BMW India starts production of new 5 Series

For the Indian market, BMW plans to offer three engine options, all paired with eight-speed automatic gearboxes. The new 5 will be offered with two diesel engines – a 190hp, 2.0-litre, four-cylinder unit in the 520d and the larger and more powerful 265hp, 3.0-litre, inline-six under the hood of the 530d. Alongside the two diesels will also be a petrol engine. However, unlike the current 5-series which was, for a limited time, offered with an 184hp 2.0-litre petrol engine (520i), the new model will be offered as the 530i with a much more potent 252hp 2.0-litre unit – similar to the one seen under the hood of the 330i GT.

The new BMW 5-series is also expected to be offered with plenty of tech such as gesture control for the iDrive system, adaptive dampers and a remote parking function, depending on the variant. The standard kit, though, is expected to include multiple zone climate control, electric adjust front seats, LED headlamps and a host of safety systems.

As before, expect the 520d and 530i to be offered across a range of variants with the 530d likely to be offered as the range-topping M-Sport only.

When launched, the new 5 Series will rival the likes of the Mercedes E-Class long-wheelbase, the Audi A6, the Jaguar XF and the Volvo S90. Expect prices for the new BMW 5 Series to be in the region of Rs 52-65 lakh (ex-showroom).

Speaking at the plant yesterday, Vikram Pawah, president, BMW Group India, “The new 5 Series that will be launched this month has everything that is needed to take the Indian luxury car segment by storm. I would like to congratulate the Plant Chennai team for achieving this important milestone and we are extremely proud for the smooth start of production.”

Dr. Jochen Stallkamp, managing director, BMW Plant Chennai said, “BMW Plant Chennai takes pride in producing cars for the last 10 years that have the same international quality standards as any BMW Group production and assembly facilities worldwide. BMW Plant Chennai is proud to start the rollout of the new 5 Series with the highest standards of quality, distinguished workmanship and uncompromising engineering. We are confident that the all-new BMW 5 Series produced in Chennai will further increase our momentum in the Indian luxury car segment.” 

BMW India, which is a 100 percent subsidiary of the BMW Group, is headquartered in Gurgaon (National Capital Region). The BMW Group’s activities in India include a manufacturing plant in Chennai, a parts warehouse in Mumbai, a training centre in Gurgaon NCR and development of a dealer organisation across major metropolitan centres of the country. BMW Group India has over 650 employees and 3,000 additional jobs have been created in the dealer and service network. 

The BMW Plant Chennai locally produces the 1 Series, 3 Series, 3 Series Gran Turismo, 5 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3 and X5. BMW dealerships also display the X6, Z4, M3 sedan, M4 Coupe, M5 sedan, M6 Gran Coupe, X5 M, X6 M and i8 which are available as Completely Built-up Units.