BMW has brought the flagship M60 xDrive model of the all-new i5 to the Indian market. The cost of the electric 5 Series, which goes the CBU route in India, is Rs. 1,19,50,000 (ex-showroom). Soon to come is the next generation 5 Series, which will have standard petrol and diesel powertrains.
The i5 M60 xDrive is available in eight colours, with the exception of four BMW Individual painting options. The base interior trim is carbon fibre, with upholstery options include Alcantara, while Veganza and Merino leather upholstery are available as optional upgrades.
With an illuminated front kidney grille and adjustable LED headlamps, the i5, which is built on BMW’s CLAR chassis, gets a new design language. It also has 20-inch, high-gloss black, M light alloy wheels. Because the M60 is BMW’s sportiest trim level, a standard M Sport Pro option includes wider front air intakes, flared side skirts, rear diffusers, red brake callipers, and high-gloss accents throughout.
Inside, the redesigned BMW cockpit architecture features a curved display and the newest OS 8.5 operating system as standard. Inside, there are carbon-fibre trimmings along a full-size glass roof, an 18-speaker 655W Bowers and Wilkins surround sound system, an M-specific leather-wrapped steering wheel, ventilated seats, and the latest in-car gaming technology, the AirConsole. In terms of hardware, it includes a heads-up display, augmented reality incorporated into the MID, ADAS, adaptive suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers, integral active steering, and six airbags.
The powertrain consists of an 81.2kWh battery pack and a dual motor system that allows for AWD configuration. The aggregate power from the motors is 600bhp and 795Nm. The claimed 0-100kmph time is 3.8 seconds, with an electronically timed top speed of 230kmph and a claimed range of 516km.
The i5 doesn’t have a direct rival in India yet, but the arrival of the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan may change the game.