BMW prepares to launch the much-anticipated New BMW 5 Series and its electric counterpart, the i5, in India set to debut during the festive season of 2024
This unveiling marks a significant moment as India welcomes the long-wheelbase variant of the eighth-gen BMW 5 Series for the first time.
The Long-Wheelbase Edition
One of the standout features of the upcoming 5 Series is its long-wheelbase (LWB) design, offering approximately 110mm more wheelbase than its standard counterpart.
Tailored for the chauffeur-driven demographic, this extended version promises to deliver enhanced comfort with more legroom for rear-seat passengers.
Exterior Brilliance
The exterior design of the 5 Series LWB maintains the elegance of the standard model, featuring BMW’s iconic kidney grille and sleek tail-lamps with an added touch—the illuminated ‘5’ on the C-pillar.
A distinctive feature, the illuminated badge varies in color and pulsates based on the power source, with white for ICE-powered models and blue for the i5 during charging.
Interior Opulence
Inside the cabin, both the 5 Series and i5 LWB offer a familiar yet luxurious ambiance. The driver enjoys a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster and a driver-centric 14.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen.
The rear passenger area steals the spotlight, boasting additional legroom, reclining seats, four-zone climate control, and a 31.1-inch 32:9 display for entertainment—a true indulgence for those on the go.
Powertrain Excellence
In the Indian market, the 5 Series is expected to feature the 520Li, 530Li, and 520Ld variants, equipped with 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and diesel engines. The inclusion of a mild-hybrid system across the range ensures improved efficiency, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
On the electric front, the i5 is anticipated to arrive in eDrive40 form, boasting a robust rear axle-mounted motor driven by an 81.2kWh battery pack. BMW claims an impressive maximum range of 582km for this version. While there’s no confirmation on the performance variant, the i5’s arrival promises to reshape the electric vehicle landscape in India.
Anticipated Pricing and Market Positioning
As a direct competitor to the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the 5 Series LWB is expected to be competitively priced between Rs 70 lakh-80 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
This positions it favorably against the new E-Class set to launch around the same time. Meanwhile, the i5, with its unique offerings, is expected to be priced in the Rs 90 lakh-1 crore (ex-showroom) range.