BMW 5 Series vs 5 Series LCI: What’s Different?

The current BMW 5 Series doesn’t feel aged despite being launched in India three years ago. But that hasn’t stopped the Bavarian brand from giving the sedan a mid-life cycle update referred to as LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) outside India. The facelifted 5 Series brings forth tweaked styling as well as new tech. Here’s more about what’s changed between the two sedans in detailed images:

Thankfully, BMW has not given the 5 Series abnormally large kidney grilles. Instead, it's a small increase in size from before, flanked by a slimmer set of LED headlamps. It also gets more aggressive front bumpers with neatly styled air dams.  

The overall silhouette remains identical, aside from a new set of dual-tone alloy wheels in 18- to 20-inch formats. Heading towards the rear, it gets a redesigned set of tail lamps as well as subtle tweaks to the bumpers.

Heading inside, there are still plenty of similarities between the two sedans with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central infotainment system. The facelift adds two new cabin trim options with black inserts. 

Other upgrades in the 5 Series LCI include the addition of a digital key that turns the Apple iPhone into a car key, an updated OS that adds Android Auto connectivity, and a new cloud-based navigation system. It also gets assists like lane change assist and parking assistant with reverse assist. The sedan is also capable of receiving OTA updates.

Under the hood, the current 5 Series in India is powered by the 520d 190PS 2.0-litre diesel, 530i 252PS 2.0-litre petrol, as well as the ballistic 530d 265PS 3.0-litre diesel powertrain options. All engines are paired to an 8-speed Steptronic transmission. 

On the other hand, the 5 Series LCI petrol options are the newly introduced 530e and 545e 48v plug-in-hybrid as well as the 520i, 530i, 540i and 550i. Diesel offerings include the 520d, 530d and 540d. Expect the facelifted India-spec 5 Series sedan to retain the 530i petrol as well as the 520d and 530d diesel powertrain options. 

As a whole, BMW India has given the 5 Series a modern flair with its recent mid-life update while still retaining the charm of the pre-facelift model. Expect the facelifted BMW 5 Series to hit Indian roads in 2021.