BMW India is looking to capitalise on its EV sales momentum by launching more affordable variants of the i5 sedan by the fourth quarter of this year. At the moment, the BMW i5 is only available in range-topping M60 xDrive form, priced at Rs 1.2 crore. However, international markets get two more variants, the i5 eDrive40 and the xDrive40.
- BMW i5 eDrive40, xDrive40 get the same 81.2kWh battery
- RWD i5 eDrive40 likely for India
- BMW i5 eDrive40 price likely in the Rs 85 lakh-90 lakh region
BMW i5 eDrive40, xDrive40 range, battery and specifications
i5 eDrive40 gets 340hp RWD setup, while the xDrive40 gets a 394hp AWD one
Other than sporting a less aggressive design compared to the i5 M60 xDrive, the eDrive40 and xDrive40 share the same overall design and interior layout. All 3 i5 variants also share the same 81.2kWh (net) battery pack, though, naturally, have different WLTP range figures and power outputs.
The eDrive40’s battery powers a 340hp, 430Nm motor mounted on the rear axle, and is claimed to go up to 582km on the WLTP cycle. The i5 xDrive40’s battery drives two motors – one on each axle – making a combined total of 394hp and 590Nm, and is said to go 538km on a single charge. The RWD eDrive40 has a claimed 0-100kph time of 6 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 193kph, while the AWD xDrive40 can do the 0-100kph sprint in claimed 5.4 seconds and go on to hit a limited top speed of 215kph.
New BMW i5 variant price estimate
BMW India looking to fill the gap between the i4 (Rs 72.5 lakh) and the i5 M60 xDrive (Rs 1.2 crore)
Considering BMW India has the i4 sedan on sale at Rs 72.5 lakh, and the i5 M60 xDrive at Rs 1.2 crore, it’ll be looking to fill that gap in its price point. This would make it more likely that the more affordable BMW i5 eDrive40 will be brought to India, with a price tag between Rs 85 lakh-90 lakh. The i5 eDrive40 will not have a direct rival in our market, as all-electric luxury sedans are far scarcer than their SUV counterparts.
All prices, ex-showroom, India
Also see:
New BMW M5 review: lesser than its predecessor?
BMW i7’s ex showroom price now includes registration and GST
