Verdict
At RM368,800, the BMW i5 is RM57,000 below the RM425,800 BMW iX, yet reaches 627 km to the iX’s 602 km and accepts 205 kW DC charging against 175 kW. That is the stronger long-distance proposition. The iX answers with two motors producing 402 hp and 700 Nm, reaching 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds versus 6.0 seconds. It also brings all-wheel drive and air suspension, plus a 500-litre boot. Malaysian buyers needing an SUV have a reason to spend more, but the 2,205-kg i5 saves RM150 annually in road tax.
Pick the BMW i5 if you want the longer 627 km range, quicker 205 kW DC charging and lower running costs in a sedan.
Pick the BMW iX if you need SUV practicality, all-wheel drive, air suspension and much stronger 402 hp, 700 Nm performance.
Key differences
- Price: BMW i5 RM368,800; BMW iX RM425,800.
- Powertrain: BMW i5 has one 335 hp, 430 Nm motor and rear-wheel drive; BMW iX has two motors, 402 hp, 700 Nm and all-wheel drive.
- Battery and range: BMW i5 83.9 kWh and 627 km; BMW iX 100.6 kWh and 602 km.
- DC charging: BMW i5 205 kW; BMW iX 175 kW. Both accept 22 kW AC charging.
- Performance: BMW i5 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and 193 km/h; BMW iX 5.1 seconds and 200 km/h.
- Practicality: BMW i5 is a 5,060 mm sedan with a 490-litre boot; BMW iX is a 4,965 mm SUV with a 500-litre boot.
i5
- 627 km EV range
- 205 kW DC charging rate
- RM395 annual road tax and CKD assembly
- 335 hp and 430 Nm trail the iX’s 402 hp and 700 Nm
- Rear-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive
- No air suspension and a 490-litre boot
iX
- 402 hp, 700 Nm twin-motor all-wheel drive
- 5.1-second 0-100 km/h time
- Air suspension and 500-litre boot
- RM57,000 more expensive
- 602 km range is 25 km behind the i5
- 175 kW DC charging and RM545 annual road tax
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM368,800✓ | RM425,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | SUV |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM395✓ | RM545 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture |
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | 335 hp | 402 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 430 Nm | 700 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 83.9 kWh | 100.6 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 627 km✓ | 602 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22 kW | 22 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 205 kW✓ | 175 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6 seconds | 5.1 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 193 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 | 2,995 mm | 3,000 mm |
| Weight | 2,205 kg | 2,525 kg |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres | 500 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/40R20 | 255/50R21 |
| Rear Tyre | 275/35R20 | 255/50R21 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Pirelli P Zero Elekt | 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 | 20" Alloys | 21" Aerodynamic Style 1012 Bi-colour Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" 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 | Electric for Rear Doors | Manual For Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three Point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 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 | LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory Settings | Powered Front Seats with Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split Fold | 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 | Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 2x Wireless Charger, 2x USB-C ports front, 2x USB-C ports rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 4 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lights |
| 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" 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, 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 Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activated with Contactless Operation | Contactless Opening, Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | 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 |
| 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 Years/ 160,000 km Warranty for EV Battery | 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 i5 & iX for sale
i5 vs iX FAQ
Is the BMW i5 or BMW iX better?
The BMW i5 is the better choice for range, faster DC charging and lower cost. Choose the BMW iX if all-wheel drive, SUV packaging, air suspension and stronger acceleration matter more.
What is the price difference?
The BMW iX costs RM57,000 more than the BMW i5.
Which BMW charges faster?
The BMW i5 charges faster on DC power, at up to 205 kW versus 175 kW for the BMW iX. Both have a 22 kW AC charging rate.