BMW i5 Long Wheelbase Review: A Luxury EV With Room to Spare

The BMW i5 Long Wheelbase brings a new proposition to India’s luxury EV segment. Unlike the performance-focused i5 M60, this version puts greater emphasis on rear-seat comfort, space and range, while its 3,155mm wheelbase makes it the longest version of the i5 yet.

It gets an 81.6kWh battery, 268 hp and 400 Nm, with BMW claiming an IDC range of 669 km. It is also manufactured in Chennai, making it the first locally built long-wheelbase electric BMW.

Familiar BMW Design, Stretched Proportions

The i5 LWB retains BMW’s latest design language, including the closed-off kidney grille and 12-element Matrix LED headlights. It also gets 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, flush door handles and L-shaped LED tail-lights.

The extended wheelbase adds 110mm over the standard i5, giving the sedan more balanced proportions while significantly improving rear-seat space.

A Tech-Focused Cabin

The cabin combines premium materials with BMW’s minimalist design. Highlights include:

• Curved Display with a modern, tile-based interface
• BMW Interaction Bar and iDrive controller
• Crystal-finished controls
• Copper-brown leather upholstery
• Open-pore wood trim
• Bowers & Wilkins audio system
• Fixed panoramic glass roof

The rear seats are the main attraction. There is generous legroom and headroom, along with touch-based climate controls and wireless charging.

However, rear-seat ventilation and factory-fitted sunshades are absent, which feels like a missed opportunity in a car focused on rear passenger comfort.

Comfortable, But Still a BMW

The i5 LWB uses air suspension that automatically adapts to road conditions, while India-specific tuning provides improved ground clearance. The ride is comfortable over broken roads, although the long body does introduce some body roll.

The B mode provides stronger regenerative braking, with the transition between regeneration and friction braking remaining smooth.

Range and Charging

BMW claims the i5 LWB can travel up to 669 km on the IDC cycle. The review suggests around 70% of the claimed figure could be a more realistic expectation depending on driving conditions.

Fast charging from 10-80% takes 33 minutes, while a home wall box requires around eight hours.

Also read: https://youtu.be/bOcd3C2c_Z4?si=5Z1d6UvE1T9usrAp

Final Take

The BMW i5 Long Wheelbase prioritises rear-seat comfort and efficiency without abandoning the driving character expected from a BMW. Its spacious cabin, smooth ride and long claimed range make it a practical luxury EV, although the long wheelbase and limited ground clearance demand some care over large speed breakers.