KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- BMW to expand i5 line-up with more variants
- Two lower variants to be introduced by the end of 2025
- Likely to be priced around starting range of Rs 80 lakhs ex-showroom
BMW i5 was launched in India in its top-spec M60 xDrive guise, which is known for its thrilling performance and sharp looks, but comes at a pretty hefty eight-figure price tag of Rs 1.20 crores ex-showroom. While it gets you all the bells and whistles, it alinates a section of buyers who are not ready to splurge or restricted by their budget cap. Addressing this, two more affordable variants are likely to make their way towards late 2025, significantly cutting down the entry price for the range. Read on to find out more details on the topic, but before that, make sure to join the 91wheels WhatsApp Community of avid petrolheads to never miss out on any latest news and automotive updates.
Also Read- Upcoming Cars In July 2025: From MG M9 To BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
BMW i5 New Variants To Lower Entry Point With Fewer Tech
Currently, the BMW i5 is offered in India exclusively in its top-spec M60 xDrive variant, priced at Rs. 1.2 crore. Globally, however, BMW also sells the i5 in two additional trims, the eDrive40 and xDrive40, which feature a more understated design while retaining the same overall styling and interior layout as the M60. All three variants are powered by the same 81.2kWh (net) battery, though they differ in performance and range figures as per WLTP standards.
Positioned as BMW's flagship electric sedan, the i5 M60 currently stands well above the i4 in both performance and price, creating a notable gap in the brand's EV lineup. To bridge this, BMW plans to introduce two additional i5 variants, the eDrive40 and xDrive40. The rear-wheel-drive eDrive40 produces 340hp and offers a claimed range of up to 582km, while the all-wheel-drive xDrive40 puts out 394hp with a slightly lower range of 538km. Despite being less aggressive than the M60, both versions promise spirited performance, with 0-100km/h sprints in 6.0 and 5.4 seconds respectively.
BMW i5 M60 xDrive: The Top-Spec Specs!
The range-topping BMW i5 M60 xDrive packs an 81.2kWh battery, delivering a claimed range of 516km on a full charge. It supports 11kW AC charging as standard, with an optional upgrade to 22kW, and offers 205kW DC fast charging that can replenish the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes. Performance is a major highlight, with dual motors producing a massive 601PS and 820Nm of torque, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.8 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 230km/h, and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system comes as standard for added traction and control.
Also Read- Renault Triber Facelift Spied Testing With New Front Facia- Images
Pricing To Expect
With the i4 priced at Rs. 72.5 lakh and the i5 M60 xDrive positioned at Rs. 1.2 crore, BMW India is expected to bridge the gap with a more accessible variant of the i5. The i5 eDrive40 is likely to be the next addition to the lineup, offering a balance between performance and pricing. If launched, it could arrive with a price tag in the Rs 80 lakh to Rs. 90 lakh range (ex-showroom), making it a lucrative option for buyers seeking a premium electric sedan without going all the way to the M60.
Verdict
The flagship electric sedan until now has a flagship price tag and while BMW would have liked more sales, the entry barrier north of Rs. 1 crore ex-showroom price tag makes it relatively hard. Although premium luxury segment generally do not find it as a detterent, but with more avenues opening up within ICE range could have been the reason behind this democratising of this sedan for a larger buyer's pool. Personally, I think it makes perfect sense as not only it makes the shift to electric luxury space more acceptable, but also due to the fact that a buyer should have options to choose variants based on their needs, which a sole variant offering, outright denies.
