BMW has launched the i5 Long Wheelbase (LWB) in India at an introductory price of Rs 79.60 lakh, ex-showroom. The new electric executive sedan is the German brand’s first locally produced electric sedan in India and is being assembled at BMW Group’s Chennai plant. Deliveries have commenced immediately.
The India-specific i5 LWB combines a large 81.6kWh battery, a claimed 669km MIDC range and a chauffeur-friendly 3,105mm wheelbase. It is offered in a single fully equipped eDrive35L M Sport variant, while a limited First Edition was offered at the same price to 99 customers. All 99 First Edition cars were sold before the official launch.
Key Highlights
- Price: Rs 79.60 lakh, ex-showroom
- Battery: 81.6kWh
- Claimed range: Up to 669km, MIDC
- Power: 268hp and 410Nm
- 0-100kmph: 6.7 seconds
- Charging: Up to 160kW DC, 10-80% in 33 minutes
- Wheelbase: 3,105mm, with adaptive rear-axle air suspension
BMW i5 LWB Price and Variants
The BMW i5 LWB has a straightforward range in India. There is only one regular variant, the i5 eDrive35L M Sport, priced at Rs 79.60 lakh ex-showroom.
| Variant | Ex-showroom price |
|---|---|
| BMW i5 eDrive35L M Sport | Rs 79.60 lakh |
| BMW i5 eDrive35L M Sport First Edition | Rs 79.60 lakh |
The First Edition was limited to 99 units and has already sold out. It added exclusive Carbon Black paint, Titanium Bronze exterior detailing, BMW Individual Silver Bronze accents, Fineline open-pore wood trim and a rear-seat entertainment package.
The quoted price excludes insurance, RTO charges, road tax, TCS and other applicable local charges. Consequently, the final on-road price will vary between states.
BMW i5 LWB Battery, Range and Performance
The i5 eDrive35L uses an 81.6kWh high-voltage battery and a single electric motor paired with a single-speed transmission. The powertrain produces 268hp and 410Nm, enough for a claimed 0-100kmph time of 6.7 seconds. Top speed is rated at 195kmph.
BMW claims an impressive 669km MIDC range on a full charge. That figure should not be treated as a guaranteed real-world range, particularly in Indian traffic, high-speed highway driving or extreme temperatures. Still, the combination of a large battery and efficient rear-drive electric powertrain gives the i5 LWB a strong touring proposition.
Charging support is equally important for a luxury EV. The car accepts up to 160kW DC fast charging, taking the battery from 10 to 80% in a claimed 33 minutes. At home, the supplied BMW Wallbox can charge at up to 11kW, and BMW includes installation with the vehicle.
Dimensions and Rear-Seat Space
The BMW i5 LWB measures 5,175mm long, 2,156mm wide and 1,520mm tall, with a 3,105mm wheelbase. The extended wheelbase is central to the car’s positioning in India, where rear-seat comfort remains a major consideration in the executive luxury segment.
BMW has also fitted the i5 LWB with adaptive rear-axle air suspension and enhanced ground clearance, with the suspension tuned for Indian road conditions. The setup is intended to deliver a softer, more controlled ride without sacrificing the brand’s handling characteristics.
The sedan rides on 20-inch M alloy wheels with a wider rear tyre configuration.
Features and Interior
The cabin follows the latest BMW design language, centred around the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch control display.
Other major equipment includes:
- Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof
- Four-zone automatic climate control
- Front seat ventilation
- Veganza perforated vegan upholstery
- BMW Interaction Bar
- CraftedClarity crystal elements
- Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Digital Key Plus
- BMW Operating System 8.5
- MyBMW app connectivity
- Multiple USB-C ports
- Remote parking via smartphone
The rear cabin is the main reason to choose the LWB version. BMW has focused on additional legroom, cushioning and rear passenger comfort, making the i5 LWB equally relevant to owner-drivers and chauffeur-driven buyers.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Safety equipment is extensive. The i5 LWB gets eight airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, side-impact protection, electronic parking brake with auto-hold and active pedestrian protection.
Driver assistance features include Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Change Warning, Cross Traffic Warning, Front and Rear Collision Warning, Exit Warning, Reverse Assistant, Manoeuvring Assistant and Parking Assistant Professional.
