BMW India Evaluating Rear ‘8K Theatre Screen’ for 5 Series LWB

The Indian division of BMW recently launched the next generation 5 Series, and ours is the second country after China to get the long-wheelbase version of the mid-size luxury sedan. 

For reference, India has three LWB models, including 3 Series Gran Limousine, 5 Series LWB, and 7 Series LWB. 

Speaking of the BMW’s flagship sedan, the 7 Series, this was the first vehicle to revolutionise the rear seat experience, as it introduced the segment-first rear drop-down ‘Theatre Screen’ which measures 31.3 inches. 

This screen has an 8K resolution that folds down from the roof via the touchscreen panels on the door panels. 

However, the question remains: what obstructed BMW from giving the Theatre Screen in the India-bound 5 Series LWB? 

Jean-Philippe Parain, Vice President of BMW Group, stated that it was already a big challenge for the company to locally assemble the new 5 Series in India. This is why, the company couldn’t bring the 8K display on this vehicle. 

However, he did indicate that BMW has put the fold-down 8K Theatre Screen for the India-bound 5 Series on its to-do list. 

In parallel, the China-spec 5 Series LWB is the only model, equipped with a fold-down screen. 

BMW Theatre Screen 

This screen allows the rear passenger(s) to stream high-definition streaming, be it a show, movie, or song. In fact, there are videos on YouTube that show owners connecting their PS4, PS5, etc., with BMW’s Theatre Screen for gaming. 

This screen has a resolution of 8000x2000 pixels, plus it is powered by an Android system or AOSP (Android Open Source Project), which can be connected to either a Harman Kardon audio system or the top-spec Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system. 

The viewer(s) can also change the aspect ratio as per her/his preference. Supported aspect ratios are 16:9, 21:9 and 32:9. Online streaming can also be viewed in 4K Ultra HD on streaming apps like YouTube, Amazon Prime, Netflix, etc. 

You can also watch the pre-downloaded content. 

Once the screen is commanded to operate, it folds down with a dramatic “Welcome” sound, and if you don’t like the first angle of the screen, you can always move it back or forward to set an ideal viewing experience. 

Closing Words 

The India-bound 2024 BMW 5 Series LWB, priced at Rs 72.90 lakh (ex-showroom), has two major misses: rear sunblinds and rear seat entertainment. All these basic offerings at this price point are expected from a car in this segment anyway. 

However, BMW India might be waiting for the next generation E-Class (which will launch soon in India), which is expected to have tablet-like screens for rear seat entertainment. But the Bavarian automaker is likely to get an edge if the India-spec 5 Series LWB gets an impressive 8K screen.  

 

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