New BMW 5 Series Li: Should It Come To India?

Images of the new one, which will initially head to China only, have surfaced online

It is seldom that we cover stories about cars heading to different markets around the globe, especially in a LHD (Left Hand Drive) one. But, as is the case in almost all scenarios, there are some exceptions which we simply cannot ignore. So is the case with the new BMW 5 Series Li with an extended wheelbase. Pictures of the same have recently surfaced online and initially, only China will be lucky enough to get it. We think that the Bavarian motor company should also bring it to India, especially since its prime rival, Mercedes-Benz, has already introduced the LWB version of the E-Class.

So what’s the big deal about the Li version of the 5 Series? Well, it is built against BMW’s philosophy of designing cars. Don’t worry, the new 5 Series, like all BMWs, will keep the RWD lunacy alive. You may ask how it is against BMW's philosophy then? That’s because BMW has pioneered to inject the best of everything in each of its cars; be it luxury, comfort or the joy of driving. But once you extend a car’s wheelbase, it imbalances the ‘sporty’ bit of the recipe. And when you are listening to your customer, who is dying for a comfortable chauffeur-driven executive saloon, you ought to oblige.

Let’s see what the new one will bring for our neighbours. The new Li model is longer by 133mm than the standard car and that makes it just a smudge shorter than the standard 7 Series. The extra space in the Li variant is used to make more room for the rear passengers. There are a host of other new features, including Nappa leather upholstery, Bowers & Wilkins sound system, two 10.25-inch screens mounted at the back of the front headrests and a tablet housed in the rear armrest that controls the air conditioning and multimedia system.

As per BMW, China is the only country that deserves patronising. That’s why, to compete with its chief rivals, BMW sells the ‘Li’ variant of the 5 Series. It goes up against the Audi A6 L and the Jaguar XF L, both of which are not available in India, yet. Question is, if BMW’s German counterpart, Mercedes-Benz has understood that customers in India would be happier in the back row with more space to move about, why not bring the same China-specific recipe of the 5 Series Li to India? We think that BMW should definitely look into this option. Do let us know what do you think about it.

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