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.

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BMW 5 Series Long Wheel Base : Chinese lay the 5 Series on the Procrustean bed

When Procrustes laid his victims on his torture bed, he'd stretch the ones who were too short until they died, or, if they were too tall, he'd cut off their limbs as to make them short enough to fit. BMW on the other hand may have stretched it's 5 Series to fit the Chinese mentality who seem to love LWB versions but at least they didn't "kill" it as these pictures prove.

Found on a Chinese forum called ChinaBMW forum, the images give us a glimpse of Bimmer's upcoming 5 Series LWB -or Procrustes if you prefer, that'll only be available in Asian markets. Apart from the longer wheel base, the 5-series also gets a few more goodies in the interior like a tray table for rear passengers and more entertainment options.

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