The i5 is currently only available in its top-tier M60 xDrive configuration, which is priced at Rs 1.2 crore. However, BMW India is strategically poised to leverage its growing EV sales by introducing more budget-friendly variants of the i5 sedan by the end of this year. While we currently see the premium M60 xDrive in India, international markets offer two additional variants: the i5 eDrive40 and the xDrive40.
Both the i5 eDrive40 and xDrive40 come equipped with an impressive 81.2 kWh battery, ensuring excellent performance. It’s worth noting that a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) version of the i5 eDrive40 is likely headed for India, with an anticipated price range around Rs 85 lakh to Rs 90 lakh. This exciting addition could make owning a BMW electric vehicle more accessible than ever.
BMW i5 eDrive40, xDrive40 range, battery, and specifications
The i5 eDrive40 features an impressive 340hp RWD configuration, while the xDrive40 boasts a powerful 394hp AWD setup. Although the eDrive40 and xDrive40 have a more understated design compared to the sportier i5 M60 xDrive, they maintain the same sleek overall aesthetic and interior layout across all three variants. Each model is equipped with an identical 81.2kWh (net) battery pack, though they differ in their WLTP range figures and power outputs.
The eDrive40’s rear-mounted motor delivers 340hp and 430Nm of torque, enabling it to achieve an impressive WLTP range of up to 582km. On the other hand, the i5 xDrive40 utilizes two motors—one on each axle—to generate a remarkable combined output of 394hp and 590 N · m, with a claimed maximum range of 538km per charge. The RWD eDrive40 accelerates from 0-100 kph in just six seconds, reaching an electronically capped top speed of 193 kph. Meanwhile, the AWD xDrive40 is even quicker, sprinting from zero to a hundred in just 5.4 seconds before hitting its limited top speed of 215 kph.
With these specifications in mind, it’s clear that whether you choose the eDrive40 or any other variant, you’re opting for performance that doesn’t compromise on efficiency or style.
New BMW i5 variant price estimate
BMW India is strategically poised to bridge the pricing gap between the i4, priced at Rs 72.5 lakh, and the premium i5 M60 xDrive, which comes in at Rs 1.2 crore. By introducing a more affordable option, such as the BMW i5 eDrive40, likely to be priced between Rs 85 lakh and Rs 90 lakh, they can tap into an emerging segment in the luxury market. Notably, this model will lack direct competition in India—after all, all-electric luxury sedans are still quite rare compared to their SUV counterparts. This move not only enhances BMW’s lineup but also positions it favorably within a growing segment of discerning consumers looking for high-quality electric vehicles.