What is the difference between BMW 520i and 520Li?

[LaAlexandra]

BMW 520i and 520Li differ in the following aspects: 1. Different production origins: The 520i is an imported model, while the 520Li is a domestically produced model by BMW Brilliance. 2. Different dimensions: The imported 520i has a standard wheelbase of 2968mm, a body length of 4907mm, and a height of 1471mm, with a shorter wheelbase offering better handling. The domestically produced 520Li has an extended wheelbase of 3108mm, a body length of 5047mm, and a height of 1464mm, providing more comfortable seating. 3. Different exteriors: The imported 520i comes with roof rack mounting points, making it more convenient for travel enthusiasts and more user-friendly.

[SanPresley]

I finally understood this when I accompanied my friend to the 4S dealership last time. The BMW 520i is the standard wheelbase version, while the 520Li is the long-wheelbase version specifically designed for the Chinese market, with the most noticeable difference being the significantly larger rear legroom. The Li version is about 13 cm longer than the i version, allowing passengers to easily cross their legs in the back seat. The driving feel is also different—the 520i handles corners more nimbly, while the 520Li feels more stable due to its longer wheelbase. In the domestic market, the 520Li is the main seller, as everyone prefers spacious interiors, whereas the 520i is more commonly seen on European streets. As for the engine and configurations, they are basically the same—both equipped with a 2.0T engine and an 8AT transmission—so the choice mainly depends on how much rear space you need.

[ODante]

I've pondered this question for a while. Simply put, the biggest difference between the 520i and 520Li lies in the wheelbase - the Li is an extended version with super spacious rear seats. BMW designed this extended version specifically for Chinese market preferences, and you'll see almost exclusively 520Li models on domestic streets. The driving experience differs noticeably: the standard-wheelbase 520i offers more agile handling, with particularly crisp lane changes and cornering; the Li version provides better stability at high speeds due to its longer body, making it more comfortable for highway driving, though you'll need to be slightly more cautious when making U-turns on narrow urban roads. Both share the same powertrain configuration, so their performance is similar. Personally, I'd recommend the Li if you frequently chauffeur clients or family members, but if you're mainly driving alone without space requirements, the i model actually delivers more driving pleasure.

[GemmaMarie]

A friend of mine who often drives a BMW told me that the core difference between the 520i and 520Li lies in their body dimensions. The Li version is about 13 centimeters longer than the i version, especially offering significantly more legroom in the rear seats. Although both models are equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, there are some differences in the driving experience: the shorter-wheelbase 520i has more direct steering response and less body roll during turns, while the long-wheelbase Li version provides better comfort, with less vibration in the rear seats over bumpy roads. In terms of fuel consumption, both models are quite similar, though the Li version has a slightly longer braking distance due to its extra weight of a few dozen kilograms. Currently, the 5 Series available in the domestic market is mostly the Li version, so if you really want the standard-wheelbase model, you’d have to consider importing it.