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Live2026-09-11 13:53 UTC+20 todayUpdated

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.

Introductory Ex-Showroom Price
₹79.60 Lakh
MIDC Driving Range
669 km
Battery Pack Capacity
81.6 kWh
Wheelbase Length
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.
Source: MotorClaw News Desk

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