The Bavarian automaker is introducing the long wheelbase variants 2011 BMW 5 Series 523Li, 528Li and 535Li. These models which are 140 mm (5.5 inches) longer were developed only for the Chinese market, and will be presented on April 25th at the 2010 Auto Shina in Beijing.
The 2011 BMW 5 Series 523Li, 528Li and 535Li models now measure 5,039 mm (198 inch) in length and under the bonnet the automaker will offer the three engine variants linked to a 8-speed automatic gearbox.
On the 2011 BMW 5 Series 523Li the 2.5-litre powerplant will produce 204 HP while the 3.0-litre engine on the 528Li will pack 258 HP.
The range topping 2011 BMW 5 Series 535Li will be sold fitted with a turbocharged 3.0-litre unit that outputs 306 HP.
More details with the 2011 BMW 5 Series 523Li, 528Li and 535Li in the official press release below.
BMW press release :
Munich. World premiere of the new long-wheelbase BMW
5 Series Sedan: Developed and built exclusively for the Chinese car
market, this truly exclusive sedan sets new standards in aesthetics,
driving pleasure and comfort in the premium business sedan segment.
Through its sporting but elegant design, the new long-wheelbase BMW 5
Series Sedan is truly impressive from every angle, pampering
particularly the passengers at the rear with luxury class space and
innovative features also typical of the luxury class.
New straight-six power units and a wide range of BMW
EfficientDynamics technologies ensure superior sportiness combined
with trendsetting efficiency. Sophisticated suspension technology
ensures significant progress both in driving comfort and dynamic
handling. The new long-wheelbase BMW 5 Series Sedan is built at
BMW’s plant in Shenyang in cooperation with a large number of
regional partners.
Design: sporting elegance in individual style.
The highly expressive front end, the elegantly stretched silhouette
and the powerfully chiselled rear end give the new long-wheelbase BMW
5 Series Sedan a truly unmistakable look. Individual design features
along the roofline and the side view of the car ensure that the
long-wheelbase version with its wheelbase up by 14 centimetres or
5.5” again offers the right balance of proportions. The long
side windows, for example, give the C-pillar a particularly slender
and dynamic appearance, the coupé-like, flowing roofline comes
out even more convincingly through the sheer length of the car. The
characteristic daytime driving lights generated by LED light rings in
conjunction with the optional xenon headlights, as well as the
L-shaped rear lights with their homogeneous rows of lights, again
contribute to that very special look so characteristic of BMW.
Interior: clear orientation towards the driver at the front,
luxurious grand touring comfort at the rear.
The interior of the new long-wheelbase BMW 5 Series Sedan combines
the driver-oriented cockpit and the high-tech instrument cluster in
Black Panel technology with a truly luxurious ambience, lots of space
at the rear, and exclusive model features. The new long-wheelbase
sedan comes with a high-comfort rear seat bench developed specifically
for this model. Supreme grand touring comfort is ensured, among other
things, by options such as four-zone automatic air conditioning,
rear-seat entertainment, a cooling box as well as electrically
adjustable sunblinds on the rear side windows and a folding table
integrated in the backrest of the front passenger’s seat, unique
features unparalleled by the competition.
Driving experience: superior sportiness, supreme comfort.
Benefiting from the most advanced drivetrain and suspension
technology, the new model offers significantly greater sportiness and
comfort over its predecessor. The range of engines comprises three
straight-six power units developing between 150 kW/204 hp
and 225 kW/306 hp maximum output. A unique feature in this
segment is the combination of a double wishbone front axle and the
integral rear axle tailored to each individual model. And on the
top-of-the-range BMW 535Li, Dynamic Drive Control allows an individual
set-up of the car.
BMW EfficientDynamics for outstanding fuel economy and emission management.
All versions of the new long-wheelbase BMW 5 Series Sedan come as
standard with eight-speed automatic transmission making an additional
contribution to the car’s efficiency just like EPS Electric
Power Steering. The highlights of BMW EfficientDynamics on board the
car include Brake Energy Regeneration, on-demand control of ancillary
units, and active air flap control. Fuel consumption and CO2 are down
versus the previous models by up to 18 per cent.
Innovative driver assistance systems from BMW ConnectedDrive.
BMW ConnectedDrive offers features such as BMW Night Vision able to
detect individual persons, the BMW Parking Assistant and Lane
Departure Warning, that is driver assistance technologies of the
highest standard. Another option exclusive to BMW in this segment is
the Head-Up Display.
Developed exclusively for China, built at BMW Plant Shenyang.
The new long-wheelbase BMW 5 Series Sedan has been developed
exclusively for the Chinese automobile market. In its features and
qualities, it specifically follows the requirements made of a truly
outstanding business sedan in the premium segment. Production at BMW
Plant Shenyang, on the other hand, follows the high, worldwide
standards of the BMW Group in terms of quality, safety, and
sustainability. Significant investments were made for production of
the new model in the expansion and modernisation of production
facilities, and additional, specially trained employees have been
hired to build the car. Close and intense cooperation with local
production partners and suppliers, finally, convinces BMW that Plant
Shenyang offers significant input for the intelligent creation of values.

Source: BMW