[Omkar]

2024 BMW 5 Series Preview

Introduction

When it comes to luxury sedans for the business class, the 5 Series has its fan following. People associate the 5 Series with driving dynamics and comfort. The 8th generation 5 Series was unveiled internationally last year and will be launched in India on the 24th of next month. What’s interesting is that BMW has followed the same strategy that Mercedes India used with the E-Class back in 2016 by introducing the long-wheelbase version. After China, BMW will be bringing the long-wheelbase version (G68) to India.

We got a quick preview of the long wheelbase version of the upcoming 8th generation 5 Series recently. The car on display was a pre-production model, which means that the exact specs and features have not yet been confirmed. We’ll have to wait till the launch for those details. So, let’s take a quick look:

Exterior

Having been used to seeing the G30 5 Series, this 8th-gen face looks drastically different. You don’t have the slim headlamps merged into the grille, but instead, you have a more traditional-looking front end. Interestingly, you now get the bonnet creases in the middle around the BMW logo like in some M cars:


The kidney grille is bigger than before and is illuminated like in the 7 Series. The bumper has a lot of elements and in this bluish-grey shade with golden-colored accents, the front end looks a bit busy:


A closer look at the twin pod LED headlamp cluster. Nice detailing on the side:


The side profile is where there’s been the biggest difference. The 5 Series Long Wheelbase version measures 5,175 mm in length (+ 212 mm), 1,900 mm in width (+32 mm) and 1,520 mm in height (+41 mm). The wheelbase has gone up by 130 mm to 3,105 mm:


BMW has gone for 18-inch rims shod with 225/55 section tyres. 18-inch wheels (with thick tyre sidewalls) seem like a sensible choice given our road conditions:


Bigger wheel sizes will be available as an option. The alloy wheel design is nice:


Blacked-out side skirts:


The fenders get the M-badge. Also note the golden accents on the window line that extends onto the mirror which also houses the camera for the 360-degree view system:


You get a black panoramic glass roof instead of a sunroof:


While the previous generation had a proper 3-box design, the 8th generation car seems to have a 2.5-box design where the roof slopes directly into the boot. Also note from this angle, the wheel size looks tad bit small for the size of the car:


The Hofmeister kink is highlighted by this embossed number ‘5’ on the C-pillar:


The rear is very similar to the 7 Series with the slim tail lamps and squarish elements:


A look at the flat LED rear lights. It has elements in it that also function as daytime running lights:


The car on display was the 530Li. BMW will confirm the powertrains and specifications at the time of launch:


Dual exhaust tips are hidden away under the car. The golden accents on the bumper feel a bit overdone though:


Next to the G30 5 Series. Note the difference in length and the 2.5-box design:

[Omkar]

Interior

The interiors of the outgoing BMW 5 Series looked functional and timeless. With the 8th generation, BMW has gone for a more modern look. You don’t have a lot of buttons, and the dashboard looks very minimalistic (Even AC vents are concealed). The quality of materials is very good and the cabin feels very modern:


The flat bottom three-spoke steering wheel is nice and chunky to hold. It even gets a top dead-centre marker, but it’s not coloured. The spokes have golden coloured accents and the bottom spoke also gets an M badge:


You get a 12.3-inch display behind the steering wheel:


The footwell has a lot of room:


The black theme of the dashboard is carried on the door pad as well:


As a part of the interior lighting package, you get a light strip on the door trim. The buttons for locking / unlocking and the memory seat controls are touch-sensitive. Note the Bowers & Wilkins tweeter on top:


A look at the window and mirror control panel. The plastic around this panel felt very basic:


The front seats are extremely comfortable and provide good overall support. The display car also had neck support pillows:


The 5 Series long wheelbase features a vegan interior. This means that the seats, dashboard, door panels and even the steering wheel are draped in vegan leather:


In the middle, you have a 14.9-inch BMW curved display. It gets the latest generation BMW operating system 8.5. The slot below the touchscreen has hidden AC vents. The panel below has touch-sensitive controls for fan speed and other HVAC controls:


These knobs below can be used to direct the airflow:


You have a wireless charging pad for 2 smartphones along with cupholders:


