BMW has added another premium electric sedan to its India lineup with the launch of the new BMW i5 Long Wheelbase (LWB). Priced at Rs. 79.60 lakh (ex-showroom), the new electric sedan brings together BMW’s familiar luxury and driving-focused character with the practicality of a longer wheelbase and an all-electric powertrain. The i5 LWB is also an interesting addition to the Indian market because it offers the comfort expected from a luxury chauffeur-driven sedan while retaining the performance and technology associated with BMW’s electric models.
BMW i5 LWB Price in India
The BMW i5 LWB has been launched in India at an ex-showroom price of Rs. 79.60 lakh. At this price, the electric sedan sits in the premium luxury EV space and carries a premium of around Rs. 3 lakh over the conventionally powered BMW 5 Series. BMW has also started deliveries, making the i5 LWB available to buyers looking for a more premium electric alternative in this segment.
The First Edition of the BMW i5 LWB was introduced with a few exclusive touches and was limited to just 99 units. According to the latest launch information, all 99 First Edition units have already been sold, making the regular i5 LWB the version buyers can look forward to now.
BMW i5 LWB Design and Dimensions
The long-wheelbase version of the i5 is designed with an obvious focus on rear-seat comfort. It measures around 5.18 metres in length and gets a wheelbase of approximately 3.1 metres, giving passengers more room inside the cabin. For buyers who regularly use a luxury sedan with a driver, this additional space can make a noticeable difference, particularly for rear-seat legroom.
On the outside, the BMW i5 LWB gets a familiar premium sedan appearance with BMW’s illuminated grille, slim LED lighting elements, M Sport dual-tone alloy wheels and flush-style door handles. The car rides on 20-inch wheels, while the overall design remains fairly understated compared with some of the more aggressively styled electric cars currently available. It still looks unmistakably like a BMW 5 Series, but the electric details give it a more modern identity.
Premium Interior With a Technology-Focused Cabin
Step inside, and the BMW i5 LWB takes a more sophisticated approach to luxury. The cabin gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument display along with a 14.9-inch central touchscreen, creating the wide-screen dashboard layout that has become a familiar feature across BMW’s newer models. The cabin also gets vegan leather upholstery, a panoramic glass roof and a crystal-finished drive selector and controls.
Comfort has clearly been given plenty of attention. The sedan comes with ventilated front seats, four-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting and a premium Bowers & Wilkins sound system. BMW’s OS 8.5 software and Digital Key Plus add to the technology package, allowing owners to access and interact with the car using compatible smartphones and digital functions.
BMW i5 LWB Battery, Range and Performance
Under the bonnet or rather, beneath the floor the BMW i5 LWB uses an 81.6kWh battery pack paired with a rear-mounted electric motor. The motor produces 264bhp and 410Nm of torque, with power being sent to the rear wheels. BMW claims a driving range of up to 669km on a single charge, which is one of the key attractions of the new electric sedan.
Despite its focus on comfort and long-distance usability, the i5 LWB is not short on performance. The sedan can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in 6.7 seconds. That gives it enough pace to feel properly quick while still keeping the driving experience aligned with the smooth and refined character expected from a luxury electric sedan.
Charging Time and Battery Technology
For charging, the BMW i5 LWB supports up to 11kW AC charging and 160kW DC fast charging. With a compatible fast charger, the battery can reportedly go from 10 to 80 per cent in about 33 minutes. This makes the car more practical for longer journeys, where quick charging can be just as important as the maximum claimed driving range.
The claimed 669km range will naturally depend on factors such as driving style, traffic, road conditions, climate control usage and charging conditions. Still, the combination of a large battery and fast-charging capability gives the i5 LWB a strong advantage for buyers who want to use their luxury EV beyond just short city trips.
BMW i5 LWB Safety and Technology Features
BMW has equipped the i5 LWB with a wide range of safety and driver-assistance features. The sedan gets eight airbags, a 360-degree camera, attentiveness assistance and side-impact protection. These features are complemented by the car’s technology-heavy cabin and digital systems, creating a package that focuses not only on performance but also on everyday usability.
The availability of features such as Digital Key Plus and advanced parking assistance also makes the i5 LWB easier to use in everyday situations. For a large luxury sedan, especially one intended for urban driving, technology that helps with parking and manoeuvring can be just as useful as outright performance.
Why the BMW i5 LWB Could Be an Interesting Luxury EV
The biggest appeal of the BMW i5 LWB is that it does not try to be an electric car first and a luxury sedan second. Instead, it combines the traditional strengths of a premium executive sedan space, comfort, refinement and road presence with the instant response and quieter operation of an electric powertrain.
The long-wheelbase format is particularly relevant for the Indian market, where rear-seat comfort remains an important factor for luxury-car buyers. With its extended wheelbase, spacious cabin and premium equipment, the i5 LWB can appeal to customers who want to move into an EV without giving up the comfort and presence associated with a large BMW sedan.
BMW i5 LWB: Final Verdict
With a starting price of Rs. 79.60 lakh, a claimed range of 669km, a 264bhp rear-wheel-drive motor and a long list of luxury features, the BMW i5 LWB brings a strong mix of comfort, technology and electric performance to India. Its long-wheelbase configuration makes it especially relevant for buyers who value rear-seat space, while the 6.7-second 0-100kmph time ensures that it still feels like a BMW from behind the wheel.
The BMW i5 LWB also reflects the growing shift towards premium electric vehicles in India. As luxury-car buyers become more comfortable with EVs, models like the i5 LWB show that going electric does not necessarily mean compromising on comfort, performance or premium features. At Rs. 79.60 lakh, it enters a competitive part of the luxury EV market, but its combination of long-range capability, spaciousness and BMW’s premium positioning gives it a distinct appeal.
