Verdict
The BMW i4 is the sharper financial call at RM294,800, yet the RM74,000 step to the BMW i5 buys a larger 83.9-kWh battery, 627 km range and 22-kW AC charging, against 70.3 kWh, 500 km and 11 kW in the i4. The i5 also brings 335 hp, more rear-seat climate hardware and a 490-litre boot, but it is 277 mm longer and 130 kg heavier. Both are rear-wheel-drive single-motor EVs that reach 100 km/h in six seconds. For most buyers, the i4 is enough; long-distance and rear-passenger priorities justify the i5.
Pick the BMW i4 if RM74,000 saved, a 4,783-mm body and five-door practicality matter more than maximum range and rear-seat amenities.
Pick the BMW i5 if you want 627 km of range, 22-kW AC charging and executive-class rear-seat comfort in a 5,060-mm sedan.
Key differences
- Price: BMW i4 RM294,800; BMW i5 RM368,800.
- Battery and range: BMW i4 70.3 kWh and 500 km; BMW i5 83.9 kWh and 627 km.
- Motor output: BMW i4 282 hp and 400 Nm; BMW i5 335 hp and 430 Nm.
- Charging: BMW i4 11 kW AC and 180 kW DC; BMW i5 22 kW AC and 205 kW DC.
- Size and boot: BMW i4 4,783 mm long with 470 litres; BMW i5 5,060 mm with 490 litres.
- Weight and doors: BMW i4 2,075 kg with five doors; BMW i5 2,205 kg with four doors.
i4
- RM74,000 less expensive.
- 277 mm shorter and 130 kg lighter.
- Five doors and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats.
- 500-km range trails the i5's 627 km.
- 11-kW AC and 180-kW DC charging rates are lower.
- 282 hp, 400 Nm and a 470-litre boot are down on the i5.
i5
- 83.9-kWh battery and 627-km range.
- 22-kW AC and 205-kW DC charging.
- Panoramic glass roof, rear sunshades and 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio.
- RM74,000 more expensive.
- 277 mm longer and 130 kg heavier.
- Four-door body and 60:40 rear-seat split are less versatile than the i4's five doors and 40:20:40 split.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM294,800✓ | RM368,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM305✓ | RM395 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 282 hp | 335 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 400 Nm | 430 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 70.3 kWh | 83.9 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 500 km | 627 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 22 kW✓ |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 180 kW | 205 kW✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | 193 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,783 mm | 5,060 mm |
| Width | 1,852 mm | 1,900 mm |
| Height | 1,448 mm | 1,515 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,856 mm | 2,995 mm |
| Weight | 2,075 kg | 2,205 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 470 litres | 490 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/40R19 | 245/40R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/40R19 | 275/35R20 |
| Spare Tyre | Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 | Pirelli P Zero Elekt |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Struts | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Style-996M Bi-colour | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Style-996M Bi-colour | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear 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 for 2nd Row 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 | Adaptive LED Projectors | LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam |
| Taillamps | BMW Laser LED | LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Powered Front Seats, Driver's Side Memory | 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 | Rear AC Vents | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | — | Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 USB-A Front, 1 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear | 2x Wireless Charger, 2x USB-C ports front, 2x USB-C ports rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Powered Rear Windscreen Sun Shade & Sunroof Shade, Manual Rear Door Window Shades |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 10-Speaker HiFi Loudspeaker 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 & 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 Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | 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, with 360-degree Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | Yes | 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 | 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 i4 & i5 for sale
i4 vs i5 FAQ
Is the BMW i4 or BMW i5 better?
The BMW i4 is the better buy for buyers who prioritise price and a shorter five-door body. Choose the BMW i5 for its 127-km range advantage, quicker charging capability, stronger motor and more extensive rear-cabin equipment.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i5 costs RM74,000 more than the BMW i4: RM368,800 versus RM294,800. That gap brings a larger battery, 627-km range, 22-kW AC charging, 335 hp and equipment including a panoramic glass roof.
Which BMW EV charges faster?
The BMW i5 charges faster on both quoted connections, accepting up to 22 kW AC and 205 kW DC. The BMW i4 accepts up to 11 kW AC and 180 kW DC.