BMW has officially launched its first locally manufactured electric sedan in India—the i5 long wheelbase version. Manufactured at its Chennai plant, this model is now available for purchase, with a showroom price of INR 7.96 lakh (excluding taxes). This milestone marks BMW's initial venture into assembling electric vehicles within India. The vehicle is exclusively offered in the M Sport variant, with bookings commencing in August of this year. The initial limited edition of 99 units swiftly sold out, though some skeptics argue that this rapid sell-out may not entirely represent the genuine market reception. Priced around INR 400,000 less than the imported i5 M60 xDrive, the locally assembled version offers a more affordable option. Powering the vehicle is an 81.6 kWh battery pack, capable of delivering a range of up to 669 kilometers under MIDC conditions. Its rear-mounted single motor generates 268 horsepower and a peak torque of 410 Nm, enabling a swift acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 6.7 seconds. Additionally, the vehicle supports DC fast charging at up to 160 kW, allowing the battery to recharge from 10% to 80% in approximately 33 minutes. Buyers also benefit from complimentary installation services for home charging stations. The interior boasts a four-zone automatic climate control system, ventilated front seats, a premium 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and eight airbags for enhanced safety. The rear-axle adaptive air suspension has been specifically calibrated to suit Indian road conditions, providing increased ground clearance for a smoother ride. In terms of dimensions, the vehicle measures 5,175 mm in length, 2,156 mm in width, and 1,520 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,105 mm. It is equipped with 20-inch M alloy wheels, featuring front and rear tire specifications of 245/45 R20 and 275/40 R20, respectively, ensuring both style and performance.