BMW i5 LWB Launched in India at Rs 79.60 Lakh: Everything You Need to Know

BMW has officially launched the BMW i5 LWB in India at an introductory price of Rs 79.60 lakh (ex-showroom), marking a genuine milestone for the brand — this is BMW India’s first locally assembled electric sedan, built at the BMW Group Plant in Chennai. With deliveries starting immediately and bookings already open across dealerships, the i5 LWB brings BMW’s long-wheelbase strategy into the electric space for the first time in India.

For a locally produced luxury EV with genuine flagship numbers, Rs 79.60 lakh positions the i5 LWB as a compelling value proposition in the executive electric sedan space.

Battery, Range and Performance

The BMW i5 LWB is powered by an 81.6 kWh battery pack that delivers a claimed MIDC range of up to 669 km — among the highest figures in its segment in India right now. The eDrive35L powertrain produces 268 hp and 410 Nm of torque, taking the car from 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, with a top speed capped at 195 km/h.

On the charging front, the i5 LWB supports 160 kW DC fast charging, which BMW says can take the battery from 10-80% in around 33 minutes. Buyers also get a complimentary BMW Wallbox capable of home charging at up to 11 kW.

Verdict: A 669 km claimed range comfortably covers long highway drives between metro cities, though real-world figures will likely settle lower depending on driving style and AC usage.

Design and Dimensions

At 5,175 mm long, 2,156 mm wide and 1,520 mm tall, with a 3,105 mm wheelbase, the i5 LWB is 115 mm longer overall than the standard i5, with a 110 mm longer wheelbase — dimensions that BMW says are aimed squarely at improving rear-seat comfort for chauffeur-driven buyers.

Exterior highlights include BMW’s illuminated “Iconic Glow” kidney grille, adaptive LED headlights, flush-fitting door handles, wraparound LED tail-lights, and 20-inch M alloy wheels. The car is offered in four metallic paint finishes: Mineral White, Phytonic Blue, Carbon Black, and Oxide Grey. BMW also introduced a limited “First Edition,” restricted to 99 units with additional rear-seat entertainment features, priced identically to the standard variant — and it sold out before the official launch.

Interior and Features

Inside, the i5 LWB gets BMW’s Curved Display setup, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. The cabin uses fully vegan “Veganza” upholstery in a Copper Brown and Atlas Grey dual-tone finish.

Comfort features include adaptive rear-axle air suspension with increased ground clearance tuned for Indian roads, Comfort Suspension mode, and BMW’s “My Modes” that adjust cabin lighting, ambient sound, and seat functions across Personal, Efficient, Sport, Expressive, Relax, and Digital Art settings.

Safety and driver-assistance tech is comprehensive for the segment: active cruise control with Stop & Go, lane-change warning, front and rear collision warning, cross-traffic warning, exit warning, reverse assistance, Parking Assistant Professional, Remote Parking, Manoeuvring Assistant, eight airbags, electronic stability control, and active pedestrian protection.

Verdict: The feature list reads like a genuine flagship sedan rather than a cost-cut, India-specific variant — BMW hasn’t held back on equipment despite the aggressive local pricing.

Price and Positioning

At Rs 79.60 lakh, the i5 LWB undercuts its own sibling significantly — the standard-wheelbase i5 M60 xDrive, sold as a CBU import, is priced at around Rs 1.2 crore. It’s also more affordable than its closest rival, the Lexus ES 500e, priced at Rs 91.2 lakh, which runs a smaller 74.68 kWh battery, makes 343 hp and 438 Nm, and offers a claimed 580 km range — meaning the BMW undercuts the Lexus on price while beating it on claimed range.

Interestingly, there’s currently no direct long-wheelbase electric sedan rival to the i5 LWB in India. Its closest positioning comparison is with its own petrol sibling, the BMW 5 Series LWB, which competes against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class LWB.

Verdict: The i5 LWB currently has no true head-to-head rival in the long-wheelbase electric luxury sedan space in India, giving BMW a genuine first-mover edge in this specific niche.

FAQs

Q1. What is the price of the BMW i5 LWB in India? The BMW i5 LWB is priced at Rs 79.60 lakh (ex-showroom) in India.

Q2. What is the range of the BMW i5 LWB? It offers a claimed MIDC range of up to 669 km on a full charge, powered by an 81.6 kWh battery.

Q3. Is the BMW i5 LWB made in India? Yes, it is BMW India’s first locally assembled electric sedan, manufactured at the BMW Group Plant in Chennai.

Q4. How fast does the BMW i5 LWB charge? It supports 160 kW DC fast charging, taking the battery from 10-80% in approximately 33 minutes.

Q5. What is the BMW i5 LWB’s main rival in India? There is no direct long-wheelbase electric sedan rival currently on sale in India; the closest comparison is the Lexus ES 500e.