BMW i5 Long Wheelbase Launched in India at ₹79.60 Lakh: Range, Specs, and Features

BMW’s locally assembled electric luxury sedan hits the Indian market with an impressive 669 km claimed range, extended rear-seat comfort, and flagship tech.

Priya|08-Sep-26 11:07 AM

BMW i5 Long Wheelbase Launched in India at ₹79.60 Lakh: Range, Specs, and Features

BMW India has officially launched the all-new BMW i5 Long Wheelbase (LWB) at a starting price of ₹79.60 lakh (ex-showroom). Marking a major milestone for the German automaker, the i5 LWB is BMW's first locally assembled luxury electric sedan in the country.

Positioned as an executive EV designed for chauffeur-driven buyers, the new i5 LWB delivers a blend of extended rear-seat comfort, impressive range, and cutting-edge tech.

BMW i5 LWB: Key Highlights at a Glance

Price: ₹79.60 Lakh (ex-showroom)
Battery Pack: 81.6 kWh
Claimed Range: Up to 669 km (MIDC cycle)
Power Output: 268 hp / 410 Nm torque
0–100 km/h: 6.7 seconds
Fast Charging: 10% to 80% in 33 minutes (160 kW DC)

Performance, Battery, and Charging

At the heart of the BMW i5 LWB (offered in the eDrive35L M Sport trim) is an 81.6 kWh battery pack paired with a single electric motor powering the rear wheels.

The single-motor setup generates 268 hp and 410 Nm of peak torque, accelerating the luxury electric sedan from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds before reaching an electronically limited top speed of 195 km/h.

BMW claims an impressive driving range of up to 669 km on a single charge under the MIDC test cycle. For charging, the i5 LWB supports:

160 kW DC Fast Charging: Refills the battery from 10% to 80% in just 33 minutes.
11 kW AC Charging: Includes a complimentary BMW Wallbox charger with home installation.

Exterior and Dimensions

The long-wheelbase setup extends the vehicle's total length to 5,175 mm with a wheelbase of 3,105 mm, making room for unmatched legroom in the second row.

Key Exterior Features:

Illuminated BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille
Adaptive LED headlights with aggressive apron styling
20-inch M light-alloy wheels
Embossed '5' logo on the C-pillar to highlight its signature status

Cabin, Luxury Features, and Technology

Inside, the BMW i5 LWB adopts BMW’s flagship design language. Upfront, the dash features the massive BMW Curved Display, which combines a 12.3-inch digital driver display with a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen running on BMW Operating System 8.5.

Top Interior Highlights:

Rear Comfort Focus: Extended rear legroom, dedicated multi-zone climate control, central armrest with wireless phone charging, and plush headrest cushions.
Audio System: Premium 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound setup.
Panoramic Glass Roof: Expansive fixed glass roof enhancing roominess.
Upholstery: Veganza 100% vegan leather seat trim with active front-seat ventilation.

Safety and Driver Assistance Systems

Safety is heavily emphasized with 8 airbags, dynamic stability control, and a comprehensive Level 2 ADAS suite. Key driver assistance systems include:

Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function
Front Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning
360-Degree Camera with 3D view and Remote Parking via smartphone

Price and Market Competitors

Priced at ₹79.60 lakh (ex-showroom), the BMW i5 LWB sits aggressively near its ICE counterpart, the BMW 530Li (priced at ₹76.60 lakh).

In the premium EV space, its primary rivals in India include the Lexus ES Electric and incoming luxury electric offerings from Mercedes-Benz and Audi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1What is the difference between the BMW i5 LWB and the BMW i5 M60?

BMW i5 LWB (eDrive35L): Locally assembled in India, focused on rear-seat luxury and legroom, single-motor rear-wheel drive, priced significantly lower at ₹79.60 lakh. BMW i5 M60 xDrive: A high-performance import (CBU) variant priced at ₹1.20 crore, featuring dual-motor all-wheel drive for sports performance rather than extended wheelbase space.

Q.2Is the BMW i5 LWB imported or locally assembled in India?

It is locally assembled (CKD) at the BMW Group plant in Chennai. This local manufacturing allows BMW to avoid steep CBU import duties, lowering its price point compared to imported luxury EVs.

Q.3How much real-world range does the BMW i5 LWB offer?

The official MIDC claimed range is up to 669 km on a full charge with its 81.6 kWh battery pack. In actual driving conditions, real-world mileage typically ranges between 480 km and 550 km, depending on driving mode, climate control usage, and road terrain.

Q.4What is the charging time for the BMW i5 LWB?

160 kW DC Fast Charger: Charges from 10% to 80% in 33 minutes. 11 kW AC Wallbox (Home Charging): Takes approximately 8.2 hours for a full 0–100% charge. A complimentary BMW Wallbox charger is included with the vehicle.

Q.5Why is the BMW i5 LWB cheaper than the standard BMW i5?

The original BMW i5 M60 was imported as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), attracting taxes over 100%. The i5 LWB is assembled in Chennai and uses a practical single-motor powertrain (eDrive35L), lowering import taxes and manufacturing costs.

Q.6Does the BMW i5 LWB handle rough Indian roads and speed breakers well?

Yes. BMW modified the chassis for Indian road conditions by incorporating Adaptive Rear-Axle Air Suspension and slightly increasing the ground clearance compared to the global spec.