Verdict
At RM368,800, the BMW i5 is the sensible Malaysian pick: its 627 km range narrowly beats the i7’s 625 km, while 22 kW AC and 205 kW DC charging are faster. The RM714,800 BMW i7 costs RM346,000 more, but brings 536 hp, 745 Nm, all-wheel drive and a 4.7-second 0-100 km/h time. Its 3,215 mm wheelbase, 525-litre boot, adaptive air suspension and all-wheel steering suit buyers who want the larger luxury sedan. The annual road tax is RM1,015 versus RM395.
Pick the BMW i5 if you want near-identical 627 km range, quicker charging and far lower ownership entry costs.
Pick the BMW i7 if 536 hp, all-wheel drive, a larger cabin footprint and rear-seat-focused equipment justify the RM346,000 jump.
Key differences
- Price: BMW i5 RM368,800; BMW i7 RM714,800.
- Motor output: BMW i5 has one motor with 335 hp; BMW i7 has two motors with 536 hp.
- Torque: BMW i5 produces 430 Nm; BMW i7 produces 745 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW i5 takes 6.0 seconds; BMW i7 takes 4.7 seconds.
- AC charging rate: BMW i5 supports 22 kW; BMW i7 supports 11 kW.
- Length: BMW i5 is 5,060 mm; BMW i7 is 5,391 mm.
i5
- RM346,000 lower purchase price.
- 627 km range with 22 kW AC and 205 kW DC charging.
- 18-speaker 655W Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
- Slower 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time versus 4.7 seconds.
- Smaller 490-litre boot and 2,995 mm wheelbase.
- No adaptive air suspension or all-wheel steering.
i7
- 536 hp, 745 Nm and all-wheel drive.
- 525-litre boot with a 3,215 mm wheelbase.
- Adaptive air suspension, all-wheel steering and power-adjustable rear seats.
- RM346,000 higher purchase price.
- 625 km range, 11 kW AC and 195 kW DC charging trail the i5.
- 2,715 kg kerb weight versus the i5’s 2,205 kg.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM368,800✓ | RM714,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Executive | Luxury |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | 335 hp | 536 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 430 Nm | 745 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 83.9 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 627 km✓ | 625 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22 kW✓ | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 205 kW✓ | 195 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6 seconds | 4.7 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 193 km/h | 240 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,060 mm | 5,391 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,950 mm |
| Height | 1,515 mm | 1,544 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,995 mm | 3,215 mm |
| Weight | 2,205 kg | 2,715 kg |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres | 525 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/40R20 | 255/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 275/35R20 | 255/45R20 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Pirelli P Zero Elekt | Pirelli P Zero |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 20" Alloys | 21" M Aerodynamic style 909 M alloy wheels |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Alloys | 21" M Aerodynamic style 909 M alloy wheels |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Adaptive Air Suspension, All-wheel steering |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | — | 5 stars |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain | 7 Airbags |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for Rear Doors | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three Point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on outer rear seats | — |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 80 km/h) |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED | LED combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory Settings | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split Fold | Power Adjustable Rear Seats with Power Adjustments |
| 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 | Sky Lounge Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 2x Wireless Charger, 2x USB-C ports front, 2x USB-C ports rear | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (15 Colours) |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 4 |
| Sun Shade | Powered Rear Windscreen Sun Shade & Sunroof Shade, Manual Rear Door Window Shades | 2x Side Shade, 1x Rear Shade |
| Audio | 14.9" Touchscreen BMW Live Cockpit Professional with Voice Control, Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto and 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System (655W) | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 10-Speaker HiFi Loudspeaker System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | 4 |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activated with Contactless Operation | Remote Control Activation with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with Surround View Camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | — | Yes |
| 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 | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM395✓ | RM1,015 |
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 i5 & i7 for sale
i5 vs i7 FAQ
Is the BMW i5 or BMW i7 better?
The BMW i5 is better for cost-conscious buyers because it is RM346,000 cheaper, has 627 km range and faster AC/DC charging. The BMW i7 is better if you need 536 hp, all-wheel drive, a 525-litre boot and its larger 3,215 mm wheelbase.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i7 costs RM346,000 more than the BMW i5: RM714,800 against RM368,800.
Which BMW EV charges faster?
The BMW i5 charges faster on both quoted inputs, supporting 22 kW AC and 205 kW DC. The BMW i7 supports 11 kW AC and 195 kW DC.