New BMW 5 Series: First Impressions

The new BMW 5 Series LWB represents a significant leap forward in luxury sedan design, offering extended dimensions, enhanced comfort features, and advanced technology tailored to meet the demands of discerning customers. With its impending launch in India, it aims to assert its dominance in the premium sedan segment, challenging rivals like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class with its blend of opulence, performance, and cutting-edge innovation.

2024 BMW 5 Series LWB - How Big Is It?

For those who feel the 7 Series is too long for their garage and the 3 Series is too cramped for the family. BMW has finally brought in the long-wheelbase version of the 5 Series – the 8th gen BMW 5 series. But before we get into the specifics of the car. Let me tell you why this model is important because it is now longer, wider, and taller than before.  

Length- 5175 mm (+212 mm)

Width- 1900 mm (+32 mm)

Height- 1520 mm (+41 mm)

Wheelbase- 3105 mm (+130 mm)

It’s Immediate Competitor

The new 5 Series holds a notable advantage over its main competitor the upcoming E-Class and we’ve already had an exclusive glimpse of the new-gen model. 

NEW MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS

Length- 5092 mm (-82 mm shorter than the Beemer)

Width- 1880 mm (-20 mm shorter than the Beemer)

Height- 1493 mm (-27 mm shorter than the Beemer)

Wheelbase- 3094 mm (-11 mm shorter than the Beemer)

2024 BMW 5 Series LWB - How Different Does It Look?

But let’s get back to the new 5 Series. Much has changed aesthetically. But is it for the better? Well, that depends. I adored the fourth-gen model. The 8th gen, however, is not bad either.  

Will it age well? We sure think so. The kidney grille is a reasonable size and now comes illuminated. It features sleek tail lamps and just the right amount of chrome. Nowadays, it's common for carmakers to maintain uniformity in the design of their cars across various body styles and sizes. However, full credit to BMW for not taking that route with the 5 Series. Avoiding split headlamps works in its favour and earns a thumbs up from us.

BMW even paid attention to the finer details. We appreciate the illuminated ‘5’ on the C-pillar adds a neat touch and helps distinguish it from its electric counterpart’s blue illumination.

2024 BMW 5 Series LWB - The Cabin

Inside, the second row caught our attention first. For second-row passengers, it’s all about comfort. Compared to the outgoing version, this one has more room than before. Not just for your knees, but also your head and even shoulder. The seats are nicely contoured and tucks you in comfortably. Unfortunately, it doesn't feature the 31.3-inch 8K theatre screen from its sibling – the 7 Series – ok we get that logic and hence not cribbing. However, it does come equipped with the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System. 

Moving to the front row. Now this is where your driver will be spending most of his time but BWM has ensured that this space is also loaded with all the latest tech it has to offer. 

Two large displays trickled down from the larger 7 series – we’ve seen this before and we even know how it functions. What I want to talk about is that there are no visible AC vents but what BMW has done here is that it has hidden it into the dashboard which can be operated via a lever down below. There is ambient lighting but this time it’s an entire panel that changes colour. With parking lights on the blue colour changes to red which is very cool indeed. 

What catches your eye is the gear selector. Now a common feature in the latest BMW models its crystal treatment looks exceptionally neat. BMW claims the new 5 Series is not just about comfort it’s also about performance. However,  the company has yet to reveal the specifics of what's under the hood. 

2024 BMW 5 Series - What’s Under The Hood?

We estimate that BMW will offer only a petrol variant and temporarily discontinue the diesel option. If that’s true, then 530Li is what we will get:

Displacement - 1998 cc

Max Power -255 bhp @ 5200 rpm

Peak Torque - 400 Nm @ 1450 rpm

Transmission - 8-Speed AT

2024 BMW 5 Series - Verdict

The 5 Series is a significant product for BMW India. It’s not only the second most sold model after the 3 Series but also a strong contender to the E-Class. With the new generation set to launch as early as July 24.  it will be interesting to see how BMW leverages this head start before the E-Class arrives later this year.