A few months after the release of its electric sibling, the i5, BMW has now introduced the all-new BMW 5 Series in India, priced at Rs 72.90 lakh. The i5 still has a short wheelbase even though the 5 Series is now available in India in Long wheel base(LWB) configuration for the first time. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which has been available in LWB form for some time, will face competition from the eighth-generation 5 Series LWB, codenamed G68, which is targeted towards luxury sedan buyers who want to be driven.
The BMW 5 Series LWB engine
A 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine with 258 horsepower and 400 Nm is offered only in the 530Li model, which also receives 48V mild hybrid assistance. Its eight-speed automatic gearbox only drives the back wheels. BMW claims a 6.5-second 0–100 km/h time and a 250 km/h maximum speed.
Highlights of the BMW 5 Series LWB exterior
The only differences between the LWB and regular 5 Series are the longer wheelbase (3,105mm) and a slightly modified rear door. The India-spec vehicle features long, flowing lines, a normal-sized, illuminated BMW “kidney” grille, and elegant headlights and taillights. Although 19-inch wheels are an option, 18-inch wheels are standard. The India-spec 530Li comes standard with the M Sport body kit, which adds sportier front and rear bumpers.
Highlights of the BMW 5 Series LWB interior
Anyone who has spent time in a newer BMW would recognise the nearly identical dual-tone interior of the new 5 Series to that of the i5. A 14.9-inch central touchscreen infotainment system and a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster are provided for the driver. Standard features include an 18-speaker, 655W Bowers & Wilkins sound system, six USB-C connections, matrix LED headlights, front-seat ventilation, leather upholstery with diamond-pattern quilting, and four zones of climate control. Even an entirely vegan interior option is available from BMW India. Also read our article on The Fourth-Generation BMW 1 Series.
Naturally, the 5 Series LWB’s rear seat has received extra consideration. In addition to the greater legroom made possible by the longer wheelbase, other features include a wireless phone charger at the back, a wide moonroof with a fixed glass that lets in a lot of light, and a touchscreen located on the fold-down armrest for the climate settings. There are no sunshades for the rear windscreen or windows, and the rear seats are not equipped with a reclining feature.
BMW 5 Series LWB price, rivals
The new 5 Series is available in India only in the 530Li version. With a starting price of Rs 72.90 lakh, the 5 Series is almost Rs 3 lakh less expensive than its main rival, the Mercedes E200. The pricing of the 5 Series and the 6 Series GT, which is presently priced between Rs 73.50 lakh and Rs 78.90 lakh, will actually overlap.
The starting price of the Lexus ES, which is Rs 63.10 lakh, makes it the most affordable car in the market right now. The Audi A6, which starts at Rs 64.41 lakh, and the Volvo S90, which costs Rs 68.25 lakh, come next.
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