BMW 5-series long-wheelbase revealed

The long-wheelbase BMW 5-series Li has been revealed at the Shanghai motor show, ahead of its China-only sales debut. The wheelbase of the new 5-series is stretched by 133mm for the China-only model, taking the overall length to 5,069mm, which is just 29mm shy of the length of the standard-wheelbase BMW 7-series.

Built in collaboration with BMW’s Chinese partner carmaker Brilliance, BMW claims that the new model is 130kg lighter than its predecessor. The 5-series Li is expected to weigh around 1,610kg, while the standard 5-series ranges from 1,540kg to 1,660kg, depending on the specification. The extended-wheelbase 7-series adds 40kg on to the standard car’s kerb weight.

The 5-series Li also gets improved soundproofing, electrically-adjustable seats and a panoramic glass roof, along with extra knee room. A touchscreen mounted on the central armrest is the most notable feature at the back, along with a storage box.

The 5-series Li's engine line-up is expected to be two 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines and one 3.0-litre six-cylinder – the same line-up as its predecessor, whose engines ranged from 207-310hp. It’ll be built, like the previous model, at BMW’s plant in Shenyang, China. BMW also offers a stretched X1 small SUV, the X1 Li, for the Chinese market.