Verdict
At RM340,800, the BMW 5 Series is RM46,000 dearer than the RM294,800 BMW i4, but it is also the larger car: 5,060 mm long with a 2,900 mm wheelbase and a 490-litre boot. The BMW i4 answers with EV punch, its single motor making 282 hp and 400 Nm, so 0-100 km/h takes 6.0 seconds against 7.5 seconds. The 5 Series suits long-distance petrol mild-hybrid use and a higher 230 km/h top speed; the i4 gives 500 km range and up to 180 kW DC charging.
Pick the BMW 5 Series if you want the bigger executive sedan, a 490-litre boot and petrol mild-hybrid running without charging stops.
Pick the BMW i4 if you want the lower price, quicker 6.0-second sprint and a 500 km electric range.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 5 Series RM340,800; BMW i4 RM294,800
- Output: BMW 5 Series 208 hp/330 Nm; BMW i4 282 hp/400 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 5 Series 7.5 seconds; BMW i4 6.0 seconds
- Top speed: BMW 5 Series 230 km/h; BMW i4 190 km/h
- Size: BMW 5 Series 5,060/1,900/1,515 mm; BMW i4 4,783/1,852/1,448 mm
- Boot space: BMW 5 Series 490 litres; BMW i4 470 litres
5 Series
- Larger executive-class body with a longer 2,900 mm wheelbase
- Bigger 490-litre boot
- Gets 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio and rear window shades
- RM46,000 more expensive
- Slower to 100 km/h at 7.5 seconds
- Less power and torque than the i4
i4
- Lower RM294,800 price
- Quicker 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time
- 500 km EV range with 11 kW AC and 180 kW DC charging
- Smaller 470-litre boot
- Lower 190 km/h top speed
- Smaller body footprint than the 5 Series
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 340,800 | RM 294,800✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance | — |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 208 hp | — |
| Torque | 330 Nm | — |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | — |
| Timing Type | Chain | — |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Electric |
| Bore | 82 mm | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 282 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 400 Nm |
| Battery Type | — | Lithium-ion |
| Battery Capacity | — | 70.3 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 500 km |
| Charger Type (AC) | — | Type 2 |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 11 kW |
| Charger Type (DC) | — | CCS |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 180 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Eight-speed Automatic | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds | 6 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 230 km/h✓ | 190 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,060 mm | 4,783 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,852 mm |
| Height | 1,515 mm | 1,448 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,900 mm | 2,856 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,075 kg |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres✓ | 470 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | 245/40R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | 255/40R19 |
| Spare Tyre | — | Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Germany (CBU) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson Struts |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Style-934 Alloys | 19" Style-996M Bi-colour |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Style-934 Alloys | 19" Style-996M Bi-colour |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Discs | Ventilated Discs |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available for 2nd Row Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam | Adaptive LED Projectors |
| Taillamps | Full LED | BMW Laser LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Driver Side Memory Settings | Powered Front Seats, Driver's Side Memory |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Wireless Charger, 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 4 USB Rear | 1 Front, 1 USB-A Front, 1 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Rear Window Shades | — |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 12-Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 10-Speaker HiFi Loudspeaker System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up & Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control with Active Lane keeping assistant and Stop & Go function | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Contactless Opening, Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | 5 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 379 | RM 305✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
5 Series vs i4 FAQ
Is the BMW 5 Series or BMW i4 better?
The BMW i4 is the sharper buy if you want lower price and quicker acceleration. The BMW 5 Series is better if size, boot space and petrol mild-hybrid convenience matter more.
What is the price difference?
The BMW 5 Series costs RM340,800 and the BMW i4 costs RM294,800, so the 5 Series is RM46,000 more expensive.
Which is faster, the BMW 5 Series or BMW i4?
The BMW i4 is quicker from 0-100 km/h at 6.0 seconds versus 7.5 seconds for the BMW 5 Series. The 5 Series has the higher top speed, at 230 km/h against 190 km/h.