BMW 530i M Sport Drive Review In Malaysia

Is The BMW 530i M Sport worth the asking price right now in Malaysia

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BMW Group Malaysia launched the locally-assembled 520i in September 2024 from RM332,800 to RM349,800 making it a little more expensive than the latest Mercedes E200 which was launched earlier that month for RM355,888.

Now in 2025 BMW has a new variant for the G60 5-Series. The German automakers flagship trim of the ICE-only 5-Series lineup arrives in BMW showrooms with a sticker price of RM430,100.

The 530i sets itself apart from its lesser 520i sibling on the outside through the standard inclusion of BMW’s Iconic Glow package, which brings a fully illuminated frame to further draw attention to the current 5 Series’s new face. This higher-end variant further features on its exterior a satin aluminium finish on its window surrounds, as well as 20-inch ‘M’ light alloy wheels in star spoke style.

Befitting of its M Sport variant moniker too, the 530i also adds within an M leather steering wheel, leather-lined sport seats with electric adjustability and memory function, M headliner anthracite and dark silver M interior accent combined with aluminium rhombicle.

Instrumentation and infotainment meanwhile within this 5 Series comes courtesy of the easy to digest BMW Curved Display, which consists of a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Now despite the ‘30i’ in its name, the 530i M Sport instead shares the same 48 V mild hybrid 2.0-litre petrol fed B48 turbocharged 4-cylinder and 8-speed automatic transmission as in the 520i.

The boosted four-cylinder in this higher spec variant nevertheless has naturally been given a more powerful state of tune, and currently outputs 258hp and 400Nm of torque (in place of the 208hp and 330Nm of the 520i), which hence sees for it to complete the century sprint in just 6.2 seconds, before eventually topping out at 250km/h.

In the aim of further improving driving dynamics too, the 530i M Sport lands locally with Adaptive Suspension Professional with Integral Active Steering as standard, which in normal speak translates to electronically controlled shock absorbers and rear wheel steering.

Most buyers however will probably be more interested to know that this premium sedan comes with Driving Assistant Plus, which brings with it Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go functionality, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, as well as Lane Departure Warning.

There are currently 5 colours for buyers in Malaysia to choose from with their G60 530i M sport: Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Phytonic Blue Metallic, Brooklyn Grey Metallic, and a striking Cape York Green Metallic.

Its two-tone Leather Merino interior upholstery in turn could be had in either Black/Atlas Grey, or Copper Brown/Atlas Grey.

Well, to start, it is a BMW and so you get well executed cabin space with Merino leather seats adding to that premium touch and feel all around the cabin. There is at the ‘stocky’ steering wheel that is very nice to hold and well weighted like all petrol fed BMWs.

From ignition, the 2.0 turbocharged engine has a mild rumble to remind passengers this is NOT an electric car. With this latest 5 Series the engineers have succeeded in keeping both outstanding handling properties and good agility which is what BMW’s are known for.

So, what does the 48V mild hybrid system deliver? Well, the 48V mild-hybrid system in this BMW 530i M Sport assists the engine for increased efficiency and performance. It provides an electric boost (less fuel consumption) during acceleration, enhances the start-stop system for smoother operation, and recovers energy during braking to be used later.

This results in improved fuel consumption and a more responsive driving experience. The overall character of the suspension has been tuned for directional stability and long-distance comfort which is the key ingredient for any sports sedan. BMW handling engineers know this well.

Lets no forget the Bowers & Wilkins 18-speaker premium sound system that entertains music lovers.

The competition has the edge in terms of pricing and even in some aspect packaging. However, there will still be a number of lucky Malaysians with the available funds to have this 5 Series registered in their name.