The BMW i5 was introduced in India and is available for Rs 1.20 crore, ex-showroom. Only the highest-spec M60 xDrive model of the i5 has been imported into India through the CBU procedure. In BMW India’s lineup, the electric car is priced between the i4 (Rs 72.5 lakh) and i7 (Rs 2.03 crore–2.5 crore). Following the introduction of the i5, BMW now offers five electric vehicles (EVs) for sale in India: the iX1, iX xDrive50, i4, and i7. The flagship electric sedan is also offered in i7 M70 xDrive configuration. On April 4, reservations for the i5 had opened.
The BMW i5 with M60 xDrive specification has an 83.9kWh (81.2kWh useable) battery pack that offers 516 km of WLTP range on a single charge. Two electric motors, one on each axle, are powered by the battery and provide a combined output of 601 horsepower and 795 Nm of torque. BMW says that this version of the i5 can reach a peak speed of 230 mph and go from 0 to 100 mph in 3.8 seconds. Although BMW included a free 11kW wall charger with the car, a 22kW AC charger is an additional option. According to the manufacturer, the EV can be charged at 205kW DC for 10 to 80 percent charge in less than 30 minutes.
The i5 for India, as previously stated, is only offered in M60 configuration, meaning it has some more aggressive design enhancements compared to the normal i5. Thus, the characteristic kidney grille with lighting and a blanked-off design (completed in glossy black plastic) are features of the EV that was introduced in India. Beneath the slender headlights, which are equipped with two LED DRLs stacked vertically in each unit, is the more aggressive bumper with wider intakes. The side skirt and flush-fitting door handles are paired with brand-new 20-inch alloy wheels with 275/35 R20 tyres on the back and 245/40 R20 tyres on the front.
In India, BMW will offer the i5 in one non-metallic Alpine White finish. Metallic exterior paint shades include M Brooklyn Grey, M Carbon Black, Cape York Green, Phytonic Blue, Black Sapphire, Sophiosto Grey, Oxide Grey and Mineral White.
The BMW i5 for India gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen – the latter runs BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 OS and comes with gaming and video functions for the first time. It is operated via a familiar-looking physical controller on the centre console; the centre console, along with the 15-colour ambient lighting system, seems to be similar to the one seen in the i7.
Naturally, the M60 gets several M-specific changes such as carbon fibre trim on the dashboard (a dark silver accent with wood trim is available as an optional extra), specific performance-based displays for the infotainment and instrument cluster and a flat-bottom M leather-wrapped steering wheel. As standard, the i5 gets sports seats finished in Venganza or Alcantara with an active cooling function, a dark roof lining, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, a panoramic sunroof, 4-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera and more.
BMW India offers a 2-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty as standard with the i5, but its battery has an 8-year/1.6 lakh km warranty.
