2024 BMW 5 Series LWB unveiled, likely headed to India

BMW has revealed the new 5 Series LWB and i5 LWB electric sedan. The Long Wheelbase version of the sedan has been specifically designed for the Chinese market and is the only market where it is sold. However, reports suggest that the longer wheelbase variant is the one which will make it to Indian shores, marking the first time that the 5 Series LWB will be sold anywhere except China.

Design-wise, the new 2024 BMW 5 Series LWB and the 2024 BMW i5 LWB are the same as the standard wheelbase car unveiled earlier. BMW has not revealed the dimensions of the vehicle, but considering that the older G38 5 Series LWB used a 3,105mm long wheelbase (130mm longer than the standard wheelbase), and the new 5 Series using a 2,995mm wheelbase, the new LWB should use a wheelbase close to the 3,200mm mark. The car continues with the aggressive yet elegant use of the new headlamp design and the signature kidney grille, while the rear gear has large wraparound taillamps. The i5 LWB too follows the same design, albeit with the i badging around the car and minor differences to the conventionally powered 5 Series. The China-spec car also gets an illuminated "5" on the C-pillar.

China's market demand prefers chauffer driven luxury cars, and hence customers tend to have an inclination towards the longer wheelbase variants, with the extended length being utilised for expanding the legroom for the rear seats. BMW has also used the opportunity to add the 31.1-inch 8K display earlier seen in the BMW 7 Series/i7 to the China-spec model. The rest of the cabin is the same as the standard car, including the 12.3-inch instrument display and the 14.9-inch infotainment display, Bowers and Wilkins audio, four-zone climate control and greater similarity to the cabin of the the BMW 7 Series/i7.

Powertrain details of the 5 Series LWB for China has not been revealed by the brand yet. But is likely to feature the 520i and 530i petrol and diesel variants as well. The BMW i5 LWB comes with a 81.2kWh battery pack, and is offered in the eDrive40 and M60 variants. It is not known whether this exact specification will make it to China.

The new BMW 5 Series is expected to make it to Indian shores next year. While the LWB is expected, converting the car from left-hand drive to right-hand drive for India may prove to be a challenge but it is something that BMW has done before with the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine. BMW Group India recently posted its best half-yearly sales, including BMW, Mini and BMW Motorrad brands. The brand recently launched the X5 SUV as well.