BMW has just unveiled the facelifted
5-Series for the Chinese market ahead of its public debut at the Beijing Auto
Show kicking off on September 26. In readying the 5-Series for China, BMW has
stretched the wheelbase of the luxurious sedan by 130 mm, giving
it a lengthy wheelbase of 3,105 mm. Mind you, an elongated
wheelbase isn’t the only thing that distinguishes the China-spec 5-Series from
other markets.
Slotted beneath the bodywork is a
market-exclusive plug-in hybrid powertrain that will be found in the high-end
535Le model. It consists of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and an
electric motor that produce a combined 292 hp all while returning a combined
fuel consumption figure of just 1.5 l/100 km (156.8 mpg US), EV mode included.
The 535Le will also be available with an M Sport Package.
BMW has yet to detail other 5-Series
variants that will be sold in China but a little bit of digging indicates
models such as the 525Li and 530Li are also in the works. Additionally, it
appears the 5-Series will be available in standard-wheelbase trim in 525i, 530i
M and 540i M derivatives.
Elsewhere, the German automaker states
that the 5-Series bound for the Chinese market includes the latest BMW
Operating System 7 that includes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. To
make the most of the elongated wheelbase, BMW will also offer a Sky Lounge
panoramic glass sunroof and a rear-seat entertainment system with two
tilt-adjustable touch screens. BMW has yet to release local pricing details but
we can expect to hear more following the car’s public debut.
