BMW Begins Local Assembly of Long-Wheelbase i5 Executive Saloon at Chennai Facility
BMW India has introduced the locally manufactured long-wheelbase i5 electric executive saloon, pricing the initial eDrive35L M Sport specification at ₹79.6 lakh ex-showroom.
- ₹79.60 Lakh
- 669 km
- 81.6 kWh
- 3,105 mm
What Happened
Rolling off assembly lines at the company's Chennai manufacturing facility, the rear-wheel-drive four-door arrives with immediate delivery availability across national franchised dealerships. Alongside the core eDrive35L M Sport variant, the brand created a launch-edition allotment capped at 99 examples carrying the identical ₹79.6 lakh tariff, all of which secured customer reservations ahead of commercial introduction.
Propulsion relies on a single rear-mounted electric machine generating 268 horsepower and 410 Nm of twisting force, enabling acceleration from stationary to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds on the way to a maximum velocity of 195 km/h. Energetic reserves stem from an 81.6 kilowatt-hour onboard accumulator pack rated for up to 669 kilometres under the Modified Indian Driving Cycle (MIDC). Replenishment accommodates 160 kW direct-current charging capable of taking state-of-charge from 10 percent to 80 percent within 33 minutes, accompanied by a bundled 11 kW alternating-current Wallbox unit.
Engineered around a 3,105 mm wheelbase spanning an overall vehicle length of 5,175 mm, the cabin layout incorporates adaptive rear-axle pneumatic springs combined with increased riding clearance for regional pavement irregularities. Interior amenities feature a curved digital cockpit displaying a 12.3-inch instrumentation panel beside a 14.9-inch central touchscreen running Operating System 8.5, four-zone thermal management, vegan Veganza seat coverings with front ventilation, and a fixed glass panoramic canopy.
Why this matters
The arrival of the extended-wheelbase i5 marks BMW's first locally assembled battery-electric saloon in India, targeting executive buyers who prioritize chauffeur-driven legroom alongside electric propulsion. By pairing an 81.6 kWh battery with rear air suspension tailored for local surfaces, the Bavarian marque is expanding its domestic assembly footprint while establishing a direct presence in India's executive EV category.
Terms in This Story
- MIDC
- Modified Indian Driving Cycle, the standardized testing protocol utilized to certify vehicle range and energy efficiency in India.
- LWB
- Long Wheelbase, an extended chassis layout that lengthens distance between axles to expand rear-passenger legroom.
A brief summary; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.