BMW India has launched the locally produced BMW i5 Long Wheelbase in the country at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 79.60 lakh. The sedan, which marks the company’s first electric vehicle assembled in India, arrives with a claimed MIDC range of up to 669 km. The car is being built at BMW Group’s plant in Chennai, with deliveries set to begin immediately. The company also introduced a First Edition variant at the same price point, limited to 99 units, which sold out before the official launch.
The i5 LWB measures 5,175 mm in length, 2,156 mm in width, and 1,520 mm in height. It features a wheelbase of 3,105 mm, which contributes to the extended rear space. Exterior elements include the illuminated kidney grille with glow contour lighting, adaptive LED headlamps, and flush-mounted door handles. The car rides on 20-inch M alloy wheels and includes a revised Hofmeister kink with an embossed ‘5’ badge. The rear is distinguished by slender LED tail lamps featuring an L-shaped twin-light graphic.
Paint options available for the vehicle include Mineral White, Phytonic Blue, Carbon Black, and Oxide Grey metallic. The styling emphasizes the extended proportions, particularly the rear-end design where the tail lamps integrate with the rear bumper. BMW has focused on the visual cues that distinguish the Long Wheelbase version from the standard model.
Performance and Charging
Powering the i5 eDrive35L M Sport is a rear-mounted electric motor that produces 268 hp of maximum power and 410 Nm of peak torque. The vehicle is equipped with a single-speed transmission. The 0-100 kmph acceleration time is 6.7 seconds, and the top speed is capped at 195 kmph.
An 81.6 kWh battery pack underpins the range and performance figures. BMW claims a top MIDC range of 669 km. The vehicle supports DC fast charging, which can deliver up to 160 kW. The company states that a charge from 10 to 80 per cent takes 33 minutes. This charging capability is a standard feature in the segment for high-performance electric sedans.
Interior Features and Comfort
The stretched wheelbase is designed to maximize rear-seat space, supported by additional seat cushioning and generous legroom. An adaptive rear-axle air suspension works in conjunction with the comfort-based suspension setup. BMW has also increased the ground clearance to accommodate Indian road conditions.
The cabin is furnished with Veganza perforated vegan upholstery as standard. The front seats are ventilated comfort seats, and the car features four-zone climate control. A Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof with an LED light pattern is included. The dashboard houses BMW’s Curved Display, which combines a 12.3-inch instrument screen with a 14.9-inch touchscreen running Operating System 8.5.
Equipment highlights include the illuminated BMW Interaction Bar, crystal glass controls, and a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system. Connectivity options consist of Digital Key Plus, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot for personal devices. Wireless charging points are provided for both the front and rear seats. An interior camera is installed to monitor the cabin.
Safety and Warranty
BMW i5 LWB comes equipped with an extensive list of safety features. These include Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Parking Assistant Professional, Remote Parking through a smartphone, Maneuvering Assistant, Reverse Assistant, Lane Change Warning, and Cross Traffic Warning. The vehicle also features front and rear collision warning, Exit Warning, Active Pedestrian Protection, and eight airbags.
Standard safety systems also include Dynamic Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control, an electric parking brake with auto hold, and child-seat mounting points. The First Edition variant adds a rear-seat entertainment tablet package, silver bronze accents, and Fineline open-pored wood trim. It is available exclusively in Carbon Black Metallic with Titanium Bronze exterior accents.
BMW supplies an 11 kW Wallbox charger with installation as standard. The battery carries an eight-year or 1,60,000 km warranty, while the vehicle warranty covers two years with unlimited kilometres. Extended coverage is available up to 10 years or 2,00,000 km. The pricing and specifications place the i5 LWB in a competitive position within the premium electric sedan market in India.
