BMW has revealed the long-wheelbase version of their premium executive sedan, the 5 Series for the Chinese car market. Known for its driver oriented cars, BMW has finally caved in to the extended wheelbase trend that has been growing in China.
To be launched in China soon, the BMW 5 Series L’s length has been extended by 133mm, taking it from 4943mm to 5076mm, almost 10mm over Mercedes’ long wheelbase E-Class. All the extra cabin space generated has been earmarked for the rear passengers, turning the 5 Series into a limousine almost at par with the standard wheelbase 7 Series.
The car will be offered only in the top-spec Luxury Line trim in China, along with Nappa leather upholstery, two 10.25-inch screens for the rear passengers, a Bower and Wilkins audio system and an array of features and equipment befitting a BMW executive luxury sedan. As of now, BMW has not mentioned anything about the possibility of the car being taken to markets other than China.
The 2017 5 Series is expected to be launched in India by June in the standard wheelbase form. If BMW brings the long-wheel base car to India, it might appeal to a wider range of buyers and not only the driving enthusiasts. Now that Mercedes-Benz has launched the long wheelbase E-Class in India to replace the older E, BMW too might be interested in offering the long-wheelbase car in India, but only with the top-spec trims, just like in China.
In that case, the 5 Series L might not be offered with the 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines that develop roughly 180bhp of power each. It might be offered only with the 3.0-litre six-cylinder 530d diesel engine that develops close to 250bhp of power and a large chunk of torque. In the Chinese car market, the BMW 5 Series L will compete with the likes of the Audi A6 L, Jaguar XF L and the Mercedes E-Class long wheelbase.