The all-new BMW 5 Series recently broke cover in India and yes as speculated, it will be available in the long wheelbase (LWB) format which made its debut in China a few months back. In fact, India is the first right-hand drive market in the world to receive the 5 series LWB in its latest iteration.
In its eighth generation, the new 5 Series made its global debut in its standard form in September last year. Recently, it was showcased in its full form at a closed media event a few days ago. However, the Bavarian automaker has kept some crucial details still under wraps. In this article, we tell you all that we know about the new-gen 5 Series LWB in India.
BMW 5 Series LWB: Exterior design
The first thing one notices about the new 5 Series LWB is its massive size and one could easily mistake it for a 7 Series. In fact, BMW claims the 5 Series LWB to be the largest sedan in its segment, 5,175mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,520mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,105mm. This makes it bigger than the next-gen Mercedes Benz E-Class LWB (L: 5,092mm / W: 1,880mm / H: 1,493mm / WB: 3,094mm) which is slated to launch later this year.
In terms of visuals, it gets an updated all-black kidney grille which is now illuminated and encased within golden bezels. The front bumper looks sporty thanks to the massive all-black air dam vents and sleek side skirtings with gloss black embellishments. The side profile is clean and understated making it a more luxury sedan than sports sedan. The saloon rolls on 18-inch star-pattern alloy wheels
Another interesting change is the coupe-like sloping of the roof giving it a slight sporty profile. The ‘5’ embossed on the C-pillar ensures its identity as a 5 Series isn’t mistaken by its sheer size. At the rear, the sleek wraparound tri-LED taillights are the highlight along with a sporty rear bumper housing an all-black diffuser with similar golden bezels surrounding the quad-tip exhaust.
BMW 5 Series LWB: Interiors & features
Cabin interiors of the 5 Series LWB looks clean and modern with a multi-layered dashboard panel featuring both soft-touch and hard plastic surfaces, along with ambient lighting, giving it an airy vibe. Speaking of the dashboard, it houses the new twin-screen setup which comprises a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, both running on BMW 8.5 OS.
Seats are wrapped in Tan Brown leatherette seats. The variant showcased at the media event was laced with the M Sport package and hence it received a new three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel. The centre console with an all-black piano finish does look a little busy although the biggest highlight is the rotary crystal knob to toggle the infotainment menus.
There is no rear seat entertainment package on offer, as standard at least but there are cushions for each individual occupant. Other novelties on offer in the new 5 Series LWB include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging at front and rear compartments, a four-zone climate control, an 18-speaker Bowers and Wilkins audio system, ventilated and powered front seats with memory function, USB-C charging ports, and Level 2 ADAS to name a few.
Watch video: 2024 BMW 5 Series: Quick Walkaround & Teaser Drive
BMW 5 Series LWB: Expected powertrain & price
BMW is yet to reveal the powertrain specs on the new 5 Series in India. We also don’t know which variants of the 5 Series LWB will be offered in our country. The model showcased to the media was the 530 Li which came with the M Sport packaging. We expect a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbocharged petrol unit, plonked under the hood.
We expect an entry-level petrol variant also to be offered with luxury limousine, however, we aren’t sure about a diesel variant yet. That said, all powertrains will be offered with a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission powering the rear wheels. Prices of the new-gen BMW 5 Series LWB will be announced on 24 July and we expect it to be priced around Rs 80 lakh (ex-showroom).
