Following the opening of its Registration of Interest for the first ever BMW i5, BMW Malaysia has now confirmed that the electric 5 Series-class sedan will soon be launched with two variants – the rear-wheel drive i5 eDrive40 and the all-wheel drive i5 M60 xDrive.

Specifications for BMW i5 eDrive40

• Power: 340 hp (Nominal), 143 hp (30 minutes power)
• Torque: 400 Nm (Nominal)
• Rear-wheel drive
• Top speed: 193 km/h
• 0-100 km/h: 6 seconds
• Range: Up to 582 km (WLTP)
• Energy consumption: As low as 15.9 kWh (WLTP)
• Battery capacity: 81.2 kWh
• Max AC/DC charging: 11 kW / 205 kW
• Kerb weight: 2,205 kg
• Boot volume: 490 litres

Specifications for BMW i5 M60 xDrive

• Power: 601 hp (Nominal), 173 hp (30 minutes power)
• Torque: 795 Nm (Nominal)
• All-wheel drive
• Top speed: N/A
• 0-100 km/h: 3.8 seconds
• Range: Up to 516 km (WLTP)
• Energy consumption: As low as 18.2 kWh (WLTP)
• Battery capacity: 81.2 kWh
• Max AC/DC charging: 11 kW / 205 kW
• Kerb weight: 2,380 kg
• Boot volume: 490 litres

Prices have yet to be announced but for reference, the 4 Series-class BMW i4 starts from RM 273,800 for the entry eDrive35, topping out at RM 445,800 for the M50. Prices are inclusive of 5-year extended warranty and service package.

The outgoing G30 generation BMW 5 Series starts from RM 360,800 for the plug-in hybrid 530e M Sport, and RM 410,800 for the 530i M Sport, both with 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engines. However, the regular 5 Series has to pay excise tax, which the imported, fully electric i5 is exempted from, at least until 31-December 2025.

Like the G70 generation BMW 7 Series / i7, the G60 generation combustion engine-hybrid 2024 BMW 5 Series and battery electric BMW i5 will look almost identical except for their grille and badging.