The crystal knob can be used to navigate through various options on the touchscreen. The traditional gear selector has also been replaced with a small crystalline selector:


With the new generation, BMW has also introduced a new key. Moreover, you also get a NFC digital key card:


A look at the wooden finish on the passenger side of the dashboard which gets a lightning-like detail. There’s also a crystalline bar on top:


Getting in and out of the backseat is like any low-slung sedan. You have to duck and get in. At 5’10”, I had enough legroom behind my driving position. In comparison with the previous generation 5 Series, there’s plenty more room here. I felt the under-thigh support could’ve been better. Headroom is good too for someone of my height. People taller than 6 feet will feel that the headroom is a bit tight. The backrest angle is set and cannot be adjusted (you can adjust in E-Class LWB):


A closer look at the knee room on offer. There’s some space below the front seat to slide your feet in. Unfortunately, there’s no boss button for the rear passenger to adjust the front passenger seat. Also, note that the front seats don’t have seatback pockets:


Just like the front seats, the rear seats also get cushions on the headrests:


Rear doorpads get a massive grille for the speakers. The 5 Series has a Bowers and Wilkins Surround Sound System with 18 speakers and an amplifier with an output of 655 watts:


The centre armrest gets a wireless charging pad. Note that the E-Class facelift gets a tablet here:


The front base extends forward to expose two cupholders:


There’s also a small storage area below the armrest:


USB-C charging ports have been provided on the backrests of the front seats for the rear passengers:


Rear AC vents are not hidden. The 5 Series comes with a 4-zone climate control:


You get a massive panoramic glass roof that lets in plenty of light in the cabin:


Boot space is 500 litres and the loading lip is flat:


This may be nitpicking, but the exposed screws in the boot aren’t a pleasant sight in a BMW:


Space saver spare tyre is placed under the boot:

[Omkar]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line.

[Cresterk]

I like that they have gone with a more sensible 225/55/R18 tyre size rather than the horrible low profile tyres. The only silver lining in BMW’s cloud of disappointments

Fun fact, the 5 series now has more sensible tyres than the new Innova which gets 225/50/r18. Would be funny if the tables are turned while driving over poor roads

[Straight6_N54]

Possibly the worst car unveil in recent times.

When a radical model change is expected, something catchy or attractive has to be prioritised. This unveiling was full of misfires.

1. Horrible colour choice for launch. Bluish grey with a dull matt gold accents and a tiny wheel 18" wheel on 5.1m long car. none of them compliment each other

2. No info on the engine side.

3. Lacklustre unveil for a German iconic car.

[Pyrotek]

Somehow I can't shake off the feeling that BMW India is mismanaging the marketing and customer engagement. What a silly unveil and the lack of basic must have features for the rear passengers means that BMW has cut corners in a segment where it should be absolutely pulling out all the stops instead. The E Class is Mercedes India's best selling car and they bring THIS 5 series LWB to the party?

[Mr.U]

This looks like a Chinese knockoff! Tyres and rims can greatly affect a car’s overall appearance and this is a prime example of it. This combination has made it even uglier.

And are those flap type door handles!? Is the trend going back to these now? Ohhh thats just sad!

On the bright side maybe now Citroen can justify using this style of door handles and reduce the backlash they are receiving for it.

[CEF_Beasts]

A LWB car almost tailored for the Indian market apart from the Chinese market not getting rear sun blinds is bizarre to say the least.

A few things more:
- This is the 530Li spec
- There is an option of 19 inch wheels as well.

[Tutenkhamen]

This 5er looks weird (to me) from all the angles so kudos to Bmw for the consistency on that front.

The body paint, in your face grill, busy front, tail lights, gaudy and fake exhaust details are all ‘adding’ to the charm.
Even in the interiors, the minimalism is overly done and its more of a tech fest. New E is also following the same direction but it, at least is classy about it.

Backseat looks great and B&W is a fine and fancy addition. With expected OTR pricing of this 5 and the new E, I guess we’ll see a whole lot more A6s and S90s on the road (sadly missing XFs).

