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Which BMW 5-Series Generation will you choose to buy India today?

5th February 2025, 15:16 by Kanad Kalasur

The BMW 5 Series has been one of the top contenders in the luxury sedan segment. Which BMW 5-Series generation is your favourite and why?

BHPian Ripcord09 recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

The BMW 5 Series has been one of the top contenders in the luxury sedan segment. In India, it started with the E60 followed by the F10 and then the G30 and we now have the long-wheelbase version - the G68. Which BMW 5-Series generation is your favourite and why?

BMW 5-Series E60

Ownership Report

BMW 5-Series F10

India Launch Discussion

Ownership Report

BMW 5-Series G30

India Launch Discussion

Ownership Report

BMW 5-Series G68

What you'll like:
• Finally a 5-Series that focuses on rear seat comfort. Long wheelbase offers a limo-like experience for rear passengers
• A well-built, solid German sedan. Interiors are high quality with excellent fit and finish
• Absorbent suspension offers an extremely comfortable ride. Soaks in bumps & bad roads with aplomb
• 255 BHP, 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to 8-speed ZF transmission is fun & practical, both
• Feature list includes 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, selfie camera (!!!), parking assistant, 4-zone climate control, NFC card-style digital key, wireless charging for rear passengers and more
• 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Equipped with 8 airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, side-impact protection and many other safety / driver assistance systems

What you won't:
• Looks will polarize opinions. Not your usual BMW timeless design. Also has some quirky bits
• Handling is not like the outgoing 5-Series. Softer, comfort-oriented suspension and long wheelbase mean it's not a driver-oriented enthusiast's machine. Doesn’t get adaptive suspension either (outgoing 5-Series had it)
• No 6-cylinder petrol engine or diesel available. The only option you have is a 4-cylinder petrol
• Misses some mandatory features like rear sunblinds, and expected features like the head-up display
• Thanks to the long wheelbase, you have to be careful over large speed breakers. Especially if you are travelling with people and luggage
• Due to the way the rear seat is contoured - and that massive transmission tunnel - it is best for 4 adults to travel comfortably, not 5

Official Review Link

Here's what GTO had to say in this matter:

I love my F10's styling and do consider it to be the modern day W124. Clean, timeless, elegant, reliable, comfortable, fast. I appreciate the F10's design & lines more than any 5-Series generation and always "turn around" after parking it, to get a second glance. That being said, the G30 530d offers a vastly superior driving experience, has the adjustable suspension and was available with 6-cylinders (unlike the current-gen G68 which is my Exhibit A for essay "how BMW lost its way").

Voting for the G30. It is the best 5-Series we've ever seen. Will buy one, then mod it like in sharmanova's post.

Meanwhile here's what BHPian sharmanova shared with others:

How can anyone choose the weird G68 5er over this beautiful machine?

Also any news, is the 520Ld/530Ld coming to India?

Image

Here's what BHPian Foxbat replied to this matter:

From the options given I believe the LCI G30 was the best looking and I came close to purchasing a used one.

However after driving the G60 (regular wheel base instead of the LWB G68) for 9 months I have no doubt this the best 5 Series. The G30 looks very dated in comparison now.