BMW has launched the new 5-series, with prices starting from Rs 49.9 lakh and going up to Rs 61.3 lakh for the top-trim, six-cylinder diesel M-Sport variant (all prices ex-showroom, post GST).

Available in three trim levels – Sport Line, Luxury Line and M-Sport – the new 5-series is being offered with a choice of three engines – one petrol and two diesels. The sole petrol engine on offer is a 252hp, 2.0-litre, turbocharged unit badged as the 530i and only offered in the Sport Line trim. Of the two diesel engines on offer, the mainstay of the range is a 190hp, 2.0-litre unit offered in the 520d in two trim levels – Sport Line and Luxury Line. The second diesel on offer is the larger and more powerful 256hp, 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder (530d) offered solely in the top M-Sport trim. All three engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard. All variants also come equipped with adaptive suspension with independent damping for each wheel.

The new 5-series is also more technologically advanced than its predecessor. Equipment on offer includes adaptive LED headlamps, four-zone climate control, iDrive system with 10.25-inch display and gesture control, 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging, remote parking function via BMW display key, and a 600W Harman Kardon audio system depending on the chosen trim.

The new 5 is larger and lighter than the car it replaces. The car is now underpinned by BMW's latest Cluster Architecture platform that also underpins the new 7. Styling too has evolved from the older model, with the car borrowing many familiar styling cues from the larger 7-series, both inside and out.

The 5-series rivals the likes of the Jaguar XF, Audi A6, Volvo S90 and the new Mercedes E-class long-wheelbase.

BMW 5-series prices (ex-showroom, post GST)