[sh3lby]

Fire the entirety of the design department, please. They've massacred not only the looks but now also the shape/silhouette of what's supposed to be the classiest sedans on sale at any given time.

I'd criticized the exterior on the '5-series spotted' and have no shame in repeating it here:

I'll say this unapologetically but what a horrible design. The side profile lacks the elegance that a 5 series should have, the rear looks cheap and tacky (especially with the exhaust design..what is that?), the headlights look like something a knockoff BMW would have and the lack of definition along the sides makes it look plain and uninteresting. Absolutely no details on the front, makes it looks like the designers decided to submit DRAFT 1 and call it a day. Perhaps the only thing I can appreciate about it's design are the alloys and the fact that it doesn't have the massive grille that they tried on some other models.

Also, not that I'll be able to buy one anytime soon but capacitive touch buttons everywhere? Even on the doors & rear, I think this is overboard. I'm sure it'll feel cool and futuristic to use at first but I doubt it'll be as satisfying or easy to use as high-quality buttons.

However I don't want to be all negative, some things which seem nice are the concealed airvents being so well integrated into the design, the attention to detail in the interiors like the lightning striped passenger dash and geometric pane design, etc

To be honest I really wanted to like this car but as I scrolled down my otherwise neutral expression gradually turned into a frown. I could go on about things I don't like but it's better to wait rather than jump on the bandwagon and start criticizing.

[sharmanova]

The new 5-Series looks good, except for the wheels. I agree that the higher profile will result to better ride but it makes the car look a bit ugly . If I were to pick one, I would have gone for a black 530d. Any idea, whether BMW will launch 530d variant with the new-gen?

[Kashi053]

Surprised to hear under-thigh support is not that great in 3.1M wheelbase car. How does the rear seat comfort (knee room, under-thigh support, width) compare against 3GL?

I like 3GL more compared to new 5LWB.

[CentreOfGravity]

From my childhood, I've always been a fan of BMWs. Every time someone at school asked me the classic question, "Audi, Mercedes or BMW?", my answer would always be BMW. The two main reasons = design and driving pleasure (but as a minor, design was my main reason).

However, in the past couple of years, my love for BMW has been dying. In the name of going radical, BMW have COMPLETELY lost the 'design' plot. From the timeless designs of the F10 and G30 to this reckless looking G68, look at where we've come. Heck, the new BMWs don't even look like Bimmers anymore. I feel betrayed and saddened. Yes, this may be more fun to drive by 23.67%; yes, the interiors may be better by 102.59%; yes, this car may be better than its predecessor in every possible way, but to me, the G68 will only feel like "just another impressive car", and will never make me think "that's a great BMW". If I have a hint of love remaining for BMW, that's for the current gen 3er, specifically the M340i. That is until they bring in the next generation and ruin its looks too.

Today when a classmate asks me "Audi, Mercedes or BMW", I take a moment to reminisce the cars of BMW's former self, and with a deep breath of sorrow, I reply, "None of them". When he walks away, I smile in my head and think, "What have you done, BMW?".

[sarathlal]

Originally Posted by Omkar

Next to the G30 5 Series. Note the difference in length and the 2.5-box design:
Attachment 2617142

Thanks for the wonderful review as always.

BMW is typically careful about the box and overall vehicle proportions, but this one looks a bit out of place. Is it just the camera angles or is true in real world as well?

The disproportionate boxes and the wheels makes it somewhat non BMWish. The last picture with the G30 best describes this weirdness

[abaliga]

My observations on the new 5

- I do not like the way this looks and it is very unlikely to grow on me, gone are the days where BMW launched timeless designs like E39, Mercedes and Audi have much better designs in their portfolio, never liked the regular 5 launched overseas, LWB looks worse!

- The new 5 is missing rear sunshades/sunblinds, shows the kind of market research done by BMW India or maybe it is the case of BMW corporate not listening to BMW's India management.

- What is it with the wheels? I like that they have offered a healthy profile section for the tyres but the design makes the tyres look smaller than they are.

- Hate the move to an all touch cockpit and hidden air vents.

A very disappointing launch from BMW in my opinion, forget the all new E class, I do not think this can hold a candle to the current generation E.