[MercedesGirl]

Originally Posted by Turbanator

we have one on an older Gen 7 Series signature ( B&O)

Turbanator,

How's the sound compared to B&W? I still haven't found a better car audio solution compared to the Mercedes Burmeister 3D, I find the sound a lot better than Lexus too. (Mark Levison)

Another advantage with B&W etc. is they make the door panels look a lot better esp with the extra large metal grills and the speaker on the dash etc.

As much as I love the 7, all I miss on it is the sound system and if Executive Drive Pro was made standard on the signature variants.

The disaster that Mercedes-India has created with the new E has left us with such a void of a second car, I so hope BMW India fills it well with the new 5!

C ya,

[dZired]

BMW hosting a preview of the G30 5-Series in Delhi

Thank you to the Team-BHP fan (he prefers to remain anonymous) who sent this information in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts!

BMW India will be organising a 3-day preview event for the new-generation 5-Series (G30) in Delhi. The event will be starting on 3rd February. The G30 5-Series is expected to be launched in India later this year.

BMW has cleverly timed the 5-Series preview ahead of the official India launch of the new Mercedes E-Class. Mercedes is expected to bring the long-wheelbase model of the E-Class to India for the first time with the new-generation's launch. This is being considered as a major threat to BMW and its upcoming 5-Series. As a result, the automaker will likely be trying to give prospective customers and industry influencers an insight into what will be on offer with the new 5-Series in India, with an aim to stop a few buyers investing in the E-Class right away.

Link to Team-BHP News

[Sahil]

Originally Posted by dZired

BMW has cleverly timed the 5-Series preview ahead of the official India launch of the new Mercedes E-Class. Mercedes is expected to bring the long-wheelbase model of the E-Class to India for the first time with the new-generation's launch. This is being considered as a major threat to BMW and its upcoming 5-Series. As a result, the automaker will likely be trying to give prospective customers and industry influencers an insight into what will be on offer with the new 5-Series in India, with an aim to stop a few buyers investing in the E-Class right away.

They can preview all they want, BMW needs to get the 5 series LWB to India like MBIL is. Infact, I am surprised they haven't decided to do so already given how badly they are hit in the market. This move by MB will thrash them even further. Unless ofcourse they manage to price their product significantly better than the LWB E-class.
Nonetheless, they will have to get the LWB to India to remain competitive. They rather do it sooner than later.

[MercedesGirl]

Originally Posted by Sahil

They can preview all they want, BMW needs to get the 5 series LWB to India like MBIL is. Infact, I am surprised they haven't decided to do so already given how badly they are hit in the market. This move by MB will thrash them even further.

Sahil,

The best thing about the BMW 5 is it's only coming in the regular form, yes maybe E will win in sales but atleast this gives us a far better product until volumes here are enough to sell both LWB and SWB.

MB India may bank on LWB E, but let's just see if that Beijing-Benz product allows them to recover costs at current volumes that India has.

I miss a Mercedes more than anything but never would I bother with the Indian Cars, when we moved back the S-Class here didn't even have Memory seats up front and BMW was able to give me a Massage seat and everything else, I am certain you are not wrong in sales but the best part about the 5 is we get the real car.

Good day,

[deerhunter]

Originally Posted by MercedesGirl

but atleast this gives us a far better product

How is that? Is E an inferior car?

Originally Posted by MercedesGirl

MB India may bank on LWB E, but let's just see if that Beijing-Benz product allows them to recover costs at current volumes that India has.

I dont think this is the same car as sold in China. China being a LHD market, MB has developed this specifically for India.

This commitment towards our market is surprising, because even the volume sellers like Fiat and Chevy do not do that anymore.

[Turbanator]

How's the sound compared to B&W?

I have not got a chance to listen to B&W in new 7 yet, but B&O definitely sound more vocal. If you have some audiophile stuff at home then you will certainly feel the difference on regular vs upgraded ones, else it will be ok.

they make the door panels look a lot better esp with the extra large metal grills

Agree !

BMW needs to get the 5 series LWB to India like MBIL

I don't think they will have any plans, they might strip existing 7 and try to come out with a lower variant. It will be too risky to invest just for one market. MB India is having numbers, their local management is controlling the market so they can experiment.

they will have to get the LWB to India to remain competitive.

I don't think. MB India has created a new segment and lets's see how it develops. Not everyone can spend 65 Lac Ex-Showroom which should be a starting point for new E in my opinion.

