2024 BMW 5 Series Launched In India With Long Wheelbase To Take On Mercedes-Benz E-Class!

Quick Highlights 

• 2024 BMW 5 Series launched in India at Rs 72.9 lakh (ex-showroom). 
• It’s the first time the model is offered in a long-wheelbase form. 
• Top features include 14.9-inch touchscreen, four-zone climate control and multi-colour ambient lighting. 
• Initially offered only with a turbo-petrol engine, but more options are expected later.

BMW India has launched the new-generation 2024 5 Series on our shores from Rs 72.9 lakh (ex-showroom). As with any generational change, the new 5 Series comes packing a brand new design for its exterior and interior as well as plenty of tech and features. But the talking point here is that this is the first time the BMW 5 Series is offered as a long wheelbase model in India to take on the ever popular Mercedes-Benz E-Class. 

For now, BMW India is offering the 5 Series in a single 530Li variant with a turbo-petrol engine. But we expect the Bavarian carmaker to offer more options, including a diesel engine. 

2024 BMW 5 Series: Exterior Design 

There’s no denying the fact that the BMW 5 Series is a striking looking sedan, especially considering the fact that it’s offered in the sportier-looking M Sport trim on our shores. 

Thankfully, BMW hasn’t gone overboard by plonking in a XXL-sized grille here, but to make this one standout, it gets backlighting. This is flanked by a pair of sleek swept back LED headlights, while the sharply styled bumper gives the front-end an aggressive bold look. 

In profile, the new 5 Series is long, courtesy of the 3105mm wheelbase! Its side profile design is minimalistic, but what is a let down here are the 18-inch wheels with tall profile tyres (in the interest of ride quality), which looks small. If you want a better stance, we would suggest you upgrade to the optional 19-inch rims. 

Moving on to the rear, the new 5 Series dials up the aggression once again, with its sleek LED tail lamps. Rounding off the overall design is the aggressive diffuser-like design elements on the bumper. 

2024 BMW 5 Series: Interior Design 

Inside, the new-gen 5 Series’ cabin is clearly inspired by the larger 7 Series and looks sporty and futuristic! The entire cabin is made out of vegan materials. Design highlights include the dual integrated screens and the streaks of ambient lighting that looks wicked, especially as the light dims down. Also, if you look closely, there are no AC vents as BMW has cleverly hidden it within the dashboard. 

Fun Fact: First 500 customers can opt for bespoke headrests with their initials engraved on it. 

Obviously, this being a long-wheelbase sedan, priority has been given to rear seat occupants, who get neck pillows and separate zones of climate control. But surprisingly, rear sun blinds are a miss, especially at this price point. 

2024 BMW 5 Series: Features Onboard 

In terms of features, the new BMW 5 Series comes packing a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, 18-speaker Bowers and Wilkins sound system, multi-colour ambient lighting and powered front seats. 

Passenger safety is taken care of by multiple airbags, electronic stability control, a 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors and ADAS.

2024 BMW 5 Series: Engine Option

At launch, the 2024 BMW 5 Series is currently available with just a single 2-litre turbo-petrol engine belting out 258 PS. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. As mentioned above, we expect the diesel engine option to be available at a later stage. 

The new BMW 5 Series is also available in an all-electric form, called the i5, details of which can be found here. 

2024 BMW 5 Series: Rivals 

In India, the new BMW 5 Series locks horns with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6. It must be noted that the Mercedes sedan will get a generation update later this year.