BMW has launched the all-new 5 Series in India at Rs 72.90 lakh, a couple of months after its electric sibling, the i5. While the 5 Series is being offered in LWB form – for the first time in India – the i5 still has a short wheelbase. Codenamed G68, the eighth-gen 5 Series LWB is aimed at the chauffeur-driven luxury sedan buyer, and will take on the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which has been on sale in LWB form for a while.
- 5 Series LWB starts about Rs 3 lakh lower than E-Class
- Gets 258hp mild-hybrid 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine
- Rivals Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6, Lexus ES
BMW 5 Series LWB price, rivals
BMW India is offering the new 5 Series in a sole 530Li variant. Considering its Rs 72.90 lakh starting price, the 5 Series costs about Rs 3 lakh less than its primary competitor, the Mercedes E200. In fact, the 5 Series' price will overlap with the 6 Series GT, which is currently priced between Rs 73.50 lakh and Rs 78.90 lakh.
At the moment, the Lexus ES is the most affordable sedan in the segment, with a Rs 63.10 lakh starting price. It is followed by the Audi A6 that's priced from Rs 64.41 lakh and the Volvo S90 that's priced at Rs 68.25 lakh.
Also see: New Mini Cooper S launched at Rs 44.90 lakh
BMW 5 Series LWB powertrain
The sole 530Li variant is available with a 258hp, 400Nm 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that gets a 48V mild-hybrid assist. Its 8-speed automatic gearbox sends power to just the rear wheels. BMW claims a 0-100kph time of 6.5 seconds and a top speed limited to 250kph.
BMW 5 Series LWB exterior highlights
Other than the extended wheelbase (measuring 3,105mm) and a slightly different rear door, the LWB and the standard 5 Series look identical. The India-spec model gets sleek headlights and tail-lights, a normal-sized BMW ‘kidney’ grille that's illuminated, and long flowing lines. It gets 18-inch wheels as standard, but 19-inchers are optional. The M Sport body kit is standard on the India-spec 530Li, which brings sportier front and rear bumpers. For an in-depth look at the 5 Series' design, head to our first-look story here.
BMW 5 Series LWB interior highlights
The new 5 Series’ dual-tone interior is nearly identical to the i5’s and will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in newer BMWs. The driver gets a 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster and a driver-oriented 14.9-inch central touchscreen infotainment. Features such as four-zone climate control, leather upholstery with diamond-pattern quilting, front-seat ventilation, matrix LED headlamps, an 18-speaker, 655W Bowers & Wilkins sound system and six USB-C ports come as standard. BMW India is even offering a fully vegan interior option.
Also See: Mini Countryman Electric launched at Rs 54.90 lakh
Of course, the rear seat of the 5 Series LWB has been given special attention. Besides the extra legroom liberated by the longer wheelbase, you get a touchscreen on the fold-down armrest for the climate controls, a rear wireless phone charger, and a large moonroof with a fixed glass allowing a lot of light inside the cabin. However, the rear seats miss out on a recline function, and there are no sunshades for the windows and the rear windscreen.
Also see:
BMW 5 Series LWB review: The 5 goes XL
New BMW 5 Series LWB: Your questions answered
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
