Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer, the BMW M5 costs RM1,200,800 against the Lotus Emeya’s RM459,000, a vast RM741,800 gap before running costs. The M5 is quicker to 100 km/h at 3.5 seconds and brings a 727 PS, 1,000 Nm plug-in hybrid system, but its 67 km EV range and RM8,408 annual road tax demand a different sort of commitment. The Emeya covers 610 km electrically, charges at up to 420 kW DC and carries RM1,440 road tax. It is the rational grand tourer; the BMW is for buyers who want the V8 PHEV experience and outright acceleration.
Pick the BMW M5 if 3.5-second 0-100 km/h pace, a 727 PS V8 plug-in hybrid and a 40:20:40 split-folding rear seat matter more than purchase and road-tax costs.
Pick the Lotus Emeya if you want 610 km EV range, 420 kW DC charging and far lower RM1,440 annual road tax.
Key differences
- Acceleration: BMW M5 0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds; Lotus Emeya in 4.15 seconds.
- Electric range: BMW M5 67 km; Lotus Emeya 610 km.
- Battery capacity: BMW M5 22.1 kWh; Lotus Emeya 102 kWh.
- AC charging: BMW M5 7.4 kW; Lotus Emeya 22 kW.
- Annual road tax: BMW M5 RM8,408; Lotus Emeya RM1,440.
- Boot space: BMW M5 466 litres; Lotus Emeya 509 litres.
M5
- 3.5-second 0-100 km/h time
- 727 PS and 1,000 Nm V8 plug-in hybrid system
- Split-folding rear seat and auto parking
- 67 km EV range versus 610 km
- 7.4 kW AC charging and no listed DC charging rate versus 22 kW and 420 kW
- RM8,408 annual road tax versus RM1,440
Emeya
- 610 km electric range
- 22 kW AC and 420 kW DC charging
- Five-year, 150,000 km vehicle warranty plus eight-year, 200,000 km battery warranty
- 4.15-second 0-100 km/h time versus 3.5 seconds
- Fixed rear seats versus the M5’s 40:20:40 split-folding arrangement
- No auto parking listed, where the M5 has it
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM1,200,800 | RM459,000✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Executive | Grand Tourer |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM8,408 | RM1,440✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 32-valve DOHC with Twin Turbochargers, Direct Injection, Variable Valve Timing and Lift, plug-in hybrid assistance | 800V architecture |
| Capacity | 4,395 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 591 hp | — |
| Torque | 750 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | 194 hp | 603 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 280 Nm | 710 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 22.1 kWh | 102 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 67 km | 610 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 7.4 kW | 22 kW✓ |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 420 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | M Steptronic | — |
| Gears | 8 | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 3.5 seconds✓ | 4.15 seconds |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,096 mm | 5,139 mm |
| Width | 1,970 mm | 2,241 mm |
| Height | 1,510 mm | 1,459 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,857 mm | 3,069 mm |
| Weight | 2,510 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 60 litres | — |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 466 litres | 509 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 265/40R20 | 255/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 295/35R21 | 285/40R20 |
| Spare Tyre | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit | — |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook S1 evo Z | Pirelli P-Zero |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link with Air Suspension |
| Front Wheels | 20" M Alloys | 20" 5-spoke Aero Grey Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 21" M Alloys | 20" 5-spoke Aero Grey Alloys |
| Steering | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | M Adaptive Suspension | Continuous Dampening Control with Air Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver & Front Passenger, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags and Driver's Knee Airbag | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Curtain Airbags, Front Center Airbag and Driver's Knee Airbag |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for outer two rear passenger seats | Available on two 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 Auto High Beam | Projector LED with Dynamic Indicators |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED with Dynamic Indicators |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-folding | Fixed |
| 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 |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 2 USB-C Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Rear | — |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Rear Window Shades | — |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System | 15.1" Touchscreen with Lotus Hyper OS, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 15-speaker KEF Reference Audio |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch | Four Windows, Automatic with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button Start | Keyless Operation (Depress Brake Pedal) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Proximity Lock/Unlock | Keyless Entry |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | — |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Remote Control Activation with Contactless Boot Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 4 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor | Yes, with Surround View |
| Auto Parking | Yes | — |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | — | ✓ |
| Power Door | Yes | No |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | — | Tyre puncture repair kit |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited✓ | 150,000 km |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | — |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 5 years✓ |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | — |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-year/200,000 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 M5 & Emeya for sale
M5 vs Emeya FAQ
Is the BMW M5 or Lotus Emeya better?
The Lotus Emeya is better for electric range, charging and lower annual road tax, with 610 km, 420 kW DC charging and RM1,440 road tax. Choose the BMW M5 for its 3.5-second sprint and 727 PS V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain.
What is the price difference?
The BMW M5 costs RM741,800 more than the Lotus Emeya. That is a major premium for the M5’s V8 plug-in hybrid drivetrain, quicker 0-100 km/h time and BMW-specific practicality features such as split-folding rear seats and auto parking.
Which one is easier to charge for long-distance travel?
The Lotus Emeya is much better suited to charging stops, with 22 kW AC charging and a 420 kW DC rate. The BMW M5 has 7.4 kW AC charging, while no DC charging rate is listed, and its EV range is only 67 km.