BMW 5 Series vs BMW i5
Verdict
At RM340,800 for the BMW 5 Series and RM368,800 for the BMW i5, the electric car asks RM28,000 more. The i5 is quicker, with 335 hp and a 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time, and its 83.9 kWh battery gives it 627 km of EV range. The 5 Series counters with a higher 230 km/h top speed, a 1,998 cc petrol-hybrid/REV drivetrain and slightly lower RM379 road tax. Both are CKD executive sedans with five seats, 490 litres of boot space and six airbags.
Pick the BMW 5 Series if you want the lower entry price, petrol-hybrid/REV running and the higher 230 km/h top speed.
Pick the BMW i5 if you can charge at home or work and want the stronger 335 hp motor with 627 km of rated EV range.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 5 Series RM340,800; BMW i5 RM368,800
- Power: BMW 5 Series 208 hp; BMW i5 335 hp
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 5 Series 7.5 seconds; BMW i5 6.0 seconds
- Top speed: BMW 5 Series 230 km/h; BMW i5 193 km/h
- Wheelbase: BMW 5 Series 2,900 mm; BMW i5 2,995 mm
- Energy source: BMW 5 Series petrol hybrid/REV; BMW i5 electric with 83.9 kWh battery and 627 km range
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 340,800✓ | RM 368,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Electric |
| Engine | 1,998 cc | Single motor |
| Power | 208 hp | 335 hp✓ |
| Torque | 330 Nm | — |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driven wheels | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 7.5 s | 6.0 s✓ |
| Top speed | 230 km/h✓ | 193 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Battery | — | 83.9 kWh |
| EV range | — | 627 km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,060 mm | 5,060 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,515 mm | 1,515 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,900 mm | 2,995 mm |
| Boot space | 490 L | 490 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 2 |
| Road tax / year | RM 379✓ | RM 395 |
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
- RM28,000 cheaper to buy
- Higher 230 km/h top speed
- Same 490-litre boot as the i5
- Down 127 hp on the i5
- Slower 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time
- Shorter 2,900 mm wheelbase
i5
- Quicker 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time
- 335 hp from its single electric motor
- 627 km EV range from an 83.9 kWh battery
- Costs RM28,000 more
- Lower 193 km/h top speed
- Road tax is slightly higher at RM395 versus RM379
5 Series vs i5 FAQ
Is the BMW 5 Series or BMW i5 better?
The BMW i5 is better for acceleration and EV running, with 335 hp and a 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time. The BMW 5 Series is better if you want the cheaper car with a higher 230 km/h top speed.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i5 costs RM28,000 more than the BMW 5 Series.
Which one is more practical?
They are very close. Both are executive sedans with five seats, identical 5,060 mm length and the same 490-litre boot. The i5 has the longer wheelbase at 2,995 mm versus 2,900 mm.