latest Skoda Superb.

Strip away the disguise on our scoop shots and the new Five will sport the latest BM styling cues: a large kidney grille flanked by techy, wraparound headlamps with LED detailing. The whole thing is bigger than today’s 5 Series too.

BMW’s most up to date clean-engine tech will be employed on the Five, with stop-start and other Efficient Dynamics know-how used across most of the range.

Engines will start with what are likely to be the most popular models, the 520d and 530d turbodiesels. If you prefer petrol power, choose between 525i, 530i, 535i, 550i and – eventually – the V8-powered M5.

We’ll see our first glimpse of the new 5 Series this year when BMW launches the production version of the PAS ahead of the other bodystyle derivatives.