The faster charging capability with this BMW does unfortunately come at the expense of some other previously-standard creature comforts.
Despite having only been on the Malaysian market for less than a quarter of a year, BMW has nevertheless decided to recently introduce an upgraded version of its i5 eDrive40 M Sport.
Now the main highlight of this particular revision is the doubling of this all-electric mid-sized sedan’s AC charging capability to 22 kW from its previously standard 11 kW cap. BMW currently claims for this increased charging proficiency has hence halved the time it takes for a full charge, from 8 hours and 15 minutes to 4 hours and 15 minutes when hooked up to the appropriate 22 kW AC supply.
BMW has went on to add that this upgraded i5 eDrive40 M Sport continues to be equipped with high-power DC charging capability of up to 205 kW, which in turn could see its 83.9 kWh battery be charged from 0% to 80% charge in just 34 minutes. This particular all-electric sedan still also claims the same WLTP-rated 582 km range figure as before, with its sole rear motor that produces 340 PS and 430 Nm of torque likewise to still be capable of pushing this Bimmer from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 6.0 seconds and on to top speed of 193 km/h.
The Bavarian marque has also been rather proud to proclaim too that in spite of this upgrade to its charging capabilities, the updated 2024 i5 eDrive40 M Sport is to only be RM 300 more expensive than its outgoing 2023 predecessor at RM 420,100 (inclusive of BMW’s 5-year “extended” warranty package). Though before anyone starts to think that BMW has actually been generous for once, let it be therefore be highlighted that a few niceties were incidentally also quietly removed too from this premium sedan during this particular update.
Gone for instance with this latest i5 eDrive40 in Malaysia is the previously-standard 21-inch BMW Individual Style 954M two-tone alloy wheels, with it to now be rolling on a set of slightly smaller 20-inch Style 939M units instead. Thrown out too with these upgraded models for 2024 is the panoramic glass roof option, the swanky crystal controls and rather unfortunately for hot-arsed local executives, ventilated seats.
Having said that, this particular i5 is still to not be too skint on kit. It still retains the BMW Operating System 8.5, which brings with it the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, BMW Maps and the Digital Key Plus with security-optimised Ultra-Wideband (UWB) radio.
Its cockpit further features the BMW Curved Display front and centre, boasting a 12.3-inch instrument panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen Control Display. Enhancing the driving experience meanwhile is its still-standard Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System, which comprises of 18 speakers and an amplifier output of 655 Watts.
The BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport is also equipped with an array of advanced safety and driver support technologies, including Proactive Care – a pioneer customer service feature in the Premium Ownership Experience, Driving Assistance Professional, Speed Limit Assist, route control and active navigation guidance, Side Collision Protection, Road Priority Warning and Wrong-way Warning, Crossing-traffic Warning with braking function all arriving as standard.
Standard exterior colour offerings for the BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport include the Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Brooklyn Grey Metallic, and Phytonic Blue Metallic, with this 2024 upgrade adding to the list 5 more vibrant hues that include Sophisto Grey Metallic, Oxide Grey Metallic, Cape York Green Metallic, and Fire Red Metallic. Upholstery options on the other hand with this mid-sized Bimmer includes the unique Leather Merino Black, Leather Merino Copper Brown and Leather Merino Silverstone.
Benjamin Nagel, Managing Director at BMW Group Malaysia expressed, “We began 2024 by celebrating the progress of the adoption of our electric vehicles in the Malaysian market, and we are pleased to be able to further supplement that progress by introducing more EVs that deliver the highest forms of the Premium Electric Ownership to our esteemed customer base here. With the BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport joining the ranks of the recently refreshed BMW iX xDrive50 Sport and the BMW iX M60 in terms of its upgraded charging technology, we mark this significant introduction as a testament to BMW Malaysia’s steadfast dedication to driving Sheer Electrified Driving Pleasure for Malaysians.”
With the Easy Drive Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the refreshed BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM 4,845.00 (based on 5-year Easy Drive plan with a mileage of 100,000 km at 80% loan amount). Additionally, customers can also benefit from a RM 10,000 Easy Drive Cash Rebate upon registering for the Easy Drive Financing.
With the Straight Line Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia meanwhile, the refreshed BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM 4,709.00 (based on estimates of 80% loan amount on a 7-year tenure).