[rishi_kapoor]

Originally Posted by dZired

BMW hosting a preview of the G30 5-Series in Delhi

========

Link to Team-BHP News

I previewed the car yesterday at India Art Fair, BMW India was extremely sensitive to camera phones etc and no pictures were allowed. Here are my observations:

- Its looks identical to new 7 series except the size.
- luxury loaded to brim. Upgraded leather and seats with under thigh support.
- Smart key fob like 7-series, which lets you park car remotely similar to 7.
- Will come kitted as M edition with M alloys etc
- Interior is a major upgrade and it does not have business stated look instead oozes luxury.

I personally loved the new 5-series. I think they have a game changer here (yes I know about new Merc E).

Now, I am waiting for a test drive before unveiling at a secret location, I will keep you posted if I succeed

[cityvic]

Checked out the new BMW 5 Series here in Philly today at the Philadelphia Auto Show. What a fabulous car. Loved the design, interiors, comfort and tech. Brilliant quality stuff and should be a hoot to drive as well.

Eagerly looking forward to the India launch in a few months.

[Activ8]

Originally Posted by Turbanator

Harman owns B&W

Just FYI before giving wrong info:

(Source) Bowers & Wilkins ownership info

Excerpt:

Bowers & Wilkins has been cranking out solid audio gear for the better part of three decades, but it's being acquired by a company that's only been around since 2014. Eva Automation, a Silicon Valley startup founded by former Facebook CFO (and San Francisco 49ers co-owner) Gideon Yu, is the new owner of the audio brand. Little is known about the company other than its 40-person staff has the somewhat vague mission of "making products that will change how people interact and think about the home."

Harman Kardon systems are simply not as good, hence offered in the base/standard spec

[kartavya]

To clear out the confusion b&o is actually owned by Harman and not b&w. Harman also owns the kardon brand among ither brands like jbl etc.

[Turbanator]

Thanks for correcting and there are better ways of pointing fellow members mistakes/errors.

b&o is actually owned by Harman and not b&w

Yes, correct.

BTW there are no plans to get B&W system for Indian market yet in 5 series.

BMW needs to get the 5 series LWB to India like MBIL is

I can't divulge details but BMW has something nice coming up in near future to compete/surpass Extended LWB E-Class

[VSD]

Originally Posted by rishi_kapoor

- Its looks identical to new 7 series except the size.
- luxury loaded to brim. Upgraded leather and seats with under thigh support.
- Smart key fob like 7-series, which lets you park car remotely similar to 7.
- Will come kitted as M edition with M alloys etc
- Interior is a major upgrade and it does not have business stated look instead oozes luxury.

I personally loved the new 5-series. I think they have a game changer here (yes I know about new Merc E).

Now, I am waiting for a test drive before unveiling at a secret location, I will keep you posted if I succeed

I was there on the 3rd feb to check out the same car. I also feel this has the ability to beat the E-class. The quality of materials used on the dash and seats was superb and the interior felt more luxury than utility. 530d will be geting the nappa leather interior with leather dash while the 520d will be getting dakota leather as standard. Harmon/kardon sound system in all variants with 10.5inch screen in 530d and smaller one for lower variants.
4 colours exterior shades (carbon black | grey | blue | alpine white) for M-sport variant with choice of 4 different colors of nappa upholstery (beige | white | black | brown). The smart key will be optional for all variants.
I'm eagerly waiting for this one to hit the roads asap and will probably buy it over the Merc or the new Audi.

[Dieselite]

I checked with the BMW dealership owner in Pune...he is a dear friend. He was very confident of the upcoming 5 series and went on to say that the pricing will be very aggressive for the entry level variants.

Looking forward to the next few months !!

[GTO]

Originally Posted by dZired

Thank you to the Team-BHP fan (he prefers to remain anonymous) who sent this information in. Heartfelt gratitude for sharing it with other enthusiasts!

Thanks to the same Team-BHP fan for sharing the below!

I visited the preview of the new 5-Series. It was a part of the Indian Art Fair in Delhi where we got to have a first impression of the new 5. We were not allowed to click any pictures of the vehicle.

The car showcased was the 530d in M-Sport trim with all the features available in the current 530d, plus the addition of nappa leather (which the sales person indicated to be available in the Indian vehicle), gesture controls, wireless charging, improvement in quality of switchgear and the preview vehicle had a black headliner.

The rear legroom was still less for this category, although it was an improvement over the F10. The boot had a space saver which was placed below the carpet area, but the battery kept to power the stationary vehicle was coming in the way of closing the carpet area above the spare wheel.

The vehicle is expected to be directly launched in CKD variant around June-July within close range (1-2 lacs) of the F10.

Also, PFA the images of the entry passes and a small gift from BMW.

[JoyPangli]

Saw the new E class. It's really pretty. Eagerly waiting to see the new 5. Does anyone have any clue of the possible launch date?