BMW has launched the eight generation of the 5 Series in India at ₹72.9 Lakh for the 530Li M Sport. The key point is that it is now available only in the long-wheelbase version for India. It will now become the only other car in its segment after the Mercedes-Benz E-Class to come with a LWB version only.
The deliveries will begin on September 5.
The 5 Series now boasts of being the longest car in its segment, a full 100mm longer than the current E-Class and stands at 5166mm. As compared to the previous generation of 5 Series, which came with the standard wheelbase, it is 212mm longer. The purpose of this length is to give priority to the rear seat space. It comes in two exclusive finishes - Titanium Bronze and Aluminum Satinated.
The car also gets a newly designed front with larger kidney grilles which are now illuminated along with the new DRL design. Depending on the design trim you choose, there is an option for 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels. On the Hoffmeister kink you now get a boldly written ‘5’ to add to the character of the car. The rear too has distinctive changes with a completely new look.
Inside, the 5 Series now takes inspiration from the 7 Series and features the glass application on certain elements along with the light bar that stretches the width of the car. It also gets the curved display with 14.9-inch infotainment screen and 12.3-inch instrument cluster which comes with the newest BMW OS 8.5. The upholstery is 100 per cent vegan and the first 500 customers will get monogrammed head cushions for the rear seat.
The significant change is in the rear seat space, as that was the prime focus for the India version of 5 Series. The car is equipped with plush comfort seats, which cannot be reclined. You also get a large panoramic sunroof, but it cannot be opened. Ventilated seats are offered only on the front seats. It also gets 4-zone climate control and Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System. An interior camera can take photos and record videos including sound and also via the smartphone through the MyBMW app.
At launch the 5 Series only comes in petrol with the 2-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with 48V mild hybrid system that produces 254bhp and 400Nm mated to the 8-speed gearbox that delivers its power to the rear wheels. It can sprint from 0-100kmph in 6.5 seconds. The 48V electrical motor delivers a power output of 11bhp and torque output of 25Nm to help efficiency and power.
The 5 Series directly competes with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB, which is due for its new generation too later this year. It also competes with the Audi A6, which comes with the standard wheelbase in India but is also due for a global refresh with its new generation soon.