The long wheelbase variant of the new gen BMW 5 Series has been spotted in China. The car will make its debut at the 2017 Shanghai Auto Show in April after which it will go on sale in China. The 5 Series L will be manufactured in China under the Brilliance-BMW joint venture, at the Shenyang facility.
Christened as 5 Series L it has an extended wheelbase of 130mm compared to standard 5 series. The 5 Series L measures 5.08metre in length, 1.86metre in width and 1.5metre in height. The wheelbase of 3.10metre is a tad more than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class L. It will be powered by three petrol engines in China. A 224bhp 2.0-litre engine in the 525Li trim, a 2.0-litre with 252bhp for the 530Li and a new 3.0-litre straight six with 340bhp will power the 540Li. Chinese prices are expected at around 450,000 to 750,000 Yuan (approx. Rs 43-73 lakh). In China, the new 5 Series L will compete against the locally made premium sedans like the Audi A6L, Mercedes-Benz E-Class L, and the Volvo S90 L.
Initially, BMW will sell the 5 Series L in China only but has plans to export the car to other countries as well. With Mercedes-Benz bringing the new E-Class long wheelbase as standard, BMW might consider adding the long wheelbase 5 series as an option in future.
![BMW 5 Series [2017-2021]](https://imgd-ct.aeplcdn.com/160x89/cw/ec/26911/BMW-5-Series-Right-Front-Three-Quarter-172250.jpg?wm=0&q=80 "BMW 5 Series [2017-2021]")
