BMW is expanding its range of models for China with specially developed long wheelbase versions of the 5 series.

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The cars will debut at the international Auto China 2006 motor show in Beijing (18 – 27 November).


The new 530 Li, 525 Li and 523 Li have been specially developed for the particular demands and requirements of the Chinese market, combining sporting driving characteristics with superior interior comfort – many cars are chauffeur-driven and a number of other western makers have launched special models there with improved rear seat accommodation and/or longer wheelbase.


The new BMWs have high-quality Dakota leather on the seats and door linings and the 525Li and 530Li come as standard 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, plus a cooling box.


The wheelbase has been lengthened by 140 millimetres between the B- and C-pillars.

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The new models are powered by straight-six power units ranging in output from 130 kW/177 hp to 190 kW/258 hp.


The long wheelbase 5 was developed at BMW HQ in and is built in a joint venture with Brilliance China Automotive at the Shenyang Plant in the Province of Liaoning in north-east China, which also builds the 3 series.


A BMW (GB) spokesman said the LWB 5-series would be a China-only product and there were no plans to offer it elsewhere.


BMW operates a separate sales region for China that also includes Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan.


The automaker has enjoyed huge growth in the Chinese market in recent years, with sales increasing in the first half of 2006 by approximately 66% to almost 18,000 units, making China BMW’s fastest-growing country in percentage terms.


China now ranks as the world’s second largest market for the top 7 series sedan.