Verdict
At RM368,800, the BMW i5 costs RM1,912 more than the Lexus ES, but it brings a 83.9-kWh battery, 627 km EV range and 205 kW DC charging for buyers with dependable charging access. Its 335-hp, 430-Nm rear motor also cuts the 0-100 km/h sprint to 6.0 seconds, against 9.4 seconds for the ES. The Lexus counters with a 197-PS 2.0-litre hybrid system, a 55-litre fuel tank and 395 kg less mass. Choose the i5 for EV pace and charging capability; the ES is the simpler hybrid alternative.
The i5 M60 xDrive (RM479,800) sits above every ES variant here, so the verdict compares the closest-priced pairing — use the selectors above to match any two trims.
Pick the BMW i5 if you can charge regularly and want 627 km of EV range, 205 kW DC charging and a 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time.
Pick the Lexus ES if you prefer a 197-PS petrol-hybrid drivetrain with a 55-litre fuel tank and a 1,810-kg kerb weight.
Key differences
- Price: BMW i5 RM368,800; Lexus ES RM366,888.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW i5 6.0 seconds; Lexus ES 9.4 seconds.
- Weight: BMW i5 2,205 kg; Lexus ES 1,810 kg.
- Wheelbase: BMW i5 2,995 mm; Lexus ES 2,950 mm.
- Length: BMW i5 5,060 mm; Lexus ES 5,140 mm.
- Road tax per year: BMW i5 RM395; Lexus ES RM374.
i5
- 627 km EV range from an 83.9-kWh battery
- 205 kW DC and 22 kW AC charging
- 335 hp, 430 Nm and rear-wheel drive
- RM1,912 more expensive than the Lexus ES
- RM395 annual road tax versus RM374
- 395 kg heavier than the Lexus ES
ES
- 197-PS 2.0-litre hybrid system with a 55-litre fuel tank
- 395 kg lighter than the BMW i5
- 80 mm longer body
- 0-100 km/h takes 9.4 seconds versus 6.0 seconds
- 180 km/h top speed versus 193 km/h
- 111-hp, 206-Nm motor versus 335 hp and 430 Nm
What the i5 has over the ES
Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.
Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM368,800 | RM366,888✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | — |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM395 | RM374✓ |
| Monthly instalment (est.) | RM3,765/mo | RM3,745/mo✓ |
| Insurance / year (est.) | RM9,837✓ | RM9,852 |
| Fuel or electricity / year (est.) | RM1,189 | — |
| Energy cost / 100 km (est.) | RM5.95 | — |
| 5-year running costs (est.) | RM57,103 | — |
| Charging (estimated) | ||
| AC charge 0–100% (est.) | 3.8 hours | — |
| DC charge 10–80% (est.) | 30 min | — |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture | 2.0L Hybrid, combined output 197 PS |
| Capacity | — | 1,987 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 150 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | — | 188 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | — | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Compression Ratio | — | 14.0 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 335 hp✓ | 111 hp |
| Motor Torque | 430 Nm✓ | 206 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 83.9 kWh | — |
| EV Range | 627 km | — |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 22 kW | — |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 205 kW | — |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | eCVT Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | E-CVT |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6 seconds✓ | 9.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 193 km/h✓ | 180 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,060 mm | 5,140 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,920 mm |
| Height | 1,515 mm | 1,555 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,995 mm | 2,950 mm |
| Weight | 2,205 kg | 1,810 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 55 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres✓ | 487 litres |
| Front Tyre | 245/40R20 | — |
| Rear Tyre | 275/35R20 | — |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Pirelli P Zero Elekt | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | — |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | MacPherson strut |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" Alloys | — |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Alloys | — |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Electric power steering, variable gear ratio |
| Chassis Notes | — | Revised TNGA GA-K platform; MacPherson strut front, multi-link rear (first ES with multi-link); electric power steering with variable gear ratio |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain) | — |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | — |
| Stability Control | ✓ | — |
| Alarm | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for Rear Doors | — |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three Point | — |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on outer rear seats | — |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam | — |
| Taillamps | LED | — |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | — |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory Settings | — |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split Fold | — |
| Front Air-con | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control | — |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | — |
| Sunroof | Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | 2x Wireless Charger, 2x USB-C ports front, 2x USB-C ports rear | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | — |
| Cup Holders | 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) | — |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | — |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | — |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | — |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | — |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | — |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activated with Contactless Operation | — |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | — |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | — |
| Reverse 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 | — | Hidden-until-lit dashboard switches for climate and vehicle functions with media volume dial; sixth-generation Lexus hybrid system; 12.3-inch digital meter |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | — |
| Warranty Extended | 3 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. Running-cost estimates assume 20,000 km/year. Fuel at RM1.99/litre (RON95, subsidised). Electricity at RM0.44/kWh (TNB domestic, home charging); public DC charging costs around RM1.30/kWh. Charging times estimated from battery capacity and peak charging rates. Insurance: comprehensive motor tariff, no NCD. Instalment: 10% down, 2.5% flat rate, 9 years. Prices checked October 2026.
Used i5 & ES for sale
Our reviews & guides
BMW i5
Lexus ES
i5 vs ES FAQ
Is the BMW i5 or Lexus ES better?
The BMW i5 is better for buyers able to charge, with 627 km EV range, 205 kW DC charging and a 6.0-second sprint. The Lexus ES suits drivers who want a petrol-hybrid drivetrain, 55-litre tank and lower 1,810-kg weight.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i5 costs RM368,800 and the Lexus ES costs RM366,888, so the BMW is RM1,912 more expensive.
Which is quicker, the BMW i5 or Lexus ES?
The BMW i5 is decisively quicker: it reaches 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and tops out at 193 km/h. The Lexus ES takes 9.4 seconds to 100 km/h and has a 180 km/h top speed.
How long does charging take?
The i5's 83.9 kWh battery takes about 3.8 hours for a full AC charge, and an estimated 30 minutes from 10% to 80% on a DC fast charger at its 205 kW peak.