BMW 5 Series LWB: The 5 Series in its standard wheelbase form did not impress buyers with rear seat space. In the future, just like the 3 Series sold in India, the soon-to-be-launched 5 Series will also be offered in long wheelbase form. The all-electric i5, the M60 variant that is on sale in India, and the M5 that should go on sale here after the global unveiling, will be the only standard wheelbase versions of the 5 in India.
BMW 5 Series LWB Exterior
This is an all-new generation which means an all-new design and, as has been BMW’s way over the last few years, the new 5 looks nothing like its predecessors. BMW’s latest design language results in sharper, more angular cuts and creases. It has a very elegant bonnet, the lines of which merge with the kidney grille inspired by BMW’s ‘Sharknose’, which also has lights. The almost vertical twin LED bars form the DRLs and one of the most striking elements of the exterior are the titanium bronze accents for the grille, bumpers and window surrounds.
The BMW 5 Series LWB measures 5,175 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and 1,520 mm in height and sits on a 3,105 mm wheelbase. Compared to the outgoing model, the new 5 Series in this long wheelbase form is 212 mm longer, 32 mm wider and 41 mm taller and has a 130 mm longer wheelbase. Compared to the standard wheelbase form of the eighth generation 5 Series, this LWB version has a 110 mm longer wheelbase.
The sporty 3-box profile of the earlier 5 is gone, replaced by an extended 2.5-box profile with a sloping luggage compartment line. The ‘5’ appears embossed around the C-pillar window in a contemporary version of the signature Hofmeister kink. The rear appears quite narrow if you are standing/driving right behind the new 5 and the twin LED strips that form the tail lamp signature make the sedan a bit anonymous at night.
And while those 18-inch wheels should positively add to the overall ride comfort, they look a bit small for this car. There is also a 19-inch two-tone option that looks pretty good. This grey and black shade, pictured here, are the only exterior color options currently listed on the BMW India website.
BMW 5 Series LWB Interior and Features
In more ways than one, the cabin is a big upgrade over the outgoing car. It’s a big leap forward in terms of modern and premium feel with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster with BMW’s curved display and a 14.9-inch central infotainment screen with Crafted Clarity Crystal glass treatment for the iDrive controller and gear selector and crystalline finish trim that positively enhance the ambiance of the cabin, especially at night.
Even the faux wood trim used inside looks more premium than ever. The Bowers & Wilkins audio setup promises a great audio experience and for the first time for BMW, the cabin features a completely vegan interior. There’s a fixed glass roof extending to the rear which works wonders to enhance the feeling of space inside the cabin, but the real contributor, of course, is the extended wheelbase.
BMW 5 Series LWB Drive Impressions
BMW 5 Series LWB gave us a chance to try out the new 5 Series LWB, allowing us to experience it from behind the wheel and pillion for about 6-8 km. All the driving was done on a very straight road with perfect tarmac, so we won’t say too much about how the new 5 drives just yet. We drove the 530Li, which means it had the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.
BMW 5 Series LWB Specifications
Exact specifications haven’t been revealed yet, but, for reference, the old 530i with this engine had a maximum power of 252bhp and a peak torque of 350Nm. Like the car it replaces, the new 530Li also has an 8-speed AT. At first glance, the new 5 seems to focus more on comfort and ride quality, and that’s a good thing since it’s positioned as a chauffeur-driven sedan. Acceleration felt brisk, and the steering wheel gave the right amount of weight relative to speed. The short pillion ride was extremely positive and price aside, the new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase has the right elements to hit the brand’s cash register.
Price and Launch Date:
Bookings for the new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase have already begun and the launch is scheduled for July 24, 2024. We expect the new 2024 BMW 5 Series LWB to have a starting price of around Rs 80-85 lakh.
