BMW’s facelifted G30 5 Series saloon is expected to make its global debut next month for the 2021 model year
Someone at BMW has accidentally leaked two studio shots of the upcoming 5 Series facelift. The 2021MY G30 BMW 5 Series facelift would most likely witness its global debut in a few weeks’ time. As expected amid the current state of affairs caused by COVID-19, the event would be held online on the German automaker’s social media handles. It was only recently that the next-gen BMW 2 Series coupe and iX3 electric SUV were leaked on the internet.
In terms of styling, the LCI facelift has not made a major leap from its 2017MY version. ‘LCI’ or ‘Life Cycle Impulse’ is a term given for BMW models’ mid-life facelifts or updates. The list of cosmetic changes is not that short but are subtle and almost invisible to an untrained eye. Bimmer fans are relieved that its grille size is not obnoxiously large as in latest BMW fashion (this design works on certain models though).
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The variant you see is 530e plug-in hybrid with M Sport package — as evident from the tiny ‘///M’ badges on both fenders, the closed charging port above it (in the front quarter view) or more conveniently, from the sedan’s rear badging. BMW’s latest ‘M styling’ for the 5 Series seems sharply elegant rather than outright sporty. In fact, compared to the pre-facelift M Sport 5 Series trim, the upcoming design does not feel like a major evolution.
This is no reason to complain as the facelifted BMW 5 Series is still a looker. Comparing its aesthetics with the Bangle-design E60 generation is not fair as either model is from a completely different era. The BMW 530e employs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol unit coupled to an electric motor, to produce a combined output of roughly 250bhp and 420Nm of torque.
An 8-speed ZF automatic transmission sends the power to the rear axle as standard or all four wheels in the xDrive variant. Reports state that a higher BMW 545e plug-in hybrid variant, with a 3.0-litre straight-six good for almost 400bhp, is in the works.
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In India, the current BMW 5 Series is available in three formats: 187bhp/400Nm 520d, 249bhp/350Nm 530i and 261bhp/620Nm 530d. The 530d is quite the performer and is often compared with the mighty F90 BMW M5 as a more practical and affordable alternative, with the added advantage of being a diesel sleeper. On the Indian market, the BMW 5 Series primarily locks horns with the comfort-focused Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Audi India’s C8-gen A6 sedan seems to have lost its previous charm and direction.