By the close of the year 2025, the BMW Indian company intends to increase its electric sedan lineup by launching simpler base versions of the i5, which include the eDrive40 and the xDrive40.

At present, the company retails the i5 M60 xDrive in India (Rs 1.2 crore, ex-showroom), promising high-level performance in an excellent electric offering on a top electric package.

Two Drivetrains, One Battery

The massive 81.2kWh (net) battery will also be utilized by both BMW i5 eDrive40 and xDrive40, as well as the M60 xDrive.

However, the driving and performance will be:

• i5 eDrive40: A rear wheel drive that has a power of 340hp and 430Nm that accelerates at 6 seconds to 100km/h and a top speed of 193km/h, together with a maximum range of up to 582km (WLTP).

• i5 xDrive40: All wheel drive, 2 motors, 394hp and 590nm, 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and top speed of 215km/h with claimed range of 538km.

They are more balanced relative to a combination of range, performance and price when compared to the performance-oriented M60 xDrive.

Target Pricing and Market Positioning

The eDrive40 will make a perfect position between the i4 (Rs 72.5 lakh) and the i5 M60 xDrive (Rs 1.2 crore). We expect BMW India to set the price of the i5 eDrive40 between Rs 85-90 lakh, with which it will deliver an interesting alternative to those who want an executive sedan with excellent equipment but do not need to pay the hefty price of the M60.

The slightly cheaper i5 versions will share equivalent design language and cabin structure with the M60, and only lack the bully looks. The customers are likely to see two curved panels, high-quality upholstery, a superior infotainment system, iDrive 8.5 and a lot of driver aids.

An Unchallenged Segment

There are not many luxury electric sedans on sale in India, so the BMW i5 eDrive40 will have no serious direct competition, and among those who want to feel the electric luxury of the car in the saloon format, the model will have an advantage. The new vehicle is likely to increase the BMW EV industry momentum, as the brand persists in its electrification drive in India.

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