BMW India has launched the i5 Long Wheelbase at Rs. 79.60 lakh (ex-showroom) with local production taking place at BMW Group’s plant in Chennai and deliveries are set to begin immediately. The i5 eDrive35L M Sport is BMW India’s first locally assembled electric sedan and offers a claimed MIDC range of up to 669 km. BMW also introduced a First Edition at the same price, limited to 99 units, and the entire allocation was sold before the official launch.
The i5 LWB measures 5,175 mm long, 2,156 mm wide and 1,520 mm tall with a 3,105 mm wheelbase. The exterior features BMW’s illuminated kidney grille with glow contour lighting, adaptive LED headlamps, flush-mounted door handles and 20-inch M alloy wheels. A revised Hofmeister kink carries an embossed ‘5’ badge and the slender LED tail lamps feature an L-shaped twin-light graphic. Mineral White, Phytonic Blue, Carbon Black and Oxide Grey metallic paint options have been made available.
Power comes from a rear mounted electric motor kicking out 268 hp maximum power and 410 Nm of peak torque linked to a single-speed transmission. The i5 eDrive35L accelerates from zero to 100 kmph in 6.7 seconds and boasts a top speed of 195 kmph. An 81.6 kWh battery delivers the 669 km MIDC figure and DC fast charging peaks at 160 kW. BMW claims a 10 to 80 per cent charge takes 33 minutes.
| Specification | BMW i5 eDrive35L M Sport |
|---|---|
| Battery | 81.6 kWh |
| Power | 268 hp |
| Torque | 410 Nm |
| 0-100 kmph | 6.7 seconds |
| Top Speed | 195 kmph |
| MIDC Range | Up to 669 km |
| DC Fast Charging | Up to 160 kW |
| Wheelbase | 3,105 mm |
| Price | Rs. 79.60 lakh (ex-showroom) |
The stretched wheelbase places greater emphasis on rear-seat space supported by additional seat cushioning and generous legroom. An adaptive rear-axle air suspension works with the comfort-based suspension and BMW has also increased ground clearance for Indian road conditions. The cabin features Veganza perforated vegan upholstery as standard along with ventilated front comfort seats, four-zone climate control and the Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof with an LED light pattern.
The dashboard houses BMW’s Curved Display combining a 12.3-inch instrument screen with a 14.9-inch touchscreen running Operating System 8.5. Other equipment includes the illuminated BMW Interaction Bar, crystal glass controls, Bowers & Wilkins surround sound, Digital Key Plus, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, wireless charging points at the front and rear and an interior camera. The system also supports personal devices through a WiFi hotspot.
As for safety, BMW i5 LWB gets Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Parking Assistant Professional, Remote Parking through a smartphone, Maneuvering Assistant, Reverse Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Cross Traffic Warning, front and rear collision warning, Exit Warning and Active Pedestrian Protection. Eight airbags, Dynamic Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control, an electric parking brake with auto hold and child-seat mounting points are standard.
The First Edition adds a rear-seat entertainment tablet package, silver bronze accents, Fineline open-pored wood trim and First Edition laser engraving across the dashboard trim. It comes exclusively in Carbon Black Metallic with Titanium Bronze exterior accents. BMW supplies an 11 kW Wallbox charger with installation as standard and the battery carries an eight-year or 1,60,000 km warranty. The vehicle warranty covers two years with unlimited kilometres with extended coverage available up to 10 years or 2,00,000 km.
