The ever-popular BMW 5-Series is now complemented locally by an all-new all-electric counterpart.
In a surprisingly short time since its international debut this past May, BMW Malaysia has already recently unveiled the i5 locally. Arriving on our shores at the same time as in other parts of the world and before its similarly next-gen fuel-burning 5-series counterpart over here, this all-electric mid-sized sedan lands first in its sensible eDrive40 guise.
Though even this sensible option would likely be more than enough to please any current 5-er owner thinking of going all-electric, especially considering that its single rear-mounted electric motor already outputs a healthy 340 hp. What more too is that with a peak torque of 430 Nm when Sport Boost mode is enabled, this 6.0-second century sprint time of this eDrive40 can already more than handily whoop a current 530i off the lights before barrelling onto a top speed of 193 km/h.
Those who however prefer to cruise in their Ultimate Driving Machine would perhaps be more interested in the Hans Zimmer co-developed Iconic Sounds Electric system and its WLTP-claimed range of up to 582 km, which is afforded by the 83.9 kWh battery pack of this i5 eDrive40. An impressive figure is apparently achieved the cutting-edge adaptive recuperation and the utilisation of an intelligent heat pump technology, in addition to the Max Range function that can cut comfort features to further enhance vehicle efficiency by up to 25%.
There is probably no need for such drastic measures though, as the BMW i5 features a high-powered DC charging option that can reach up to 205 kW and 500 A for a rapid charge from flat to 80% in just 34 minutes. When equipped with an 11 kW AC Wallbox Charger on the other hand, this EV can achieve a 100% battery capacity in 8 hours and 15 minutes.
Now moving onto exterior of the i5, this all-electric BMW rather sensibly does not deviate far from the typical 5-Series aesthetics that most of its buyers will perhaps be used to. Flanking its adaptive LED headlights on this sedan for instance is still the usual kidney grille, with rather traditional vertical slats too to make it look that little bit more like its fuel-burning counterparts. Featured also on this particular spec of i5 are 21-inch BMW Individual aerodynamic 954 wheels in Bicolour Jet Black with mixed-size tyres, in addition to the M high gloss Shadowline and M Sport package.
Said M Sport Package adds to the outside an aerodynamic front apron, muscular side skirts, and a rear apron with integrated diffuser. Also present on this i5 is BMW’s Integral Active Steering 4-wheel steering system and Adaptive Suspension Pro electronically controlled shock absorbers, as well as a flat-bottomed steering wheel.
Said flat bottomed steering wheel is then joined within by the BMW Curved Display, which combines a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen running on the new BMW Operating System 8.5. Other cool tech toys in the i5 include an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System, a panoramic sunroof and Digital Key Plus with security-optimised Ultra Wideband (UWB) radio technology.
The comprehensive Driving Assistance Professional that comes as a standard with the i5, bringing with it Distance Control with Stop and Go function, Steering and Lane Control Assistant for optimal driving safety and comfort. Other functions include the automatic 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 of which is set against the Leather Merino Black and Leather Merino Copper Brown upholstery and glass application Crafted Clarity with polished glass crystal elements, while the Dark Silver M accent combined with Aluminium Rhombicle adds a sophisticated finishing touch to the cabin.
As for dimensions, the BMW i5 eDrive40 measures 5,060 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and 1,515 mm in height, while its wheelbase measures 2,995 mm and has a boot capacity of 490 litres. Compared to its predecessor, this is an increase of 97 mm in length, 32 mm in width, 36 mm in height and 20 mm in wheelbase.
Available in four distinct colours: Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Brooklyn Grey Metallic and Phytonic Blue Metallic, the i5 eDrive40 is currently available in all BMW dealerships with a rather attractive price tag of RM 419,800.00. With the Easy Drive Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia too, this all-electric sedan can be had a monthly instalment plan starting from RM 4,855.00 (based on 5-year Easy Drive plan with a mileage of 100,000 km at 80% loan amount). Additionally, prospective owners can also benefit from a RM 10,000 Easy Drive Cash Rebate upon registering for the Easy Drive Financing, allowing a monthly instalment plan starting from RM 4,677.00.
Said purchase will also be made sweeter too with the i5 marking the debut of Proactive Care in the BMW 5 Series lineup. An apparently groundbreaking customer service system, Proactive Care enhances the BMW ownership experience by offering a range of services that encompasses the Condition Based Service (CBS), Accident Assistance (A-Call), Live Diagnosis, and Digital Tyre Diagnosis, tailored to the owner’s preferences. This innovative system also establishes direct communication with customers and provides solutions through the most efficient channels based on urgency, ensuring a seamless experience. In the event that immediate servicing is required while on the road, the system will trigger an alert which will guide the driver to the nearest BMW dealership.
