BMW launches long wheelbase 5-series

We’ve known about a special stretch version of the 5-series for some time now but BMW has waited till now to announce it. The LWB model has been created especially for the Chinese market, where many owners have chauffeurs rather than drive the car themselves. BMW will show the LWB 5-series at the upcoming Auto China show in Beijing (Nov 18-27).

In the back, this car has a tray table for rear passengers, as well as extra legroom (140mm), and more entertainment options. Passengers get 8” LCD displays with integrated DVD player and cooling system controls.
There will be three models available – 530Li, 525Li, and 523Li, with V6 engines ranging in power from 177hp (130 KW) up to 258hp (190 KW).


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DarkOneForce - 10/9/2006 12:42:16 PM

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V6 ?!
When has BMW ever made V6 engines.

Rupert - 10/9/2006 12:47:19 PM

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v6!!!!!!!

silly, silly reporter.

Hyundai - 10/9/2006 1:22:20 PM

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It wasn't Motor Authority who said it was V6 engines, but the poster Luxurious who ADDED V6 in there; God knows why as it was the only addition Luxurious made to the summary!

Luxurious - 10/9/2006 4:24:01 PM

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I never added the "V6", it was from the website itself. click the link and check it out yourself...

matt635 - 10/9/2006 5:58:17 PM

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well it ain't on there now!

matt635 - 10/9/2006 6:05:36 PM

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Yeah, it's really stupid of BMW to actually offer their customers a choice - how stupid must they be feeling now!!!! <sarcasm>

S4cabriofox - 10/9/2006 10:57:11 PM

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Audi makes a LWB A6 and I believe Mercedes makes an E-Class LWB. The cars are quite popular in China.

Oooh, I can't wait for my 523Li to arrive...

AlexTx - 10/9/2006 2:31:05 PM

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Well look at that!
Audi has had a LWB A6 for about 2 years now in China..

iown1 - 10/9/2006 5:56:00 PM

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I was thinking the same thing. MB & BMW have their work cut out for them in the Asian market. Likewise Audi has a lot of catching up to do states side.

matt635 - 10/9/2006 6:02:53 PM

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Your Point?

I really do hope that you are not implying that BMW 'copied' Audi with this - Becasue that'd be really daft, unless of course you have proof that Audi were the first people to launch a car in all their current target market sectors?

iown1 - 10/9/2006 7:31:40 PM

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Matt
Why? What's the big deal. Of course they're copying audi with the long base 5 series. Who cares? It was a good idea. So was power steering. Why would audi have to reinvent the wheel in every segment? I don't get the correlation. It's "daft".

Hyundai - 10/9/2006 8:29:47 PM

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lol... no kidding. The chauffeurs are at least going to have the best steering feel! Why not get a real luxury car if you are going to be chauffered? A LWB E-Class would make a whole lot more sense. Probably doesn't exist though... So then the 5-Series LWB is supposed to be for people who cannot afford a 7-Series? (CONFUSED!) Why a 5-Series LWB?

nybimmer - 10/9/2006 3:30:28 PM

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Look at the photo - still no legroom with those rididculous leather-covered table/refrigerator/DVD player things. They should just spring for the 7.

razzy23 - 10/10/2006 10:59:35 AM

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do the chinese REALLY need a LWB model?? I mean, come on!!

Rupert - 10/10/2006 12:44:21 PM

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razzy,
in china it is a major fashion to be chauffeured. coupes don't sell to well there, and i belive it's a reason why gm are doing well as their cars are quite spacious.

razzy23 - 10/10/2006 4:12:57 PM

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rupert, i agree but you didnt ge my point. there's irony behind my original post.

Rupert - 10/10/2006 6:30:49 PM

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not irony (americans NEVER get that right).
now i get it though.
but since the only 2 chinese people i know are 6 foot and 6 foot 5, i couldn't possibly say.