Verdict
At RM368,800, the BMW i5 undercuts the RM439,200 Lexus GS by RM70,400 while bringing a 335-hp, 430-Nm rear motor, 83.9-kWh battery and 627 km stated range. Its 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time also beats the GS’s 7.3 seconds, and 205-kW DC charging suits drivers with access to rapid chargers. The Lexus counters with a 520-litre boot, 230 km/h top speed and five-year warranty, but its 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine uses 7.9 L/100 km. For an executive sedan buyer able to charge, the i5 is the stronger package.
Pick the BMW i5 if you can charge regularly and want RM70,400 in savings, 627 km stated EV range and a quicker 6.0-second sprint.
Pick the Lexus GS if you need a 520-litre boot, a 230 km/h top speed and the reassurance of a five-year manufacturer warranty.
Key differences
- Price: BMW i5 RM368,800; Lexus GS RM439,200.
- Powertrain: BMW i5 has one 335-hp, 430-Nm electric motor; Lexus GS has a 1,998 cc turbo petrol engine with 241 hp and 350 Nm.
- Performance: BMW i5 reaches 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds; Lexus GS takes 7.3 seconds.
- Energy use: BMW i5 has an 83.9-kWh battery and 627 km stated range; Lexus GS is rated at 7.9 L/100 km with a 66-litre tank.
- Boot space: BMW i5 has 490 litres; Lexus GS has 520 litres.
- Warranty: BMW i5 has a two-year vehicle warranty and eight-year/160,000-km battery warranty; Lexus GS has a five-year vehicle warranty.
i5
- RM70,400 cheaper
- 335 hp and 430 Nm; 0-100 km/h in 6.0 seconds
- 205-kW DC charging, adaptive cruise control and 360-degree camera
- 490-litre boot is 30 litres smaller
- Two-year vehicle warranty versus five years
- 193 km/h top speed versus 230 km/h
GS
- 520-litre boot
- Five-year manufacturer warranty
- Ventilated front seats and space-saver spare tyre
- RM70,400 more expensive
- 241 hp, 350 Nm and 7.3-second 0-100 km/h trail the i5
- No blind-spot information system, autonomous braking or lane-keeping assist
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM368,800✓ | RM439,200 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM395 | RM379✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 5th-generation BMW eDrive, 400V architecture | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | — | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | — | 241 hp |
| Torque | — | 350 Nm |
| Fuel | Electric | Petrol |
| Bore | — | 86 mm |
| Compression Ratio | — | 10 |
| Number of Motors | 1 | — |
| Motor Horsepower | 335 hp✓ | — |
| Motor Torque | 430 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 | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | — | 8-speed Sports Direct Shift |
| Gears | — | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | — | Aisin |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6 seconds✓ | 7.3 seconds |
| Rated Economy | — | 7.9 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 193 km/h | 230 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | — | 183 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,060 mm | 4,850 mm |
| Width | 1,900 mm | 1,840 mm |
| Height | 1,515 mm | 1,455 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,995 mm | 2,855 mm |
| Weight | 2,205 kg | 1,720 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 66 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 490 litres | 520 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 245/40R20 | 225/50R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 275/35R20 | 225/50R17 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | Pirelli P Zero Elekt | — |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Japan (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Alloys | 17" Alloy |
| 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 Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Side |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Electric for Rear Doors | Manual for rear door |
| 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 | — |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | — |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | — |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projector with Adaptive High Beam | Bi-Xenon Projector |
| Taillamps | LED | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Driver and Passenger Powered Seats with Memory Settings | 10-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function, Ventilated |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split Fold | Fold-down Centre Armrest |
| Front Air-con | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Rear Vents |
| Sunroof | Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | 2x Wireless Charger, 2x USB-C ports front, 2x USB-C ports rear | 1 Front, 1 Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and 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) | 8" Lexus Premium Audio CD/MP3 Player with Bluetooth, Navigation and 12 Speakers |
| 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 Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | — | ✓ |
| Paddle Shift | — | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activated with Contactless Operation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | — |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited✓ | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 5 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.
Used i5 & GS for sale
i5 vs GS FAQ
Is the BMW i5 or Lexus GS better?
The BMW i5 is the better buy for drivers with dependable charging: it costs RM70,400 less, reaches 100 km/h 1.3 seconds sooner and has 627 km stated range. Choose the Lexus GS for its larger boot and five-year warranty.
What is the price difference?
The BMW i5 costs RM368,800 and the Lexus GS costs RM439,200, so the Lexus is RM70,400 more expensive.
Which is more practical for long-distance travel?
The Lexus GS carries 30 litres more luggage at 520 litres, has a 66-litre petrol tank and is rated at 7.9 L/100 km. The i5 has 627 km stated range and can DC charge at up to 205 kW, subject to charger access.