Munich/Beijing. Introducing new high-class Business Saloons, the BMW Group is enlarging its range of models for the Chinese market. These new models are Long Wheelbase versions of the successful BMW 5 Series specially developed by the German premium carmaker and will be presented for the first time at the international Auto China 2006 Motor Show in Beijing (18 - 27 November, 2006).
The new BMW 530 Li, BMW 525 Li, and BMW 523 Li have been specially developed for the particular demands and requirements of the Chinese automobile market, combining sporting driving characteristics with superior interior comfort. A stylish ambience inside the car is ensured by high-quality Dakota leather on the seats and door linings. The BMW 525Li and BMW 530Li also come as standard with a newly developed rear console complete with an integrated entertainment system with a DVD-player, eight-inch screens fitted in a console on the back of the front seats, as well as a cooling box.
The most striking feature when looking at the new BMW 5 Series Saloon from outside is no doubt the extension of the car's wheelbase by 140 millimetres (5.5 inches), all of this extra space being provided between the B- and C-pillars. This increase in size benefits the passengers at the rear, with the new, Long Wheelbase BMW 5 Series offering an unprecedented standard of grand touring comfort.
The new models are powered by straight-six power units ranging in output from 130 kW/177 hp to 190 kW/258 hp.
The new BMW 5 Series Long Wheelbase for the Chinese market was developed at BMW's Development Headquarters in Munich, creating outstanding models specifically tailored in their overall concept to the Chinese market while at the same time fulfilling all of BMW's demanding standards and requirements. Production of the new Saloons is at the Shenyang Plant in the Province of Liaoning in the north-east of China, which also builds the BMW 3 Series for the Chinese market.
The BMW Group has been represented in China since 1994 and has consistently expanded its operation and engagement over the years. In May 2004 the BMW Group and Brilliance China Automotive opened their joint plant in Shenyang, and shortly thereafter BMW established a separate Sales Region for China also including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, in order to boost sales to an even higher level.
BMW has achieved enormous growth in the Chinese market in recent years, with sales increasing in the first half of 2006 by approximately 66 per cent to almost 18,000 units, making China BMW's fastest-growing country in percentage terms.
China now ranks high up as the world's second most important sales market for the BMW 7 Series.

 

"Long" overdue. Being tall, I have always thought it silly (if not offensive at this price point) to effectively have a 3-passenger sedan.

Technically, this will move the 5-series out of the "Compact" car category, as measured by interior volume, by the US bureaucrats. Just think: It now features more interior space than the Ford Falcon, Plymouth Valiant and Chevy Corvair, etc., that first inhabited that category 40+ years ago.

Does the Chinese market have some restraint on the 7 series?

Cheers,
Ray Hull

 

I thought the last 5er to be considered a compact was the E39 and by only short of being midsized by less than one cubic foot. The E60 is already a mid size vehicle. Or is that not the case?

Personally I think the 5 is getting a little too big. The current E60 is only two inches shorter than the E32 yet it already has a longer wheelbase and the same width as the 7 series from the early 90's. Yes the E60 could use a little more rear leg room but maybe give up some of the overhangs. At least BMW has managed to keep the weight down.

 

Yes, according to www.fueleconomy.gov it is a midsize vehicle.

 

I found this point amusing. Honestly, if you put together a list of long-legged peoples who might need an extended length E60, the Chinese would not be anywhere near the top of that list.

 

In US, regardless the cost of the vehicle. The owner of the vehicle usually drives his/her own car.
In Asia, they usually sit in the rear of the car.

That's why you see Lexus has massage chair for the rear passenger.

 

Are you taller than Yao Ming??

 

Average height by country men/women:

China 5' 6"/5' 2"
US 5' 10"/5' 4"
Germany 5' 8"/5' 3"
Netherlands 5' 11"/5' 5"
UK 5' 10"/5' 4"
France 5' 8"/5' 3"

I'll take the theory that Chinese owners are not owner-drivers. I guess the owners don't appreciate a good driving machine.

 

It's quite true, especially in mainland China. Anytime I'm up there, I see people driving E38 728i's, Audi A6 1.8s and Benz S280s. I really don't understand how they can drive such a car. I'd opt for a "lower class" E39 540i over an underpowered barge of a 728i anyday at the equivalent price.

They buy the car because of the badge...

 

100% right , I work in HK and alot of people dot drive there cars so they will never know how good a car is.
BUT other thing is that most of the people that dont drive there car because they can not drive at all and have too much money on there hand and buy 2 to 3 cars, I know alot of frends that have over 3 cars and can not drive.