BMW India has recently introduced the i5 to the Indian market, priced at Rs 1.20 crore, ex-showroom, India. Arriving via the completely built unit (CBU) route, the i5 is available exclusively in the top-spec M60 xDrive variant. Positioned between the i4 (priced at Rs 72.5 lakh) and the i7 (ranging from Rs 2.03 crore to Rs 2.5 crore), this electric sedan adds to BMW India's lineup of EVs. Alongside the i5, BMW offers four other electric models for sale in India, including the iX1, iX xDrive50, i4, and i7, with the latter also available in the i7 M70 xDrive variant. Bookings for the i5 commenced on April 4.

Range, battery, and charging options

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Equipped with an 83.9kWh (81.2kWh usable) battery pack, the BMW i5 in M60 xDrive trim boasts a WLTP range of 516km on a single charge. Powering the i5 are two electric motors—one on each axle—with a combined output of 601hp and 795Nm of torque. BMW asserts a rapid acceleration, with a 0-100kph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 230kph for this iteration of the i5. While an 11kW wall charger comes complimentary with the sedan, buyers can opt for a 22kW AC charger as an additional accessory. The vehicle supports 205kW DC charging, enabling a 10-80 percent charge in under 30 minutes.

Exterior design and colour choices

In its Indian iteration, the i5 M60 features a sportier design compared to the standard i5. The front showcases BMW's signature kidney grille with illumination and a blanked-off design in high-gloss black plastic. Slim headlights with vertically stacked LED DRLs flank the grille, while the bumper boasts larger intakes for a more aggressive stance. The side profile is accentuated by flush-fitting door handles, side skirts, and 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in performance tires. At the rear, the i5 adopts the sleek design language of the new 7 Series, featuring thin LED tail-lamps with a chrome separator.

For Indian customers, BMW offers the i5 in a range of exterior paint options, including non-metallic Alpine White and metallic finishes like M Brooklyn Grey, M Carbon Black, Cape York Green, Phytonic Blue, Black Sapphire, Sophiosto Grey, Oxide Grey, and Mineral White.

Interior features and technology

Inside the i5, Indian buyers will find a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen running BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 OS. This system introduces gaming and video functions for the first time and is operated via a physical controller on the centre console. The interior design, including the centre console and 15-color ambient lighting system, resembles that of the i7.

The M60 variant receives several M-specific enhancements, including carbon fiber trim on the dashboard (with an optional dark silver accent and wood trim), performance-based displays for the infotainment and instrument cluster, and a flat-bottom M leather-wrapped steering wheel. Standard features include sports seats with active cooling, a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, panoramic sunroof, 4-zone climate control, and a 360-degree camera.

Warranty and coverage

BMW India offers a standard 2-year/unlimited kilometer warranty for the i5, while the battery is covered by an 8-year/1.6 lakh km warranty.