BMW has expanded its product line in India with the launch of the all-new i5 LWB electric sedan. The new model is significantly longer than the standard version and comes packed with BMW's latest technology.
Unveiling of i5 LWB and its features
The LBW trend in BMW's portfolio follows the launch of the X1 LBW and aims to cater to chauffeur-driven luxury car buyers. The long-wheelbase (LWB) version of its popular X1 SUV adds a new dimension of space and comfort to the entry-level luxury segment.
Exterior design and features
The BMW 5 Series is among the most iconic models in the brand's history. The newly unveiled generation is now offered in the electric long-wheelbase variant for the first time in India.
The i5 LWB looks almost identical to the petrol-powered 5 Series, except for its elongated side profile. Upfront, the car has a large, imposing BMW Kidney grille finished in an elegant satin silver.
The swept-back headlamps house the typical twin-pod LED headlamps with the DRLs. Lower down, the bumper houses the number plate, a lower air dam to cool the battery, and subtle air curtains in each corner.
The side profile shows the biggest difference. The i5 LWB is stretched to create extra space in the backseat, evident in the larger doors and longer window line, highlighted by the silver-bronze finish.
To signal the next generation of the 5 Series, the C pillar features the number 5. It also retains the 5 Series' regal proportions, with a long bonnet and large 20-inch dual-tone alloy wheels that fill the wheel arches and stand out with sharp styling.
The back of the i5 LWB features a clean, straightforward design reminiscent of the current 5 Series. The sleek, horizontal taillights extend around the rear quarter, while the bumper boasts a sharp, sculpted look. Additionally, a bright blue trim highlights the BMW logo, a signature detail on all fully electric BMW models.
While BMW has yet to reveal the complete list of colour choices for the i5 LWB, it will include a Carbon Black Metallic option in the First Edition. This special version will be limited to 99 units and will also feature Titanium Bronze accents.
Interior design and features
The i5 LWB's interior looks modern, thanks to the large curved dual-screen setup that takes centre stage on the dashboard. One highlight is the customisable ambient lighting, which runs across the dashboard and doors.
The rotary dials and drive selector on the centre console feature transparent crystal designs that elevate the premium feel inside.
Like the logo on the exterior, the interior also features the BMW logo on the steering wheel, with a blue surround accent denoting its all-electric origins. BMW is offering a dual-tone black-and-cognac interior with leatherette upholstery and soft-touch materials across the cabin.
The primary focus will be the stretched interior space. The addition of the pillows and seat bolstering gives the i5 LWB an excellent place to spend long-distance journeys.
Features in i5 LWB
The i5 LWB comes with one battery pack option: an 81.6 kWh battery. It is claimed to cover a range of 669 km.
As an executive luxury sedan, the i5 LWB packs features like a curved dual-screen setup with a 12.3-inch digital driver's display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
It also includes a 12-speaker Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system, three-zone climate control, active keyless entry, a wireless charger, and connected car technology.
Safety features
Safety-wise, the i5 LWB includes a 360-degree camera, all-wheel disc brakes, reverse parking assist and hill hold control, a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), an electronic parking brake (EPB), front and rear parking sensors, multiple airbags, and Level 1 ADAS.
While a third-party testing agency has not tested the i5 LWB, Euro NCAP crash-tested the standard i5 and rated it 5 stars.
Colour Options
BMW is offering the X1 LWB in four colours: Carbon Black, Night Dusk Blue, Mineral White, and Skyscraper Grey.
Price And Rivals
The i5 LWB is expected to start at Rs 95 lakh (ex-showroom).
Though the i5 LWB sits in a class of its own, its closest rival in India is the Lexus ES 500e.
In India, its primary competitors include the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Mini Countryman C, and the Upcoming Audi Q3. It also sits in the same price range as some larger SUVs from mass-market brands such as the Volkswagen Tayron, Honda ZR-V and Skoda Kodiaq.
