BMW, the well-known German luxury carmaker, is planning to launch more affordable variants of its electric sedan BMW i5 in India by the end of 2025. This move comes as part of the company’s plan to make premium electric mobility more accessible to Indian customers. Currently, the BMW i5 is available in India in limited and expensive variants, but by late 2025, more budget-friendly options will be added to the lineup.
Let’s explore what this news means for Indian buyers, what we can expect from the new variants, and why this is a big step for the electric vehicle (EV) market in India.
What is the BMW i5?
The BMW i5 is the electric version of the BMW 5 Series. It combines modern luxury, advanced technology, and electric power. It is designed for people who want both performance and sustainability. Currently, the i5 is offered in high-end models like the i5 eDrive40 and i5 M60 xDrive, which are packed with features but also come with a high price tag.
Why More Affordable Variants Matter?
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular in India, but many premium EVs remain out of reach for most people. BMW understands this and wants to expand its market by offering cheaper versions of the i5. These new variants will help:
- Reach a wider audience
- Compete with rivals like Mercedes EQE, Audi e-tron GT
- Promote EV adoption in the luxury segment
The new, more affordable variants are expected to have slightly lower performance and fewer premium features to reduce costs. But they will still offer the core BMW i5 experience, including strong performance, safety, and electric driving.
Overview Table: Expected Details of Upcoming BMW i5 Variants
| Feature | Current i5 eDrive40 | Upcoming Affordable Variant (Expected) |
| Power Output | ~340 hp | ~250-300 hp |
| Battery Capacity | 81.2 kWh | ~70-75 kWh |
| Range | ~516 km (WLTP) | ~450-480 km |
| 0-100 km/h Acceleration | 6.0 seconds | 7.0-8.0 seconds |
| Starting Price (Current) | ₹1.20 Crore (approx) | ₹80-90 Lakhs (Expected) |
| Launch Timeline | Already launched | End of 2025 |
Design & Looks
BMW is not likely to change the exterior design much for the cheaper variants. The i5 has a sleek and elegant sedan look with BMW’s signature kidney grille (closed for EV). The more affordable variants may use slightly simpler wheels, less chrome, or fewer lighting elements to reduce cost, but the overall luxury design will remain.
Performance & Battery
To make the car affordable, BMW may use a smaller battery pack and lower-powered electric motor in these new models. This means slightly lower performance, but still smooth and enjoyable for daily driving.
Even with less power, the i5 will still have quick acceleration, silent driving, and zero tailpipe emissions, which are major benefits of any EV.
Features & Technology
BMW is expected to retain most of the smart features that are now standard in its EVs. However, some premium features may be optional in the affordable variants. Possible changes include:
- Smaller infotainment display
- Basic sound system instead of Harman Kardon
- Less use of leather or wood trim inside
Still, features like BMW Curved Display, iDrive system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ADAS, and safety systems are expected to be available.
Why This Move Makes Sense in India?
India is one of the fastest-growing car markets, and EV interest is also rising due to high fuel prices, environmental concerns, and better charging infrastructure. Luxury EVs, however, are still a niche market because of high prices.
By offering a lower-priced i5, BMW can:
- Attract younger professionals and business owners
- Offer a smooth entry into luxury EV segment
- Compete better with Mercedes, Audi, and even Tesla in the future
Charging and Range
The new BMW i5 variants are likely to support fast charging, just like the current models. Even with a smaller battery, you can expect a range of 450-480 km, which is more than enough for daily city driving and weekend trips. BMW is also improving its charging network in India and may offer home chargers or charging support with the purchase.
Launch & Availability
BMW has confirmed that these new, more affordable variants of the i5 will arrive by the end of 2025. The exact models, pricing, and features will be revealed closer to the launch date.
Conclusion: A Welcome Move for EV Lovers
The upcoming affordable variants of the BMW i5 are great news for Indian luxury car buyers who want to switch to electric. With a slightly reduced price and still premium performance, the new i5 models will make BMW’s EV line-up more practical and competitive.
