Images of a long-wheelbase iteration of the new 5-series have been leaked online, ahead of the model’s debut at the Shanghai motor show 2017. Set to go on sale in the Chinese market for now, the 5-series Li gets a 133mm longer wheelbase, with the extra length being used to open up more space for the rear occupants.
Styling is near identical to the standard 5-series but with a longer rear door and additional legroom in the rear.
Inside, the dashboard is similar to the standard 5, with the notable changes to the cabin happening at the rear. The rear occupants get more space, along with a touchscreen located within the foldable centre armrest – a feature we have seen in the new Mercedes-Benz E-class long-wheelbase in India. The rear seats could also come equipped with features such as electric reclining, heating and ventilation, and massage function to pay special attention to rear occupants.
For the Chinese market, the 5-series Li will be offered with a 2.0-litre petrol motor in two states of tune, along with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol unit crowning the line-up.
The long-wheelbase 5-series will rival other China-specific long-wheelbase models such as the Jaguar XF L and Audi A6 L.
While is not yet known if BMW plans to bring the China specific long-wheelbase model to India, the automaker is expected to launch the all-new 5-series in its standard wheelbase sometime in June or July. Though, with Mercedes having launched the new E-class only as a long-wheelbase, we could see rivals follow the trend in the future.
Read our exclusive India-spec BMW 5-series review