The current-gen BMW 5 Series sedan has been sold out in India. The seventh-gen 5 Series was launched back in 2017 and was only available with a diesel engine in the last few months of its production. Although the model is still listed on the carmaker's official website, sources tell us that BMW India has told its dealer fraternity to stop accepting orders for the sedan.
Additionally, we can confirm that the new eighth-gen 5 Series will launch in India in the third quarter of 2024. Just like the current 7 Series that was launched earlier this year, the upcoming 5 Series will also get an all-electric i5 derivative right at launch, implying the sedan will be available with three powertrain options.
- BMW 5 Series goes off the shelf in India
- Next-gen 5 Series to launch by Q3 2024
BMW 5 Series India sales snapshot
Last updated with a facelift in mid-2021, the 5 Series was trailing both its arch rivals – the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Audi A6 – in terms of sales. The E-Class sold over three times that of the 5 Series in FY2023 with 3,159 units, while the 5 Series sold just 1,013 units. Similarly, even in FY2022, the 5 Series sold 888 units while 2,839 units of the E-Class were sold. Meanwhile, Audi sold 1,577 units of the A6 in FY2023, despite it being available with just a single petrol powertrain option.
Next-gen BMW 5 Series India launch by Q3 2024
The eighth-generation 5 Series made its global debut in May this year. Considering its India launch is slated for Q3 2024, it will arrive just in time to take on the next-gen Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which is also due for a launch around the same time. Until then, buyers looking for a BMW in this segment still have the option of the 6 Series GT, in both petrol and diesel guise.
The new 5 Series will come with a full range of petrol, diesel and electric powertrains so as to offer an extensive model line-up. The former two will likely be available in 520i and 520d guises, powered by turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engines. The 5 Series is also available with plug-in hybrid powertrains overseas, although those are not likely to make it to India.
As for the electric i5, it’s available in two iterations – rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 and four-wheel-drive M60 xDrive. The former produces 340hp and 430Nm, and has a maximum claimed range of up to 582km on the WLTP cycle. The latter produces 601hp and 820Nm, with a range of up to 516km on the WLTP cycle. It remains to be seen which of these makes it to India.
The outgoing 5 Series was also offered in the hot M5 Competition guise in India. While the hardcore M version of the new 5 Series is yet to be revealed, it remains to be seen if it is eventually brought here. For more details on the exterior design, interior and features of the new 5 Series, click here.
BMW 5 Series rivals in India
Upon launch, the 5 Series will continue to rival the likes of the Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6 and Lexus ES 300h. Among these, the ES 300h is distinguished for being the only one with a hybrid powertrain in its class. Meanwhile, the all-electric BMW i5 will also see a rival in the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan, although the Merc’s launch is not likely to coincide with the combustion models’, and will only arrive much later.
Also See:
Mercedes Benz Classic Car Rally 2023: Route map and spectator guide
EV race is a marathon, not a sprint: Audi India head