Car Buyer's Guide

BMW i5 vs Lexus GS

BMW i5

BMW i5

Lexus GS

Lexus GS

No longer on sale — shown for reference

Verdict

The i5 is 28% more powerful, while the i5 is about 16% cheaper. Weigh that against the equipment each side gives you in the table below.

The GS GS 300h (RM815,000) sits above every i5 variant here, so the verdict compares the closest-priced pairing — use the selectors above to match any two trims.

What the i5 has over the GS

Blind Spot Info SystemAutonomous Braking SystemLane-keeping AssistCollision WarningSeatbelt ReminderSunroofSun ShadeHead-up DisplayAuto ParkingInstrument ClusterParking Brake

What the GS has over the i5

ImmobilizerFront FoglampsTiptronicPaddle Shift

Based on the published spec sheets of the selected variants — a blank field on one side can also mean unlisted data.

The i5's wheelbase is 140 mm longer, which usually translates to more rear legroom. The i5 is 60 mm wider — more shoulder room, but a tighter fit in parking bays. Boot space favours the GS: 520 litres against 490.

i5 5,060 × 1,900 × 1,515 mm · wheelbase 2,995 mmGS 4,850 × 1,840 × 1,455 mm · wheelbase 2,855 mm
1,5155,060 mmWheelbase 2,995 mm1,4554,850 mmWheelbase 2,855 mm

Representative body-type outlines, drawn to scale from each car's length and height.

Price & overview
PriceRM368,800✓RM439,200
Body typeSedanSedan
SegmentExecutiveExecutive
AssemblyCKDCBU
Ownership
Road tax / yearRM395RM379✓
Monthly instalment (est.)RM3,765/mo✓RM4,485/mo
Insurance / year (est.)RM9,837✓RM11,732
Fuel or electricity / year (est.)RM1,189✓RM3,144
Energy cost / 100 km (est.)RM5.95✓RM15.72
5-year running costs (est.)RM57,103✓RM76,278
Charging (estimated)
AC charge 0–100% (est.)3.8 hours—
DC charge 10–80% (est.)30 min—
Powertrain
Engine Tech5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing
Capacity—1,998 cc
Horsepower—241 hp at 5,800 rpm
Torque—350 Nm at 1,650 rpm
Cylinder Arrangement—Inline 4
FuelElectricPetrol
Bore × Stroke—86 mm × 86 mm
Compression Ratio—10
Number of Motors1—
Motor Horsepower335 hp✓—
Motor Torque430 Nm✓—
Battery Capacity83.9 kWh—
EV Range627 km✓—
Charging Rate (AC)22 kW—
Charging Rate (DC)205 kW—
Drivetrain
TransmissionSingle Ratio AutomaticConventional Automatic
Transmission Name—8-speed Sports Direct Shift
Gears—8
Transmission Manufacturer—Aisin
DrivelineRear Wheel DriveRear Wheel Drive
Performance & Efficiency
0-100 km/h6 seconds✓7.3 seconds
Rated Economy—7.9 L/100 km
Top Speed193 km/h230 km/h✓
Co2—183 g/km
Dimensions
Length5,060 mm4,850 mm
Width1,900 mm1,840 mm
Height1,515 mm1,455 mm
Wheelbase2,995 mm2,855 mm
Weight2,205 kg1,720 kg
Fuel Tank—66 litres
Doors44
Seats55
Boot Space490 litres520 litres✓
Front Tyre245/40R20225/50R17
Rear Tyre275/35R20225/50R17
Spare TyreN/A, Tyre Repair KitSpace Saver
Factory TyresPirelli P Zero Elekt—
Wiper Blade (Driver)26 inch—
Wiper Blade (Passenger)19 inch—
Chassis
AssemblyMalaysia (CKD)Japan (CBU)
Front SuspensionDouble WishbonesDouble Wishbones
Rear SuspensionMulti-linkMulti-link
Front Wheels20" Alloys17" Alloy
Rear Wheels20" Alloys17" Alloy
SteeringRack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering)
Safety
Airbags6 (Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Curtain)10 (Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Side)
ABS/EBD✓✓
Stability Control✓✓
Alarm✓✓
Immobilizer—✓
Child Safety LockElectric for Rear DoorsManual for rear door
Seat Belts5 Three Point5 Three-point
Blind Spot Info System✓—
ISOFIXAvailable on outer rear seatsAvailable for two outer rear passenger seats
Autonomous Braking SystemYes—
Lane-keeping AssistSteering Correction—
Collision Warning✓—
Seatbelt ReminderAll Seats—
Lighting
HeadlampsLED Projector with Adaptive High BeamBi-Xenon Projector
TaillampsLEDLED Combination
LED Daytime Running Lights✓✓
Front Foglamps—✓
Rear Foglamps✓✓
Wing Mirror Turn Indicators✓✓
Cabin
Front SeatsDriver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory Settings10-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function, Ventilated
Rear Seats60:40 Split FoldFold-down Centre Armrest
Front Air-conDual-Zone Automatic Climate ControlDual-zone Automatic Climate Control System
Rear Air-conDual-zone Automatic Climate ControlRear Vents
SunroofFixed Panoramic Glass Roof—
Power Sockets2x Wireless Charger, 2x USB-C ports front, 2x USB-C ports rear1 Front, 1 Rear
Interior LightingMap Lights & Ambient LightingMap Lights and Ambient Lights
Cup Holders2 Front, 2 Rear2 Front, 2 Rear
Sun ShadePowered Rear Windscreen Sun Shade & Sunroof Shade, Manual Rear Door Window Shades—
Audio14.9" Touchscreen BMW Live Cockpit Professional with Voice Control, Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto and 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System (655W)8" Lexus Premium Audio CD/MP3 Player with Bluetooth, Navigation and 12 Speakers
Convenience
Power WindowsFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti PinchFour Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch
Engine StartKeyless Push ButtonKeyless Push Start
LocksKeyless OperationKeyless Operation
Auto Headlamps✓✓
Auto Wipers✓✓
Cruise ControlAdaptive Cruise ControlPassive Cruise Control
Tiptronic—✓
Paddle Shift—✓
Steering Audio Control✓✓
Steering Tilt✓✓
Steering Telescopic✓✓
Electric Steering Adjustment✓✓
Boot OperationRemote Control Activated with Contactless OperationRemote Control Activation
Parking Sensor Front6 Sensors4 Sensors
Parking Sensor Rear6 Sensors4 Sensors
Reverse CameraYes, 360-degree View MonitorYes
Auto ParkingYes—
Folding Wing Mirrors✓✓
Bluetooth✓✓
Navigation✓✓
Head-up Display✓—
Hill Start Assist✓✓
Instrument ClusterFull LCD Monitor—
Parking BrakeElectronic—
Warranty
Warranty Mileage ManufacturerUnlimitedUnlimited
Warranty Mileage ExtendedUnlimited✓—
Warranty Manufacturer2 years5 years✓
Warranty Extended3 years✓—
Warranty Notes8 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 November 2026.

Our reviews & guides

i5 vs GS FAQ

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.

Which one is locally assembled?

The i5 is assembled in Malaysia (CKD), while the GS is fully imported (CBU) from Japan. Local assembly generally helps pricing and spare-parts supply, and CKD programmes usually signal a longer-term commitment to the model here.

Which has the better warranty?

The GS carries a 5-year manufacturer warranty against 2 years for the i5. i5: 8 Years/ 160,000 km Warranty for EV Battery.

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