Fully electric BMW i5 eDrive40 launched in Malaysia

The BMW i range of electric vehicles in Malaysia today gains a new member – the i5, unveiled at the Premium Auto Care Expo (PACE) 2023. With this new model of the G60 generation, the 5-Series moves more extensively into electrified powertrains.

Fully electric powertrain
Offered in eDrive40 form, the new i5 has a battery electric powertrain with an output of up to 250 kW (340 ps)/430 Nm (with Sport Boost). With a single more at the rear, the i5 is claimed to be able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 6 seconds but the top speed is 193 km/h only.

The battery pack providing the energy has a capacity of 83.9 kWh, which is said to be good for a range of up to 582 kms. A Max Range mode (which functions like a ECO mode in a petrol engine) can reduce performance and limit some other operating levels to extend range by up to 25%.

When connected to a DC fast-charger of up to 205 kW, the charging time from 10% to 80% is within  34 minutes. If the power supply is AC and up to 11 kW, then it will take up to 8.25 hours to completely recharge an empty battery. The battery’s efficiency is enhanced by advanced adaptive recuperation and intelligent heat pump technology.

Grille appropriate to car’s size
Unlike recent new BMW models with increasingly bigger kidney grilles, the i5 has a grille that is more proportionately appropriate to the car’s size. The iconic ‘Sharknose’ design serves provides a distinctive identity with flanking vertical LED strips adorning the LED headlights.

Further enhancing the visual signature is the BMW Iconic Glow contour line on the grille, while the overall aesthetics include the M high gloss Shadowline which gives a polished finish to the i5 eDrive40.  The Hofmeister kink, a classic design element of BMW models since 1961, transitions smoothly to the rear, giving the sedan the sleeker appearance of a coupe.

Larger body
Compared to its predecessor, the new 5-Series body is larger – 5060 mm in length (+97 mm), 1900 mm in width (+32 mm) and 1515 mm in height (+36 mm). The wheelbase is now 2995 mm, an increase of only 20 mm from before.

Standard M Sport package
The i5 eDrive4 comes with an M Sport Package with an aerodynamic front apron, muscular side skirts, and a rear apron with a distinctive diffuser. Adoptive Suspension Pro enhances driving dynamics with integrated electronically controlled shock absorbers. These have two maps for different settings to provide more comfort or sportier characteristics.

There is also Integral Active Steering, featuring a 4-wheel steering system, for enhanced manoeuvrability and agility at medium speeds, with the turning circle reduced by more than 0.6 metres to 11.7 metres.

Standard equipment includes the BMW Curved Display, illuminated BMW Interaction Bar, Panorama glass roof, and a 655W Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System with 18 speakers. The infotainment system runs on BMW Operating System 8.5, with connectivity technologies such as the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, and the Digital Key Plus with security-optimised Ultra Wideband (UWB) radio technology.

Engine sounds – if you miss them
For those who miss the sound of a combustion engine, BMW has worked with film music composer Hans Zimmer (Pirates of the Caribbean series, Gladiator, The Lion King, The Da Vinci Code) to create the BMW Iconic Sounds Electric system. This system generates familiar engine sounds that are dynamically matched to the car’s acceleration. Some may like it, some may find it weird and if so, it can be switched off.

Making its first appearance in the 5-Series portfolio is Proactive Care, a customer service system that is integrated into the i5 eDrive40. Proactive Care enhances the BMW ownership experience by offering a range of services, including the Condition- Based Service, Accident Assistance, Live Diagnosis, and Digital Tyre Diagnosis, tailored to the owner’s preferences.

The i5 eDrive40 is priced from RM419,888 (duty-free, without insurance) and includes an Extended Warranty (5 years) and BMW Service & Repair Inclusive. The battery pack has a separate warranty of 8 years/160,000 kms. And, of course, there are also the other benefits that a BMW owner gets for a premium ownership experience.

With the Easy Drive Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, it can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM4,855.00 (based on 5-year Easy Drive plan with a mileage of 100,000 km at 80% loan amount). Easy Drive Financing customers can also enjoy a RM10,000 Easy Drive Cash Rebate, further lowering the instalment amount.

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