BMW has expanded its electric vehicle lineup in India with the launch of the BMW i5 Long Wheelbase (LWB). The luxury electric sedan has been introduced at a starting ex-showroom price of ₹79.60 lakh.

The BMW i5 LWB is also significant for the company because it is the first electric sedan from BMW to be manufactured locally in India. Production will take place at BMW's Chennai facility, while deliveries have already started.

The BMW i5 eDrive35L M Sport is priced at ₹79.60 lakh. BMW has also introduced a limited First Edition at the same price. Only 99 units of the special edition were produced, and according to the company, all of them were sold before the official launch.

Bigger Dimensions and More Rear-Seat Space

The BMW i5 LWB measures 5,175mm in length, 2,156mm in width and 1,520mm in height, while its wheelbase measures 3,105mm.

The extended wheelbase is primarily aimed at improving rear-seat space and comfort. BMW has positioned the sedan as a premium option for customers who may frequently travel with a chauffeur.

On the outside, the electric sedan gets BMW's latest design language. Key highlights include an illuminated kidney grille, adaptive LED headlights and L-shaped LED tail-lights.

The car also gets 20-inch M alloy wheels, flush-fitting door handles and a redesigned Hofmeister kink, giving it a more contemporary appearance.

Premium and Technology-Focused Cabin

Inside, the BMW i5 LWB gets the company's familiar curved display setup, consisting of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen.

Other cabin highlights include an illuminated BMW Interaction Bar, CraftedClarity crystal-finish elements, four-zone automatic climate control and ventilated front seats.

The sedan also features a Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof, while the upholstery uses BMW's fully vegan Veganza material.

For music lovers, the car is equipped with a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system.

The limited First Edition gets additional touches, including a dedicated rear entertainment package with a tablet and tablet holder. It also features silver-bronze accents, fine-wood trim and special First Edition badging on the dashboard.

Up to 669km Range on a Full Charge

Powering the BMW i5 eDrive35L is an 81.6kWh battery pack paired with a single electric motor.

The motor produces 268bhp and 410Nm of torque. The electric sedan can accelerate from 0 to 100kmph in 6.7 seconds, while its top speed is rated at 195kmph.

BMW claims a range of up to 669km on a single charge under the MIDC testing cycle.

For faster charging, the i5 LWB supports 160kW DC fast charging, allowing the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in around 33 minutes. AC charging is supported at up to 11kW.

BMW will also provide a wallbox charger with the car, with installation included.

Air Suspension Tuned for Indian Roads

Comfort is another major focus of the BMW i5 LWB. The sedan comes equipped with adaptive rear-axle air suspension, which can also help increase ground clearance.

BMW says the suspension has been specifically tuned for Indian road conditions to improve comfort over uneven and rough surfaces without compromising the car's driving dynamics.

The i5 LWB also gets a 50:50 weight distribution and multiple driving modes, including Personal, Efficient, Sport, Expressive, Relax and Digital Art.

Packed With Advanced Safety Features

The BMW i5 LWB comes with a wide range of driver-assistance and safety features.

These include Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Parking Assistant Professional, Reverse Assistant, Lane Change Warning and Cross Traffic Warning.

The sedan also gets Front and Rear Collision Warning and Exit Warning functions, along with eight airbags.

BMW is offering a 2-year unlimited-kilometre standard warranty with the vehicle. The high-voltage battery gets coverage for 8 years or 1.60 lakh kilometres, whichever comes first.

Under BMW Smart Finance, customers can also get a buyback value of 55% of the car's original value after four years, adding another ownership option for buyers considering the luxury electric sedan.