7th-gen BMW 5-Series launched at Rs. 49.90 lakh

BMW has launched the seventh-gen 5-Series in India at prices starting from Rs. 49.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). Deliveries of the new car will commence from July 1 2017, post the GST implementation.

The 2017 5-Series is built on BMW's Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform. The overall design looks inspired by the new 7-Series, which is also built on the same architecture. BMW claims that usage of lightweight high-strength elements in the construction of the CLAR platform has resulted in a weight reduction of around 70 kg, as compared to the outgoing model.

Features on offer with the new 5-Series include a fully digital instrument cluster, adaptive full-LED headlamps, four-zone climate control, a 10.25-inch infotainment system with gesture control and BMW's iDrive connectivity. The feature list also comes with a 360-degree camera, wireless phone charging and remote parking with the BMW display key. Occupant safety is taken care of by the presence of six air bags, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with brake assist, dynamic stability control (DSC) including dynamic traction control (DTC), cornering brake control (CBC) and hill descent control (HDC).

In India, the new-gen model is available in three variants - Sport Line, Luxury Line and the top-end M Sport. Powertrain options include a petrol and two diesel engines. The petrol 5-Series is available only in the entry-level SportLine trim and is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine develops 249 BHP and 350 Nm. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in a company claimed time of 6.2 seconds.

The diesel SportLine and LuxuryLine variants come with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo unit that churns out 187 BHP and 400 Nm. This engine can accelerate the 5-Series to 100 km/h from a standstill in a claimed time of 7.5 seconds. Meanwhile, the top-of-the-line 530d MSport trim gets a 3.0-litre, inline-6 engine rated at 261 BHP and 620 Nm. It boasts of a company claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 5.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h. An 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic gearbox is standard across all variants and so is the adaptive suspension system with independent damping for all four wheels.

Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi)

• 530i SportLine - Rs. 49.90 lakh
• 520d SportLine - Rs. 49.90 lakh
• 520d LuxuryLine - Rs. 53.60 lakh
• 530d MSport - Rs. 61.30 lakh