Latest BMW 5 Series, i5 LWB set to launch in India

BMW India: eighth-generation BMW 5 Series, along with its all-electric counterpart, i5, will be introduced in India's automotive market in long-wheelbase form during end of 2024.

Focused to tap premium buyer sentiments, upcoming vehicle will directly take on new Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which is due later this year and has been available in long-wheelbase guise for a couple of generations, as per an Auto Car India report.

entry of 5 Series LWB will also mark first time this luxury sedan has come to India in extended-wheelbase form, as per media reports.

Exterior updates

long-wheelbase 5 Series (G68) looks similar on G60 5 Series. BMW kidney grille is of an acceptable size and split headlamps have been given a miss.

5 Series LWB keeps illuminated grille along with sleek tail-lamps that have a chrome strip running through m. One major differentiating factor between LWB and standard 5 Series is illuminated ‘5’ on C-pillar, which will be illuminated in white on ICE-powered LWB models, while on i5, it will be blue and pulsate when car is charging.

Naturally, biggest difference is increase in length; 5 Series LWB for Chinese market has a 5,175 mm length, 1,900 mm width, and 1,520 mm height, with a wheelbase of 3,105 mm.

This makes it about 145 mm longer overall than standard 5 Series, and wheelbase length has increased by about 110 mm. Interestingly, i5 is also first BMW EV sedan to be available in short and long-wheelbase form; i7 only comes with one wheelbase length.

BMW 5 Series, i5 LWB: interior

new 5 Series and i5 LWB’s interior is familiar to those who have experienced any of newer BMWs.

driver gets a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster and a driver-oriented 14.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen. BMW has yet to confirm wher fully vegan interior introduced on international 5 Series will come to India, though it is likely.

However, best bit of G68 and i5 LWB is rear passenger area. Besides extra legroom liberated by extended wheelbase, chauffeur-driven get reclining rear seats, four-zone climate control, upholstery with exclusive quilting, and a dual-tone design.

Rear passengers also get a 31.1-inch 32:9 display that folds down from headliner to act as an entertainment screen. 8K resolution screen is compatible with 5G connectivity, and, along with Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system, it allows for an immersive experience on go.

Powertrain

For Indian market, 5 Series is expected in 520Li or 530Li, along with 520Ld guises, with 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and diesel engines, respectively, both of which will get a mild-hybrid system to improve efficiency.

An 8-speed automatic will be standard across range.

Meanwhile, i5 is likely to come in eDrive40 form, which means it’ll have a 340hp, rear axle-mounted motor driven by an 81.2kWh battery pack. BMW claims a maximum range of 582km for this version. International markets also get an M60 xDrive variant, which gets a motor on each axle putting out a combined  601hp and a maximum range of 516km on a single charge, though re’s word on performance version of i5 coming to India.

Price expectations

5 Series LWB which is direct rival to Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and is expected to be priced in Rs 70 lakh - Rs 80 lakh.

This means it’ll likely undercut new E-Class expected to launch in India around same time.

Meanwhile, i5 is t expected to have any direct rivals by time it arrives and is expected to be priced in Rs 90 lakh-1 crore (ex-showroom).