BMW i5/5 Series Gains M Performance Parts, China-only LWB Variants

Within months after making its global debut, the all-new G60-gen BMW i5 and 5 Series models are getting some sporty upgrades, as well as a whole new luxury-oriented variant exclusively for the Chinese market.

The M Performance Parts grant the i5 with a slew of carbon fibre aerokits

Starting with the former, both the i5 and 5 Series will be offered with M Performance Parts package that includes some performance upgrade, as well as both exterior and interior accessories for customers to jazz up their executive saloon. Available in two versions – M Sport and M Sport Pro – these packages include things like new front bumper lip, side skirts, new rear diffuser, as well as a new tailgate-mounted rear spoiler – all made from carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP).

Aside from the new aero kit, these packages also come with optional add-ons including CFRP side mirror caps, Aramid-finished antenna cover, M Performance accent stripes finished in Frozen Black hue, as well as side skirt films. Topping off the exterior kit list is a slew of new wheel options, ranging from 19- to 21-inch – all available in different finishes. Should you desire, there’s also an optional M Performance tyre bag for you to stash these wheels in style.

On board, both the i5 and 5 Series model gain sportier carbon fibre door sill plates, velour floor mats with synthetic leather lining, as well as new key fob cover finished in either Nappa leather or Alcantara suede, depending on your preference.

The M Performance brakes is the sole performance add-on offered in this package

As for the performance add-ons, both models are also offered with optional M Performance brakes with slotted discs and six-piston front and single-piston rear callipers. The rest of the car’s mechanical bits, however, remain the same as before. While not much, these M Performance Parts gave us an early glimpse at the upcoming G60-gen BMW M5, at least on the styling front.

China gets exclusive extended wheelbase variant for both the i5 and 5 Series

Aside from sporty M parts, the new i5 and 5 Series are both offered with a new luxury-oriented long wheelbase (LWB). Exclusively available in the Chinese market, this new model will be produced at the BMW Dadong plant in Shenyang, China.

Unfortunately, BMW has yet to disclose the exact wheelbase measurement of this new variant, but the previous G30-gen 5 Series LWB variant gained 130 MM in wheelbase compared to its standard twin, which measures at 3,105 MM. For reference, the standard G60-gen i5/5 Series boasts a wheelbase of 3,125 MM – so we can expect them to match both the new 7 Series and i7’s wheelbases.

Apart from that, this LWB variant also gains a slew of new styling cues on the outside. Highlights include the illuminated number ‘5’ emblem that covers the car’s C-pillar. On the i5, this emblem lights up in blue once the car is charging up, while most of the time it’ll illuminate in white colour instead.

This new variant also gains a bevy of new luxury equipment and tech amenities

Aside from providing roomier cabin space, the LWB variant of the i5/5 Series also comes with a bevy of new tech amenities. Key additions include the four-zone automatic A/C system, Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system, embossed headrests with attached pillows, as well as the new BMW Theatre Screen.

Derived from the new BMW i7/7 Series model, this 31.3-inch widescreen display comes with an 8K resolution, which grants the rear passengers access to a slew of entertainment features, including high-quality video streaming services courtesy of the built-in 5G connectivity.

Fancy seeing this baby i7/7 Series coming into other markets?

As for now, BMW has no plans to offer this new LWB variant to other markets except for China, with its prices and additional powertrain details set to be announced soon. As for the M Performance Parts package, it will be made available once the i5 and 5 Series hit the global market later in Oct this year.