There is currently no India-specific crash-test rating for the i5 LWB that should be used as a buying reference, so buyers should not assume a local safety score that has not been officially published.
BMW i5 LWB vs Key Alternatives
The closest electric luxury sedan comparison is the Lexus ES 500e, which is priced at Rs 89.99 lakh ex-showroom. It uses a 74.68kWh battery and dual electric motors producing around 343hp, with a claimed range of 580km.
The BMW also overlaps with the conventional BMW 5 Series LWB, which starts at Rs 76.60 lakh ex-showroom in India. The petrol-powered 530Li therefore remains slightly cheaper, while the i5 offers significantly lower dependence on fuel and a substantially quieter driving experience.
| Model | Powertrain | Battery | Claimed range | Ex-showroom price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW i5 LWB | Electric | 81.6kWh | 669km MIDC | Rs 79.60 lakh |
| Lexus ES 500e | Electric AWD | 74.68kWh | 580km | Rs 89.99 lakh |
| BMW 5 Series LWB | 2.0-litre petrol | N/A | 15.7kpl* | Rs 76.60 lakh |
*Claimed figure for the 530Li.
Ownership, Warranty and Charging
BMW provides a two-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty, while the high-voltage battery is covered for eight years or 1,60,000km. Roadside assistance is included for two years.
BMW also offers extended warranty and Service Inclusive packages. For buyers concerned about resale, BMW India is offering an assured 55% buyback value after four years under its Smart Finance programme, subject to the applicable terms.
For regular city use, home charging will make the most sense. The 160kW DC capability becomes particularly useful for highway trips, although actual charging speeds depend on battery temperature, state of charge and charger capability.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Competitive Rs 79.60 lakh starting price for a large luxury EV
- 669km claimed MIDC range
- Spacious 3,105mm wheelbase
- Adaptive rear air suspension
- Strong standard equipment
- 160kW DC fast charging
- Locally assembled in India
Cons
- Real-world range will be lower than the MIDC figure
- Large 5.17-metre body can be cumbersome in tight urban spaces
- Limited public charging infrastructure remains a consideration for long-distance EV ownership
- First Edition is already sold out
Who Should Buy the BMW i5 LWB?
The BMW i5 LWB makes the most sense for buyers who want an electric luxury sedan with substantial rear-seat space without moving into the price territory of larger flagship EVs. Its 669km claimed range, fast charging capability and air suspension make it better suited to long-distance luxury travel than many smaller premium EVs.
The BMW 5 Series LWB remains the logical choice for buyers who frequently undertake long trips without convenient charging access. The Lexus ES 500e, meanwhile, is worth considering for buyers prioritising a softer luxury experience and Japanese-brand ownership proposition.
For an EV buyer, however, the i5 LWB’s combination of price, space, range and equipment makes the Rs 79.60 lakh asking price particularly compelling.
FAQs
What is the BMW i5 LWB price in India?
The BMW i5 LWB eDrive35L M Sport is priced at Rs 79.60 lakh ex-showroom.
What is the BMW i5 LWB range?
BMW claims a maximum range of 669km under the MIDC test cycle.
What battery does the BMW i5 LWB use?
It gets an 81.6kWh high-voltage battery.
How fast can the BMW i5 LWB charge?
With a compatible 160kW DC charger, BMW claims a 10-80% charging time of 33 minutes.
How powerful is the BMW i5 LWB?
The single electric motor produces 268hp and 410Nm, with a 0-100kmph time of 6.7 seconds.
Is the BMW i5 LWB locally manufactured?
Yes. It is locally produced at BMW Group’s Chennai plant, making it BMW India’s first locally produced electric sedan.
Does the BMW i5 LWB have air suspension?
Yes. It gets adaptive rear-axle air suspension, along with enhanced ground clearance for Indian road conditions.
Conclusion
At Rs 79.60 lakh, the BMW i5 LWB undercuts the Lexus ES 500e while offering a larger 81.6kWh battery, a longer claimed range and extensive standard equipment. More importantly, its 3,105mm wheelbase and rear air suspension directly address the preferences of Indian luxury-car buyers who spend significant time in the back seat.
The petrol 5 Series LWB remains a sensible alternative for buyers who want traditional refuelling convenience. For those ready to make the switch to electric, though, the i5 LWB is one of the most convincing premium executive EVs currently available in India.
Read More: