India-spec BMW 5 Series LWB revealed with best-in-class dimensions

The BMW 5 Series LWB has made its India debut, with ours being the first market outside China ­­– and the only right-hand-drive market – to get the stretched executive luxury sedan.This makes it the third long-wheelbase sedan in the brand’s India range, after the 3 Series Gran Limousine and the 7 Series, and as such is a more direct rival for the segment leader, the long-wheelbase Mercedes E-Class. Prices will be revealed on July 24, 2024, as will additional technical details, but here is what we know so far.

2024 BMW 5 Series LWB dimensions, exterior design

The big talking point with the new 5 Series is its expanded dimensions, which are not only far greater than those of its predecessor but also the E-Class LWB, making it the largest car in the class. In fact, at 5,175mm long, 1,900mm wide and 1,520mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,105mm, it’s even larger than the next-generation E-Class LWB (L/W/H: 5,092/1,880/1,493mm, WB: 3,094mm), which is due to be launched later this year. An interesting side note regarding nomenclature: BMW calls this the ‘5 LWB’, whereas the stretched 3 Series is called the Gran Limousine.The 7 Series gets no suffix at all.

BMW calls this a ‘2.5-boxdesign’, alluding to its flowing roofline that’s meant to give a more coupe-like shape, and has used contour lines and contrast colours strategically on the bodywork, but none of thisis enough to disguise the sheer size of the LWB 5 Series. What doesn’t help is the use of 18-inch wheels, whose small size relative to the large dimensions make them look meek, even though they use a sporty Y-spoke design. What’s more, tyres all around are narrow 225/55 R18s with tall sidewalls, whereas the old 5’s staggered setup, with fat 275/40 R18s at the rear, gave it its characteristic sporty stance. The tall rubber only serves to highlight the large wheel-arch gaps, although the resultant ground clearance, a common concern with long-wheelbase sedans, does at least appear to be generous, and 19-inch wheels will be available as an option.

The car seen here is the range-topping M Sport variant, featuring a