BMW is gearing up to introduce the long-wheelbase (LWB) i5 electric sedan in India by early 2026, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s local EV manufacturing journey. This will be BMW’s first all-electric sedan built in India, assembled at its Chennai plant alongside the iX1 compact SUV.
The India-spec model will be based on the China-exclusive i5 LWB, positioning it above the current 530Li in BMW’s lineup, while sitting just below the high-performance i5 M60 xDrive.
India-Spec BMW i5 LWB: Key Highlights
- Locally built at BMW’s Chennai facility
- Higher ground clearance and chassis tuned for Indian roads
- Likely to debut in i5 eDrive40L configuration
- Estimated range up to 713km (CLTC)
- Expected launch timeline: Q1 2026
Enhanced Ride Comfort for Indian Roads
The new BMW i5 LWB has been specifically re-engineered for India, with the German carmaker focusing on improving ride height and suspension tuning to handle Indian road conditions.
During early testing phases, including Autocar India’s review of the i5 M60, it was observed that the global model’s low ground clearance and soft suspension setup made it less practical for Indian terrain. In response, BMW has spent additional development time recalibrating the LWB version’s chassis geometry and damping characteristics, delaying its local launch by nearly a year to ensure better usability on rough and uneven surfaces.
Powertrain and Range
The India-spec i5 LWB is expected to arrive in the eDrive40L variant, featuring a rear-mounted single electric motor producing 340hp and 430Nm of torque. Power will come from a 97kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the same unit used in the China-spec version.
Under the CLTC (China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle), the i5 eDrive40L delivers an impressive range of up to 713km on a single charge. However, under Indian driving conditions, the real-world range is likely to hover around 600km, depending on usage patterns and ambient temperatures.
BMW has tuned the eDrive40L for a balanced driving experience — combining strong mid-range performance, smooth power delivery, and long-distance efficiency — rather than outright acceleration, which is the focus of the dual-motor i5 M60 variant.
Bridging the Gap in BMW’s India Line-Up
The upcoming i5 LWB will serve as a key model in BMW’s electrification strategy for India, bridging the gap between the 530Li petrol sedan and the iX1 electric SUV. It also fills the void left by the discontinued diesel 5 Series, catering to premium buyers looking for an electric luxury sedan with chauffeur-friendly rear space.
With the 5 Series long-wheelbase platform already proving popular among Indian customers, the electric i5 LWB is expected to resonate with both business executives and tech-savvy EV adopters seeking a refined, locally built luxury EV.
Expected Pricing and Rivals
While pricing will be announced closer to launch, the BMW i5 LWB is likely to start around ₹1.1 crore (ex-showroom), placing it between the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan and the Audi e-tron GT.
Its direct rivals in India’s premium EV space will include:
- Mercedes-Benz EQE 500
- Audi e-tron GT
- Porsche Taycan RWD
Conclusion: A Strategic Step Toward Local EV Growth
The launch of the BMW i5 LWB marks an important phase in BMW India’s EV roadmap, strengthening its local assembly operations and expanding its all-electric portfolio. With its combination of luxury, extended range, and locally tuned ride quality, the i5 LWB is set to become a cornerstone model in BMW’s premium electric lineup for India.