i5 vs 500e: Price Worth It?

Founded in March 1916 by Karl Rapp and Gustav Otto, BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke) is one of the most prominent German automakers in the world. The luxury auto brand established its first Indian production facility in Chengalpet, Tamil Nadu, in 2007. This manufacturing facility makes popular BMW cars that include the 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series, alongside SUV models such as the X3, X5 and X7.




























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I am a bit confused between the BMW i5 and the Lexus ES 500e. The Lexus ES 500e costs Rs 91.2 lakh (ex-showroom), which is Rs 11 lakh more than the BMW i5 at Rs 79.6 lakh. For the additional amount, the Lexus offers the following features: Manual rear window sunblinds Soft-close doors Head-up display (HUD) Front-seat heating and ventilation, along with a heated steering wheel. The i5 gets ventilated seats. Transparent bonnet mode Higher performance from its dual-motor AWD setup, producing 343hp compared with the i5's 268 hp Longer standard vehicle warranty of 8 years/2 lakh km, compared with BMW's 2-year standard warranty Dedicated spare wheel space I have driven both cars and liked them. Does the Lexus justify the additional Rs 11 lakh for these differences? Is there a significant difference in interior quality between the i5 and ES 500e?
Hi, I’m looking to buy a convertible and am currently evaluating the BMW 440i, Mercedes-Benz CLE 300 and Mini Cooper Convertible. Which of these would you recommend, and why? I’d appreciate your suggestions and insights to help me make the right choice.
BMW has revealed the Concept 7 Protection, an armoured luxury sedan with a plug-in hybrid powertrain producing 612hp. Would you even notice it was armoured if you saw it on the road?
Hi Autocar team, should I buy the current-generation BMW iX1 or wait for the next-generation model, expected to launch in 2028? The current version could be replaced within a year, and I expect the new platform and battery technology to be better. What would you advise?
Hi, I am Akshay and I currently drive a 2019 Fiat Punto Abarth. I'm hooked on the thrill it offers while driving. I also really appreciate how it stands out from the crowd, with people turning around to take a look at the car. I'm not too concerned about the fuel economy. I have my eye on the Škoda Octavia RS if it becomes available. Which other cars can offer a similar driving experience for a similar or slightly lower budget? I have no preference among a hatchback, sedan, SUV, or crossover.
Get answers from Autocar experts and owners
BMW 7 Series
Anish•11 November 2026
My father uses the BMW 7 Series, and it's really classy. After using this model, I believe it's the best in the segment. The luxury and comfort redefine your experience, and the opulent cabin is a delight.
View all 7 Series ReviewsBMW i7
Prince Kumar•11 November 2026
This car is fantastic, especially for the back seat experience. The rear lounge with touchscreens and a massive theatre screen is perfect for long drives. The seats are super comfy, and the i7 is very fast. It competes well with other luxury cars, offering impressive features.
View all i7 ReviewsBMW X1 LWB
Rohiit Nikumbh•12 November 2026
My overall impression of the All-New BMW X1 2026 is positive in terms of design, road presence and driving experience. However, I feel BMW has missed out on several important features that customers expect from a premium luxury SUV in this price segment. Some key features that I believe should have been included are: - Ventilated front seats, especially considering Indian weather conditions. - Rear window sunshades for passenger comfort. - Head-Up Display (HUD) for a more convenient driving experience. - More advanced rear-seat comfort and convenience features. - A panoramic sunroof, which is an important consideration for many luxury car buyers. At this price point, customers expect a complete luxury experience, not just a premium badge. BMW should reconsider these feature omissions and focus more on Indian customer expectations. A BMW should offer the perfect combination of performance, technology, comfort and luxury. I hope BMW takes this feedback seriously and considers these improvements in future variants.
View all X1 LWB ReviewsBMW X3
Josh•27 September 2026
It's a BMW, and there's nothing else to ask for. It meets all my needs and expectations, plus the automatic boot feature in the parking lot is a nice touch.
View all X3 ReviewsBMW X7
Aparna•26 October 2026
The BMW X7 is a three-row, voluminous, and rich SUV that offers a comfortable and opulent driving experience. A tasteful and high-quality interior completes its important design appearance. The X7 offers excellent suspension estimation, a clear-headed assist, and advanced driving modes.
View all X7 ReviewsBMW X1
Neel Bhavsar•12 November 2026
The BMW X1 is a small luxury SUV that looks good and is nice to drive. It has a strong design from the outside and feels modern from the inside. The screen inside is big and clear, but sometimes not easy to use while driving. Back seats have good space and the boot is good enough for daily use.
View all X1 ReviewsBMW M5
Saravanan•10 November 2026
This car is very comfortable and has excellent safety features. The performance is fantastic, and it handles well. The boot space is impressive, although the maintenance costs are a bit high, but it's manageable.
View all M5 ReviewsBMW 3 Series
Akashdeep Saha•11 November 2026
The BMW 3 Series remains one of the best choices in its class. It offers a near-perfect blend of sporty handling and daily driving comfort, backed by superb engines and a high-tech, premium cabin. For me, this is a masterpiece from BMW.
View all 3 Series ReviewsEmerging in 1917, BMW's highly recognisable white and blue logo signifies the colours of the Bavarian state, where the brand has its origins. It has also been reinterpreted as a rotating propeller, since BMW used to produce aircraft engines during World War 1.
BMW is a founding member of the vast BMW Group. This group owns another luxury car brand, Mini, along with the ultra-luxury car brand, Rolls-Royce. The BMW Group also owns its own two-wheeler division under the BMW Motorrad nameplate. On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz does not have any such equivalent two-wheeler brand, but it does operate its own ultra-luxury arm under the Mercedes-Maybach brand.
BMW cars have historically been for those who prioritise taut handling over outright comfort. Some of BMW's noteworthy models that have cemented their place among driving enthusiasts include cars from the brand's M division, such as the M3 and M5. Some of the reasons that made these sports sedans so good to drive was their rear-wheel drive (RWD) system, near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution, tactile steering and eager powertrains.
Last Updated on: 13 Nov 2026