Verdict
The BMW 5 Series is the sensible executive-car buy at RM340,800: it saves RM85,000, carries RM379 annual road tax and retains the long, low sedan shape. But the BMW iX changes the brief. Its two motors produce 402 hp and 700 Nm for a 5.1-second 0-100 km/h run, versus 208 hp, 330 Nm and 7.5 seconds for the 5 Series, while its 100.6-kWh battery claims 602 km of range. For a Malaysian buyer with dependable charging, the iX’s pace, 500-litre boot and air suspension justify serious consideration; otherwise the 5 Series is easier on the purchase price and road tax.
Pick the BMW 5 Series if you want the RM85,000 saving, lower RM379 annual road tax and a 5,060-mm executive sedan.
Pick the BMW iX if you have charging access and want 402 hp, 700 Nm, 602 km claimed EV range and all-wheel drive.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 5 Series RM340,800; BMW iX RM425,800.
- Power: BMW 5 Series 208 hp; BMW iX 402 hp.
- Torque: BMW 5 Series 330 Nm; BMW iX 700 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 5 Series 7.5 seconds; BMW iX 5.1 seconds.
- Driveline: BMW 5 Series rear-wheel drive; BMW iX all-wheel drive.
- Boot space: BMW 5 Series 490 litres; BMW iX 500 litres.
5 Series
- RM85,000 cheaper to buy.
- Lower RM379 annual road tax.
- Longer 5,060-mm sedan body and 230 km/h top speed.
- Slower 7.5-second 0-100 km/h time against the iX’s 5.1 seconds.
- Rear-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive.
- No panoramic glass roof or air suspension.
iX
- 402 hp and 700 Nm from two electric motors.
- 602 km claimed range from a 100.6-kWh battery.
- Air suspension, panoramic glass roof and 18-speaker Harman Kardon audio.
- Costs RM85,000 more and annual road tax is RM545 versus RM379.
- 200 km/h top speed is 30 km/h below the 5 Series.
- At 1,970 mm wide and 1,695 mm tall, it is wider and taller than the 5 Series.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM340,800✓ | RM425,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM379✓ | RM545 |
| 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 | — | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 402 hp |
| Motor Torque | — | 700 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | — | 100.6 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 602 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 22 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 175 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Eight-speed Automatic | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.5 seconds | 5.1 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 230 km/h✓ | 200 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,060 mm | 4,965 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,970 mm |
| Height | 1,515 mm | 1,695 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,900 mm | 3,000 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,525 kg |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres | 500 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/45R19 | 255/50R21 |
| Rear Tyre | 245/45R19 | 255/50R21 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Continental EcoContact 6 | Pirelli P Zero E |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones with Air Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 19" Style-934 Alloys | 21" Aerodynamic Style 1012 Bi-colour Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Style-934 Alloys | 21" Aerodynamic Style 1012 Bi-colour 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 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 Two Outer Rear Passenger 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 High Beam Assist |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full 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 with Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| 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 | — | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Wireless Charger, 1 Front, 2 USB Front, 4 USB Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 4 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lights |
| 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, 18-Speaker Harman Kardon Sound System |
| 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 | Contactless Opening, Powered Boot |
| 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 |
| Convenience Notes | — | Intelligent Personal Assistant; Flexible Fast Charger (Mode 2) included |
| 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 |
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 & iX for sale
5 Series vs iX FAQ
Is the BMW 5 Series or BMW iX better?
The iX is better for EV performance, claimed 602 km range, all-wheel drive and air suspension. The 5 Series is better if RM85,000 less upfront cost, lower annual road tax and a traditional executive sedan matter more.
What is the price difference?
The BMW iX costs RM85,000 more than the BMW 5 Series: RM425,800 versus RM340,800.
How quickly can the BMW iX charge?
The BMW iX accepts AC charging at up to 22 kW and DC charging at up to 175 kW. It also includes a Flexible Fast Charger (Mode 2) and has an eight-year or 160,000-km battery warranty.