On the face of it, the new 5 Series seems to have borrowed its styling cues from its elder sibling, the 7 Series. The new-gen 5 Series has been engineered to deliver better performance, increased efficiency and pamper customers with new technology as well.In India, BMW is likely to launch the new 5 Series with three engine options. The entry level will likely wear a 520d tag at the rear and the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder diesel engine under its hood will be tuned to generate 190PS/400Nm. Next in line, in all probability, will be the 530i, which will house a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine producing 252PS/350Nm. It is the same engine that does duty in the BMW 330i GT.

The top-of-the-line 5 Series will most likely be the 530d variant, powered by a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder diesel motor that will pump out 265PS/620Nm. All these engines are likely to be offered with the 8-speed automatic gearbox only.

As far as features are concerned, the new BMW 5 Series is likely to give all its rivals a tougher fight. The list will include four-zone climate control, electric seats with massage functions, new-gen iDrive system, gesture control, adaptive dampers, remote parking functionality, LED headlamps with optional adaptive LED lights and an anti-dazzle high-beam with a range of half-a-kilometre.

BMW dealers across the country are accepting bookings for the new 5 Series for a minimum refundable amount of Rs 2 lakh. A few dealers have also confirmed that customer deliveries of the new 5 Series could start by the end of July this year.

Once launched, it will renew its rivalry with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Volvo S90 and the Lexus ES 300h.(Image Courtsey: Cardekho.com)