Thunder/BMW 530Li M Sport
The petrol-powered 530Li is the sole long-wheelbase iteration of the 5 Series in India. It measures the longest of the three at 5,175 millimetres nose to tail and has a lengthened wheelbase stretching the axles 3,105 millimetres apart, identical to that of the X7. Yes, it’s that long. And it is also generously proportioned, so much so that it indirectly also replaced the 6 Series Gran Turismo.
Now, we’ve already tested the new BMW 530Li M Sport, so I’ll keep it brief. The updated four-cylinder “B48” turbo-petrol engine finally comes to India in the 5er and now gets a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and an uprated 258 hp and 400 Nm. This one pairs the eight-speed ZF auto ’box with rear-wheel drive and promises to deliver the driving pleasure the 5 is known for. Although with the more spacious rear seat and room to stretch, the balance seems to have tilted in favour of luxury.
The 530Li is a softer riding 5 but doesn’t compromise on the handling front, feeling responsive to steering input and planted when changing direction at a whim. It also ditches the run-flats for 55-profile rubber on 18-inch wheels. The mild turbo-lag from low down is not a common occurrence but it’s only detectable for a split second before the motor-generator fills the minuscule void with its 25 Nm of instant twist.
This is a car for those who prefer being in the back seat to arrive at work but also like to drive around with family and friends, enjoying some time behind the wheel and most of the other goodies they’ve paid for—giant touchscreen, ventilated seats, lighting effects, drive modes, and even the premium audio. The 530Li M Sport costs from Rs 72.90 lakh and is the lowest priced of the three 5s here. It also has the largest boot with an expansive 520 litres of capacity.
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