Ritesh Madhok
BMW has taken its popular 5 Series formula into a new direction with the i5 LWB, a long-wheelbase electric luxury sedan developed specifically with the Indian market in mind. Priced at Rs 79.60 lakh (ex-showroom), the i5 LWB is BMW India’s first locally assembled electric sedan and is manufactured at the company’s Chennai facility. More importantly, it brings together the attributes expected from a chauffeur-driven luxury sedan—space, comfort and refinement—with the instant performance and quietness of an EV. With a claimed 669km range, rear-wheel drive and a significantly stretched rear cabin, the i5 LWB is less about outright performance and more about effortless luxury.
Exteriors
The i5 LWB retains the familiar proportions of the latest-generation 5 Series, but its extended body gives it a distinctly executive character. At 5,180mm long, with a 3,100mm wheelbase, the sedan offers a substantial road presence. The front gets BMW’s signature kidney grille with illuminated surrounds, adaptive LED headlights and a sculpted bonnet. The side profile is clean, with flush-fitting door handles, 20-inch M Sport alloy wheels and the extended rear doors being the obvious indicators of its LWB identity. Slim LED tail-lamps and the i5 badging complete the rear design. The car is available in four exterior colours, while the limited First Edition gets exclusive cosmetic detailing.
Interiors and tech
Step inside and the i5 LWB feels every bit the premium BMW. The cabin combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument display with a 14.9-inch touchscreen, running BMW’s latest operating system. Materials, switchgear and the crystal-effect controls add to the upmarket ambience. The feature list is extensive, including four-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, panoramic glass roof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, Digital Key Plus and a 360-degree camera. A 17-speaker, 655W Bowers & Wilkins sound system is another highlight. Rear-seat occupants get generous legroom and their own climate controls, although BMW misses out on features such as rear-seat ventilation, powered adjustment and sun blinds.
Specifications
Power comes from an 81.6kWh battery pack powering a single rear-mounted electric motor. BMW quotes 272bhp and 410Nm, with 0-100kmph taking 6.7 seconds. The claimed MIDC range is 669km. Charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes approximately 33 minutes using a 160kW DC fast charger. The car also supports AC charging through an 11kW charger. Its rear-wheel-drive layout and 50:50 weight distribution underline BMW’s traditional dynamic philosophy.
Drive and handling
The i5 LWB is not intended to be a performance EV like the i5 M60. Instead, it delivers its performance in a smooth and progressive manner. The instant 410Nm of torque provides strong acceleration, while the rear-wheel-drive layout gives it a natural feel. The real highlight, however, is the ride. The rear air suspension does an impressive job of keeping the large sedan composed over most surfaces. At lower speeds, sharper imperfections can occasionally be felt, but the ride settles beautifully as speeds rise. Body control is also impressive, with minimal roll through corners. The low noise levels further enhance the experience. With the electric drivetrain almost silent and excellent insulation from road and wind noise, the i5 LWB feels particularly well suited to long-distance journeys. Ground clearance has also been increased for India, although some steep speed breakers can still require care.
Safety
Safety equipment includes multiple airbags, electronic stability and traction control systems, a 360-degree camera, parking assistance and Level 2 ADAS. Features such as adaptive cruise control and BMW’s Parking Assistant Professional add an additional layer of convenience. The car also gets an 8-year/1,60,000km warranty on the high-voltage battery, while BMW provides a standard two-year unlimited-kilometer vehicle warranty.
Competition
The i5 LWB occupies an interesting position in India’s luxury EV market. Its closest electric sedan comparison is the Lexus ES 500e, while the Mercedes-Benz EQE is currently offered as an SUV in India. It also competes indirectly with conventional executive sedans such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series and Audi A6.
Verdict
The BMW i5 LWB is an interesting interpretation of the executive luxury sedan. It prioritises rear-seat comfort, refinement, technology and range rather than outright performance, and that makes it particularly suited to buyers who want a premium chauffeur-driven EV. There are omissions in the rear-seat equipment, but the excellent ride quality, spacious cabin, impressive range and quiet driving experience compensate significantly. At Rs 79.60 lakh (ex-showroom), it commands only around Rs 3 lakh more than the petrol 5 Series LWB, making the i5 LWB an important proposition for buyers considering the switch to electric luxury.
