Only the Chinese-spec 5 Series is available with the extended wheelbase
It has been quite some time since we last discussed a car show because of the disruption caused worldwide by the coronavirus epidemic. However, the Auto China 2020 in Beijing will still be taking place this month. BMW was among the first to announce what it will introduce in the People’s Republic. It is the 5 Series facelift. Because the CN-spec version is slightly larger, it’s not the same luxury sedan that we get in North America and Europe.
Chinese customers love rear legroom. This is why luxury brands from Germany have created separate LWB models for the country. For the locally produced 5 Series Li, the distance between the axles increases by 130 millimeters (5.8 inches). This results in a generous wheelbase (3105mm (122.2 inches).
The 5 Series Sedan in China is larger than the international model, and it boasts a unique feature that you won’t find elsewhere. As an optional option, the CN-spec model receives a “comfort back seat with especially ergonomic upholstery and comfortable headsrests”. Customers can also order the extended 5er with a panoramic roof, ambient lighting and rear-seat entertainment system.
BMW China only released two images of the new 5 Series. These photos show the model with the M Sport Package. The 535Le plug in hybrid version will be available with 288 horsepower (215 kilowatts). The global model gets the same styling tweaks, but the rear doors are slightly longer due to the increased wheelbase.
Last year, the 5 Series Li sold approximately 174,000 units. This makes it China’s most-loved business sedan. The BMW 5 Series Li is not the only stretched BMW in China. The 3 Series also has a long wheelbase and the X1 cross-over.