Verdict
At RM340,800, the BMW 5 Series is RM28,000 cheaper and its RM379 annual road tax is RM16 lower. It remains the sensible petrol mild-hybrid executive sedan, with 208 hp, 330 Nm and an eight-speed automatic. The RM368,800 BMW i5 changes the pace: its rear motor makes 335 hp and 430 Nm, cutting the 0-100 km/h time from 7.5 to 6.0 seconds, while the 83.9-kWh battery has a claimed 627-km range. For Malaysian buyers able to charge at home or work, the i5’s stronger performance and 205-kW DC charging justify serious consideration; long-distance refuelling convenience still favours the 5 Series.
Pick the BMW 5 Series if you want the lower RM340,800 entry price, an eight-speed petrol mild-hybrid drivetrain and a 230-km/h top speed.
Pick the BMW i5 if you can charge regularly and want 335 hp, 430 Nm, a claimed 627-km range and a 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time.
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: BMW 5 Series 7.5 seconds; BMW i5 6.0 seconds.
- Energy system: BMW 5 Series 1,998-cc petrol mild hybrid; BMW i5 83.9-kWh battery with 627-km claimed range.
- Wheelbase: BMW 5 Series 2,900 mm; BMW i5 2,995 mm.
- Wheels: BMW 5 Series 19-inch alloys with 245/45R19 tyres; BMW i5 20-inch alloys with 245/40R20 front and 275/35R20 rear tyres.
5 Series
- RM28,000 lower purchase price.
- Eight-speed automatic and 230-km/h top speed.
- 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat.
- 208 hp and 330 Nm trail the i5’s 335 hp and 430 Nm.
- 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time is 1.5 seconds slower.
- No fixed panoramic glass roof.
i5
- 335 hp, 430 Nm and 6.0-second 0-100 km/h acceleration.
- 83.9-kWh battery, 627-km claimed range, 22-kW AC and 205-kW DC charging.
- Fixed panoramic glass roof and 18-speaker 655W Bowers & Wilkins audio.
- RM28,000 higher purchase price and RM16 higher annual road tax.
- 193-km/h top speed is lower than the 5 Series’ 230 km/h.
- 60:40 rear-seat split is less flexible than the 5 Series’ 40:20:40 arrangement.
| 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 | 5 years | 5 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 better for buyers with regular charging access, delivering 335 hp, 430 Nm and a claimed 627-km range. The BMW 5 Series suits those who prioritise the RM28,000 lower price and petrol refuelling convenience.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i5 costs RM368,800, which is RM28,000 more than the BMW 5 Series at RM340,800.
How quickly can the BMW i5 charge?
The BMW i5 supports AC charging at up to 22 kW and DC charging at up to 205 kW. The BMW 5 Series is a petrol mild hybrid, so it does not require external charging.