BMW has launched the 5 Series LWB in India without its highly anticipated rear Theatre Screen. The company is evaluating the introduction of this feature at a later stage.
BMW has recently launched the long-wheelbase (LWB) version of its 5 Series in India, but one notable feature is missing: the rear seat-based Theatre Screen. This innovative system, first introduced in the 7 Series, includes a massive 31.3-inch 8K screen that folds down from the roof, providing a top-notch viewing experience for rear-seat passengers. However, the Indian version of the 5 Series LWB does not currently include this feature, raising questions among luxury car enthusiasts.
Jean-Philippe Parain, Senior Vice President at BMW Group, explained that the omission of the Theatre Screen was due to the challenges faced in assembling the 5 Series locally. “It was already a big struggle getting the 5 Series assembled in India,” Parain said. “So the panoramic display is not on this car.” This decision was made to simplify the initial assembly process in India.
Despite this setback, BMW has not abandoned the idea of bringing the Theatre Screen to the Indian market. Parain emphasized that the company is exploring ways to introduce this feature at a later stage. The Theatre Screen is already available on the long-wheelbase 5 Series in China, making it only the second car globally to feature this advanced system.
The Theatre Screen boasts an 8K resolution with 8000×2000 pixels and is built around an Android system or AOSP (Android Open Source Project). It can be paired with high-end audio systems like Harman/Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System, and supports video streaming in various aspect ratios (16:9, 21:9, or 32:9). Passengers can stream content in 4K Ultra HD on apps like Amazon Prime, Netflix, or YouTube, and even enjoy gaming or pre-downloaded content.
In addition to the screen, the system includes dark blinds that activate automatically to enhance the viewing experience. On the 7 Series, BMW has also incorporated design features that allow passengers to have a limited view of the road outside, even while watching content, to prevent car sickness.
BMW has not yet provided a timeline for the introduction of the Theatre Screen in the Indian 5 Series LWB. The addition of this feature is expected to attract significant attention and could offset some of the drawbacks, such as the lack of adjustable rear backrests in the current model.
Tables
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | 31.3 inches |
| Resolution | 8000×2000 pixels (8K) |
| System | Android / AOSP |
| Aspect Ratios | 16:9, 21:9, 32:9 |
| Streaming Apps | Amazon Prime, Netflix, YouTube |
| Audio Systems | Harman/Kardon, Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System |
| Additional Features | Dark blinds, Adjustable viewing distance, Limited view of the road |
| Price Type | Specification |
|---|---|
| Base Model (India) | No Theatre Screen |
| Future Model (India) | Theatre Screen (Under Evaluation) |
| International Models | Theatre Screen available in China 5 Series LWB and 7 Series |
Key Features
- High-Resolution Display: 31.3-inch 8K screen
- Advanced Audio Options: Compatible with Harman/Kardon and Bowers & Wilkins systems
- Versatile Viewing: Supports multiple aspect ratios (16:9, 21:9, 32:9)
- Premium Streaming: Access to 4K Ultra HD content on popular apps
- Enhanced Experience: Includes dark blinds and adjustable screen distance
- Future Plans: BMW exploring the introduction of Theatre Screen in India
