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▼BMW India has officially launched the BMW i5 LWB at an ex-showroom price of Rs 79.60 lakh. Available in eDrive35L M Sport trim, this executive electric sedan is locally assembled at the Chennai plant and delivers an MIDC-certified range of up to 669 km on a single charge. Strong initial demand has already seen the launch exclusive First Edition variants sell out completely.
Why Local Assembly Matters for Luxury Buyers
Indian buyers looking for a chauffeur-driven electric car now have a locally built option from Bavaria. Assembling the car at the BMW Group Plant in Chennai makes it the second electric vehicle to roll off those local lines, right after the iX1 SUV. More importantly, it is the first electric sedan BMW has chosen to build directly in India. Local production helps keep pricing competitive against imported rivals while ensuring specifications match local driving expectations.
How Large Is the Cabin Compared to the Standard 5 Series?
Rear seat comfort often decides purchases in this price bracket. By stretching the body, BMW created the largest sedan in its class. Here is how the dimensions stack up:
|
Dimension |
Measurement |
|
Overall Length |
5175 mm |
|
Overall Width |
2156 mm |
|
Overall Height |
1520 mm |
|
Wheelbase |
3105 mm |
The extended 3105 mm wheelbase adds 110 mm of length over the standard wheelbase model. That extra space goes directly to rear legroom, supported by thicker seat cushions designed specifically for long journeys.
What Powers the Electric Sedan?
Under the floor sits an 81.6 kWh high-voltage battery pack. Power goes to a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 268 hp. That combination propels the heavy sedan from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.
For Indian highway driving, a certified MIDC range of up to 669 km means you can commute between major cities without stopping constantly to charge.
Engineered for Indian Road Conditions
To make the BMW i5 LWB practical for Indian conditions, engineers added adaptive rear axle air suspension as standard equipment. They also raised the overall ground clearance. These changes soften harsh impacts on broken city roads and lower the risk of scraping the underbody battery pack on tall speed bumps.
Interior Features and Digital Displays
Up front, the cabin features a curved glass housing that combines a 12.3 inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9 inch central touchscreen.
Notable cabin details include:
- BMW Interaction Bar: An illuminated, touch-sensitive bar running across the dashboard.
- CraftedClarity Glass Controls: Crystal glass finishes on the gear selector and volume dial.
- Sky Lounge Glass Roof: A fixed panoramic panel extending over both seating rows.
- Comfort Upgrades: Ventilated front seats wrapped in vegan leather upholstery and four-zone automatic climate control.
- Bowers and Wilkins Sound System: A multi-speaker surround sound setup tuned for high cabin acoustics.
Why Did the First Edition Sell Out So Fast?
Priced identically at Rs 79.60 lakh, the First Edition added cosmetic and functional upgrades that attracted early buyers immediately.
On the outside, First Edition models paired Carbon Black Metallic paint with Titanium Bronze details around the illuminated Iconic Glow grille and lower body trim. The side profile stood out with 20-inch M alloy wheels and a redesigned Hofmeister kink featuring an illuminated number 5 emblem.
Inside, rear passengers received a dedicated entertainment package with an integrated tablet and tablet holder. The dashboard got open-pore fine wood trim, Silver Bronze accents, and a laser-engraved First Edition logo.
Conclusion
The new electric sedan hits a sweet spot for executive car buyers in India. By combining local assembly price advantages with chauffeur-focused rear legroom and a practical 669 km range, it offers real everyday usability. While the First Edition allocation is already gone, the standard eDrive35L M Sport remains an attractive choice for anyone wanting a zero-emission executive transport.
Neha Mehlawat
Neha Mehlawat is an automotive journalist and industry analyst with 10+ years of experience covering cars, bikes, and mobility trends. She tracks the latest launches, technology upgrades, and policy changes in the auto sector, delivering sharp insights that help readers stay ahead in the fast-evolving world of automobiles.