2024 BMW 5 Series LWB for India – first look

Until now, the alternative to segment-leader Mercedes-Benz E-Class from BMW, especially for those focussed on rear seat space, was the 6 Series GT. The 5 Series in its standard wheelbase form left buyers looking to be chauffeured around unimpressed with the rear seat space it offered. Going forward, much like the 3 Series sold in India, the soon-to-be-launched 5 Series will also be offered in a long wheelbase form. The all-electric i5, the M60 variant to be exact that's on sale in India, and the M5 that should go on sale here following its global unveiling, will be the only standard wheelbase versions of the 5 in India.

Full LED lighting with twin vertical LED strips and LED illumination for the grille.

BMW 5 Series LWB exterior

This being an all-new generation means a complete redesign and, as has been the BMW way over the last few years, the new 5 looks nothing like its predecessors. BMW's latest design language has resulted in sharper, more angular cuts and creases. There's a heavily sculpted bonnet with the lines merging with what BMW calls the 'sharknose' inspired kidney grille, which also features illumination. Nearly vertical twin LED bars form the DRLs and one of the more eye-catching elements of the exterior are the Titanium Bronze accents for the grille, bumpers and window surround.

At 3,105mm, the wheelbase of the new BMW 5 Series LWB is the best in this segment.

The 5 Series LWB measures 5,175mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,520mm tall and it sits on a 3,105mm wheelbase. Compared to the outgoing model, the new 5 Series in this long wheelbase form is 212mm longer, 32mm wider and 41mm taller and has a 130mm longer wheelbase. Compared to the standard wheelbase form of the eighth generation 5 Series, this LWB version has a 110mm longer wheelbase.

18-inch alloy wheels look undersized for the car. Fortunately, BMW is offering a 19-inch option as well.

Gone is the sporty 3-box profile of the earlier 5, replaced with an extended 2.5-box profile with the sloping luggage compartment line. A contemporary take on the signature Hofmeister Kink sees '5' embossed on the C-pillar window surround. The rear looks quite narrow if you're standing/driving right behind the new 5 and those twin LED strips that form the tail lamp signature do make the sedan look slightly anonymous at night.

The exterior gets Titanium Bronze accents. The number 5 is tastefully embossed on the C-pillars.

And while those 18-inch wheels should add positively to overall ride comfort, they do look a tad undersized for this car. There is a 19-inch two-tone option as well that does look much nicer. This grey pictured here, and a black shade, are the only exterior colour options currently listed on BMW India's website.

New 5 Series gets slim tail lamps with twin LED strips. Lower portion of the bumper is finished in black to mask some of the visual bulk of the new generation model's design.

BMW 5 Series LWB interior and features

The cabin is a big upgrade over the outgoing car, in more ways than one. It sees a big jump in terms of feeling modern and premium with the introduction of BMW's Curved Display housing a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central infotainment screen along with the CraftedClarity crystal glass treatment for the iDrive controller and gear selector, and the crystalline finish trim that adds positively to the cabin's ambience, especially at night.

The interior of the new BMW 5 Series is completely vegan.

Even the faux wood trim used inside looks far more premium than before. A Bowers & Wilkins audio setup promises a great aural experience and, for the first time for a BMW, the cabin features a completely vegan interior. There's a fixed glass roof stretching all the way to the back that does wonders to enhance the feeling of space within the cabin, but the real contributor to that is, of course, the extended wheelbase.

Rear seat space is where the new BMW 5 Series truly shines thanks to its extended wheelbase.

The older 5 wasn't exactly generous with rear seat legroom and knee room, but this one might make a buyer reconsider buying the 7 Series! The 3 Series Gran Limousine and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class have proven just how much buyers in these segments value rear seat space and with this new 5, BMW looks all set to give the E sleepless nights.

New BMW 5 Series LWB comes with a 4-zone climate control enabling individual temperature settings for both rear seat occupants. It also gets a Bowers & Wilkins audio setup and CraftedClarity crystal application on bits like the iDrive controller and gear selector.

The rear seats are supremely comfortable with perfect cushioning and bolstering. However, they don't offer any degree of adjustment in terms of recline angle. BMW says that has been done to allow for thicker, and consequently, more comfortable cushioning and, to be fair, the fixed recline angle does feel just right. More on that, once we get the car for a proper review. What's also missing are sun blinds for the rear windows and windshield, something that the older 5 did get. Seems like a strange omission. Amenities wise, rear seat occupants get individual temperature settings thanks to the 4-zone climate control, a wireless charger, USB type-C charging ports and the option of rear seat entertainment screens. At 500 litres, there's plenty of space in the boot as well.

BMW 5 Series LWB drive impressions

BMW did give us a chance to try out the new 5 Series LWB, allowing us to experience it from behind the wheel and seated in the back for about 6-8km. All the driving was done on an arrow straight road with perfect tarmac so we won't be diving too deep into how the new 5 is to drive just yet. We drove the 530Li, which means it had a 2.0-litre, 4-cyl turbocharged petrol engine.

BMW gave us a chance to drive the new 5 Series LWB and experience the rear seat comfort on the road. First impressions are extremely positive.

Exact specifications haven't been disclosed yet, but, for reference, the older 530i with this engine had 252bhp of max power and 350Nm of peak torque. Like the car it replaces, the new 530Li comes with an 8-speed AT as well. First impressions suggest this new 5 is more focussed on comfort and ride quality, and that's a good thing given its positioning as a sedan for the chauffeur driven. Acceleration felt brisk, and the steering wheel offered the right amount of weight relative to speed. The short stint seated in the back was extremely positive and price aside, the new BMW 5 Series long wheelbase has the right ingredients to get the brand's cash registers ringing.

New BMW 5 Series long wheelbase bookings are already open and the launch is scheduled to take place on July 24, 2024. We're expecting the starting price of the new 2024 BMW 5 Series LWB to be around Rs 80-85 lah (ex-showroom).

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