Although auto manufacturers tend to try quite hard when it comes to keeping as yet unrevealed vehicles under wraps, it is difficult to ensure complete secrecy when you are dealing with such large products.

Now a series of leaked images have shown what the upcoming 2014 BMW 5 Series will look like, after it has received an extensive facelift at the hands of designers and engineers.

The BMW 5 series is an executive sedan with a long and impressive history dating back to the arrival of the first generation in 1972.

More than five million have been manufactured and sold in the interim, which is beneficial for those who want to pick up a classic example, because it can be an affordable option, combining prestige with surprising accessibility in terms of cost.

The original E12 iteration from the 1970s, or indeed the E28 which replaced it in 1982 are both considered classics.

It is also arguable that the E60 which arrived in 2003 will be a future classic, thanks to its bold styling. BMW seems to be keeping this tradition in tact with the 2014 facelift, implementing a number of changes at the back end.