BMW Introduces Long Wheel Base 5 Series in China : 523Li, 525Li & 530Li

BMW is stepping up its presence in China with the introduction of a new Long Wheel Based version of the latest 5 Series sedan. Developed at BMW's Development Headquarters in Munich, the LWB 5 Series will be presented for the first time at the international Auto China 2006 Motor Show in Beijing (18- 27 November, 2006).

Although not so obvious from the photo, the car's wheelbase has been extended by 140 millimetres (5,5 inches), providing extra space for the rear passengers. Beside the longer wheelbase, the LWB 5 Series will also come fitted 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.

Available in three versions (530 Li, BMW 525 Li, and BMW 523 Li, all powered by by straight-six power units ranging in output from 130 kW/177 hp to 190 kW/258 hp), the new LWB 5 Series will produced 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.