Verdict
The BMW i5 brings the bigger performance change: its 335 hp and 430 Nm motor cuts the 0-100 km/h time to 6.0 seconds, against 208 hp, 330 Nm and 7.5 seconds for the BMW 5 Series. It also delivers a quoted 627 km EV range and 205 kW DC charging. The BMW 5 Series counters with a 230 km/h top speed, 40:20:40 rear backrest and an extra 95 litres of boot flexibility is not on offer—the boots are both 490 litres. For Malaysian buyers, the choice turns on charging access more than cabin space.
Pick the BMW 5 Series if you want the quicker 230 km/h top speed, eight-speed automatic and more versatile 40:20:40 split rear seat.
Pick the BMW i5 if you can charge regularly and want 335 hp, a 627 km quoted EV range, 205 kW DC charging and a 6.0-second 0-100 km/h run.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 5 Series RM340,800; BMW i5 RM368,800.
- Power and torque: BMW 5 Series 208 hp and 330 Nm; BMW i5 335 hp and 430 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h and top speed: BMW 5 Series 7.5 seconds and 230 km/h; BMW i5 6.0 seconds and 193 km/h.
- Wheelbase: BMW 5 Series 2,900 mm; BMW i5 2,995 mm.
- Wheels: BMW 5 Series 19-inch alloys with 245/45R19 tyres front and rear; BMW i5 20-inch alloys with 245/40R20 front and 275/35R20 rear tyres.
- Rear-seat split: BMW 5 Series 40:20:40; BMW i5 60:40.
5 Series
- RM28,000 less expensive
- 230 km/h top speed
- 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat and immobiliser
- Slower 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time versus 6.0 seconds
- Less power and torque at 208 hp and 330 Nm versus 335 hp and 430 Nm
- No 83.9 kWh battery, 627 km EV range or 205 kW DC charging
i5
- 335 hp and 430 Nm motor
- 627 km quoted EV range with 22 kW AC and 205 kW DC charging
- Fixed panoramic glass roof, auto parking and 18-speaker 655W Bowers & Wilkins audio
- RM28,000 higher price
- 193 km/h top speed is 37 km/h lower
- 60:40 rear-seat split is less flexible than 40:20:40, and no immobiliser is listed
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM340,800✓ | RM368,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379✓ | RM395 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and mild hybrid assistance | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 208 hp | — |
| Torque | 330 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Electric |
| Bore | 82 mm | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 335 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 430 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 83.9 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 627 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 22 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 205 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✓ | 193 km/h |
| 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 |
| Weight | — | 2,205 kg |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres | 490 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | 245/40R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | 275/35R20 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 | Pirelli P Zero Elekt |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Style-934 Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Style-934 Alloys | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Electric for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three Point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on outer rear 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 | LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED | LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Driver Side Memory Settings | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory Settings |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split Fold |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | — | Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Wireless Charger, 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 4 USB Rear | 2x Wireless Charger, 2x USB-C ports front, 2x USB-C ports 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 | Powered Rear Windscreen Sun Shade & Sunroof Shade, Manual Rear Door Window Shades |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 12-Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System | 14.9" Touchscreen BMW Live Cockpit Professional with Voice Control, Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto and 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System (655W) |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and 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 | Remote Control Activated with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| 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 | 3 years | 3 years |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8 Years/ 160,000 km Warranty for EV Battery |
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.
Used 5 Series & i5 for sale
5 Series vs i5 FAQ
Is the BMW 5 Series or BMW i5 better?
The BMW i5 is the stronger choice for regular EV charging, with 335 hp, 430 Nm, 627 km quoted range and 205 kW DC charging. Choose the BMW 5 Series for its 230 km/h top speed and 40:20:40 rear-seat split.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i5 costs RM28,000 more than the BMW 5 Series: RM368,800 versus RM340,800.
Which is quicker, the BMW 5 Series or BMW i5?
The BMW i5 is quicker from 0-100 km/h, taking 6.0 seconds versus 7.5 seconds for the BMW 5 Series. The BMW 5 Series has the higher top speed, at 230 km/h versus 193 km/h.