Archive · 22 Aug 2026
BMW Opens Bookings for Limited i5 LWB First Edition
BMW is taking bookings for a special electric car called the i5 LWB.
LWB means the car is longer, giving passengers in the back more space.
Only 99 cars will be available in India.
The cars will be assembled at BMW’s Chennai plant.
One electric motor sends power to the rear wheels and produces 268 horsepower.
BMW says the battery can take the car up to 669 kilometers under India’s testing system.
The car can go from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 6.7 seconds.
It also has extra ground clearance and special suspension for Indian roads.
The First Edition has a tablet for rear passengers and special interior and exterior decorations.
BMW has opened bookings in India for the i5 LWB First Edition through dealers and its website.
Only 99 units of the long-wheelbase electric sedan will be brought to India via the CKD route.
The i5 LWB will be locally assembled at BMW Group Plant Chennai, BMW’s first locally produced electric sedan.
Its rear-mounted electric motor produces 268 hp, while the 81.6-kWh battery offers a claimed MIDC range of up to 669 km.
The First Edition includes rear-seat entertainment, exclusive trim, Carbon Black Metallic paint and Titanium Bronze accents.
- Who
- BMW Group and customers booking the BMW i5 LWB First Edition.
- What
- BMW has opened bookings for a limited long-wheelbase electric sedan in India.
- When
- Bookings are open now, with the launch expected in the coming weeks.
- Where
- India, with assembly at BMW Group Plant Chennai.
- Why
- The model is intended to offer greater rear-seat comfort and cabin space, while its suspension and increased ground clearance address uneven Indian roads.
BMW’s Claims
Reported Qualification
Suitability for Indian roads
BMW’s Claims
BMW says adaptive rear-axle air suspension and increased ground clearance improve ride comfort and reduce the risk of underbody damage on uneven surfaces.
Reported Qualification
A report noted that testing of the short-wheelbase i5 M60 found its soft suspension and low ride height made it prone to scraping on speed breakers; the performance of the new long-wheelbase version remains to be seen.
- Model
- BMW i5 LWB First Edition
- India allocation
- 99 units
- Assembly
- BMW Group Plant Chennai, via the CKD route
- Motor
- Single rear-mounted electric motor producing 268 hp
- Battery
- 81.6-kWh high-voltage battery
- Claimed range
- Up to 669 km under India’s MIDC test cycle
- Acceleration
- 0-100 km/h in a claimed 6.7 seconds
- Dimensions
- 5,175 mm long, 2,156 mm wide, 1,520 mm high, with a 3,105-mm wheelbase
