BMW has expanded its electric luxury sedan portfolio in India with the launch of the BMW i5 Long Wheelbase (LWB). At ₹79.60 lakh (ex-showroom), the new electric sedan combines the familiar executive appeal of the 5 Series with a stretched wheelbase, a spacious rear cabin and an electric powertrain designed for long-distance use.
The BMW i5 LWB is being produced locally at BMW Group Plant Chennai, which makes it BMW India's first locally produced electric sedan. BMW had already opened bookings for the model, positioning it as a premium electric alternative aimed primarily at customers who place a strong emphasis on rear-seat comfort.
BMW i5 LWB Price and Dimensions
BMW i5 eDrive35L M Sport is priced at ₹79.60 lakh ex-showroom. BMW also launched a First Edition limited to 99 customers, with the company stating that all 99 units were sold before the official launch.
The i5 LWB is 5,175mm long, while the wheelbase is 3,105mm. The longer wheelbase is one of the car’s biggest advantages for rear passengers. BMW is targeting buyers who may use the vehicle with a chauffeur and want a more comfortable second-row experience.
BMW says the i5 LWB is the largest and longest sedan in its segment based on its stated dimensions. The car also features adaptive rear-axle air suspension and increased ground clearance developed with Indian road conditions in mind.
669km Claimed Range
The BMW i5 LWB is powered by an 81.6kWh high-voltage battery pack. The electric sedan has a claimed range of up to 669km under the WLTP cycle and is one of its main selling points.
The rear-mounted electric motor generates 268hp and 410Nm of torque. Despite the whole emphasis on rear-seat luxury and comfort, the i5 LWB has rear-wheel drive.
BMW claims a 0- 100 km/h acceleration time of 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 195kmph. These figures ensure that the i5 LWB is balanced between performance and everyday luxury rather than an all-star limousine for a chauffeur.
Fast Charging And Battery Technology
The BMW i5 LWB supports 160kW DC fast charging. According to BMW's figures, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent in about 33 minutes using a compatible fast charger.
An 11kW wallbox charger is also included in the vehicle, and it is a home-charging option for the owners.
The relatively massive battery, long range, and fast charging capabilities of the i5 LWB could make it a good choice for premium EV buyers who tend to travel a lot longer.
Rear Seat Comfort
Driving dynamics are key to the BMW badge, but the i5 LWB has been designed with a great deal of emphasis on passenger comfort.
The longer wheelbase offers additional rear legroom, and the cabin has four-zone climate control, ventilated front seats and a panoramic glass roof. A premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system is also included in the equipment package.
The First Edition also improved the rear passenger experience with a tablet-based entertainment package and tablet holder. On the limited-run model, exclusive interior trim and special exterior detailing were also offered.
Inside, the car has BMW’s digital cockpit setup with a 12.3-inch instrument display and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen. The entire cabin combines technology with the traditional luxury-sedan emphasis on materials, comfort and space.
BMW's Local EV Strategy
The i5 LWB is an important step in BMW's localization strategy in India. It is also the first locally produced electric sedan, following the locally assembled iX1 as another big step in BMW's EV drive in the country.
Local production of these vehicles may also help BMW position the i5 LWB more competitively than fully imported luxury electric vehicles. At ₹79.60 lakh, the sedan enters a segment where buyers increasingly have several premium EV options to consider.
With a stretched body, the 669km claimed range, rear-wheel drive, fast charging and a chauffeur-friendly rear cabin, the BMW i5 LWB takes a different approach to the luxury EV market. It doesn’t only aim to be a pure performance vehicle but also to be a comfort, technology, and road presence that an executive car needs to have along with electric mobility.
The BMW i5 LWB will therefore attract buyers looking for a premium electric sedan that can be used as a personal luxury car as well as a chauffeur-driven executive vehicle.
