BMW has launched its new i5 Long Wheelbase (LWB) electric sedan in India. Its introductory price has been kept at Rs. 79.60 lakh (ex-showroom).
Most interestingly, the BMW i5 LWB is the company’s first locally assembled electric sedan in India, which is being assembled at the BMW Group’s Chennai plant.
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The BMW i5 LWB is offered in India in a single eDrive35L M Sport variant. Apart from this, a limited-run First Edition is also available, but 99 units of this have already been sold out.
Also Read: BMW X1 LWB Launched at Rs. 49.90 Lakh, Gets 108mm Longer Wheelbase
BMW i5 LWB: 669km Range and 268hp Power
The i5 LWB features an 81.6kWh battery pack, which offers a claimed range of 669km according to MIDC testing.
The powertrain consists of a single electric motor, which delivers:
- 268hp power
- 410Nm torque
- Rear-wheel drive
- 0-100kph: 6.7 seconds
- Top speed: 195kph
Along with performance, BMW has also focused the i5 LWB on long-distance touring, where its claimed range of 669km could be a major selling point.
160kW DC Fast Charging
The BMW i5 LWB supports 160kW DC fast charging. According to the company, it takes a claimed 33 minutes to charge the battery from 10-80 percent.
For AC charging, the car supports 11kW charging. The BMW i5 LWB also comes with a BMW Wallbox charger and installation.
How much larger is the BMW i5 LWB than the standard i5?
Being the long-wheelbase version, the i5 LWB is noticeably longer than the standard i5.
| Dimension | BMW i5 LWB |
|---|---|
| Length | 5,175mm |
| Width | 2,156mm |
| Height | 1,520mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,105mm |
The BMW i5 LWB is 115mm longer than the standard i5, while its wheelbase is 110mm longer.
Interestingly, its length, height, and wheelbase are identical to the India-spec 5 Series LWB.
20-Inch M Alloy Wheels and Illuminated Grille
On the exterior, the BMW i5 LWB features an illuminated kidney grille, adaptive LED headlights, and 20-inch M alloy wheels for a premium look.
The rear features wraparound LED taillights and a white ‘5’ lettering on the C-pillar. A welcome light is also available.
The BMW i5 LWB is offered with the M Sport Package, which includes M-specific front and rear bumpers, black high-gloss inserts, and an M steering wheel.
Exterior colors available include:
- Mineral White
- Phytonic Blue
- Carbon Black
- Oxide Grey
- Standard.
Also Read: Third-Gen Audi Q3 vs BMW X1 LWB: Which Luxury SUV Wins the Battle?
Rear-Axle Air Suspension
Adaptive rear-axle air suspension is standard on the India-spec i5 LWB.
According to BMW, the car’s ground clearance has also been increased to account for Indian road conditions.
The 20-inch wheels are fitted with 245/45 R20 tires at the front and wider 275/40 R20 tires at the rear.
i5 LWB Interior: 17-Speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System
The cabin of the BMW i5 LWB is loaded with premium luxury equipment.
The dashboard has a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Other highlights in:
- 4-zone climate control
- Ventilated electrically adjustable front seats
- Ambient lighting
- panoramic glass roof
- Rear AC controls
- Rear center armrest with two cupholders
- Wireless charging
A 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system is also provided for audiophile buyers.
Connectivity features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, BMW Digital Key Plus, and USB-C ports.
BMW i5 LWB Safety Features
For safety, the BMW i5 LWB comes with eight airbags. The Driver Assistance Package includes features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane departure warning, and front collision warning.
- Rear cross-traffic warning
- Tire pressure monitoring
- 360-degree camera
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Remote parking via smartphone
BMW i5 LWB Price & Lexus ES 500e Rival
The BMW i5 LWB has an introductory price of Rs. 79.60 lakh ex-showroom.
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| BMW i5 LWB | Rs. 79.60 lakh |
| Lexus ES 500e | Rs. 91.20 lakh |
The BMW i5 LWB’s key rival is the Lexus ES 500e. The Lexus electric sedan features a 74.68 kWh battery pack that generates 343 hp and 438 Nm, with a claimed range of 580 km.
BMW’s biggest advantage is its local assembly in India and a relatively lower starting price.
BMW i5 LWB vs. i5 M60: Price Difference
The BMW i5 LWB is significantly lower in price than the standard-wheelbase i5 M60 xDrive.
The i5 M60 xDrive is priced around Rs. 1.2 crore and is imported into India via the CBU route. In contrast, the i5 LWB is locally assembled at the BMW Group’s Chennai plant.
This local production has allowed BMW to position the i5 LWB at a considerably more accessible price point.
Auto India Daily Verdict
The BMW i5 LWB brings an interesting package to India’s luxury EV segment. Its biggest highlights include a price tag of Rs. 79.60 lakh, a claimed MIDC range of 669 km, a 268 hp motor, and adaptive rear-axle air suspension.
Local assembly makes this car even more interesting, especially considering the standard i5 M60 xDrive is priced around Rs. 1.2 crore.
Overall, the BMW i5 LWB appears to be a strong option for buyers who want luxury sedan comfort, long-range EV capability, and a BMW driving experience at a relatively competitive price point.
Also Read: BMW 7 Series Facelift India Bookings Open Ahead of Launch: AI Tech & 720 KM Range
Raj Prajapati is a Senior Automotive Content Writer at AutoIndiaDaily. A B.Tech graduate in Computer Science and Engineering, he leverages over four years of experience covering Indian car and bike launches, EV tech, and market dynamics to break down complex automotive regulations into simple consumer guides. Specialising in Indian motor vehicle laws, IRDAI updates, and ownership costs, Raj translates technical auto policies into actionable advice for everyday drivers.