BMW is gearing up to bring the eighth-gen 5 Series and its electric counterpart, the i5, to India in a longer and more luxurious form during the 2024 festive season, as reported by Autocar.
Aimed at those who prefer a chauffeur-driven experience, the extended-wheelbase 5 Series is set to rival the upcoming new-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The long-wheelbase 5 Series boasts a sleek design, retaining the iconic BMW kidney grille and illuminated features. One unique touch is the illuminated ‘5’ on the C-pillar, glowing in white for the traditional models and pulsating blue for the electric i5 during charging.
The major upgrade lies in the increased dimensions, with the 5 Series LWB boasting a length of 5,175mm, width of 1,900mm, and height of 1,520mm. The wheelbase measures 3,105mm, making it 145mm longer overall and providing an extra 110mm in wheelbase length compared to the standard 5 Series. Interestingly, the i5 is the first BMW EV sedan available in both short- and long-wheelbase forms.
Inside, the new 5 Series and i5 LWB feature a familiar BMW interior with a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster and a driver-centric 14.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen. The rear passenger area steals the show with additional legroom, reclining rear seats, four-zone climate control, exclusive quilted upholstery, and a dual-tone design. A 31.1-inch 32:9 display unfolds from the headliner for entertainment, offering an 8K resolution screen compatible with 5G connectivity.
For the Indian market, the 5 Series is expected in 520Li or 530Li, as well as 520Ld versions, equipped with 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and diesel engines, both featuring a mild-hybrid system. An 8-speed automatic transmission will be standard across the range.
On the electric front, the i5 is likely to arrive in eDrive40 form, boasting a 340hp motor and an 81.2kWh battery pack for a maximum range of 582km. While international markets get an M60 xDrive variant, producing a combined 601 bhp with a range of 516km, there’s no confirmation on its availability in India.
In terms of pricing, the 5 Series LWB is anticipated to range between Rs 70 lakh and 80 lakh, ex-showroom, undercutting the new E-Class. Meanwhile, the i5 is projected to be priced in the Rs 90 lakh to 1 crore (ex-showroom) range, entering the market without any direct rivals.
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