BMW has officially revealed a brand new long-wheelbase 5-Series, developed for the Chinese market. Last time China received a long-wheelbase 5-Series was in October 2006, making this new model a welcome addition for Chinese consumers.
BMW has quietly announced a new long wheelbase edition of its latest 5-Series for the largest auto market in the world – China.
Unmistakable BMW style – just longer
The 5-Series long-wheelbase was developed exclusively for the Chinese market, a market that has strong demand for chauffeur-friendly automobiles in more compact dimensions, making the 5-Series a better fit than the larger 7-Series. Exterior styling is derived from the new 5-Series found in global markets, but the rear doors have been stretched to allow for the 5.5-inch stretch in the wheelbase. The roofline has also been modified to reflect this change, which coupled with long side windows gives this 5-Series a slender and almost coupe-like appearance.
BMW levels of interior luxury
Inside the 5-Series long-wheelbase one will find a driver oriented cockpit, complete with a traditionally high-tech BMW gauge cluster in Black Panel technology. The front of the long-wheelbase remains common to the rest of the 5-Series lineup, but in the rear the seats have been replaced with a high-comfort rear seat bench developed specifically for this model. To make sure passengers are enjoying their ride to the fullest, the long-wheelbase 5-Series comes equipped with four-zone automatic air conditioning, rear-seat entertainment, a cooling box as well as electrically adjustable sunblinds on the rear side windows and a folding table integrated in the backrest of the front passenger’s seat.
Driving experience – its what makes a BMW, a BMW
Staying true to its heritage, the long-wheelbase 5-Series promises to deliver BMW-like driving characteristics. BMW says this 5-Series increases both sportiness and ride comfort over the outgoing model, and comes with three available six-cylinder engines ranging from a 204 horsepower turbodiesel, to a 306 horsepower V6. Each available engine comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
BMW also points to a double wishbone front axle and integral rear axle which are uniquely tailored to each individual model – a segment exclusive.
BMW EfficientDynamics
All versions of the new long-wheelbase BMW 5 Series Sedan come as standard with energy saving technology, such as electric power steering, brake energy regeneration, on-demand control of ancillary units and active air flap control. As a result of these additions, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are down versus the previous models by up to 18 percent.
