Malaysia-bound 2024 BMW i5 EV makes ASEAN debut in Thailand, priced from equivalent of RM 653k
CY Foong · Oct 19, 2023 05:30 PM
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The first-ever all-electric (EV) version of the BMW 5 Series, the 2024 BMW i5, made its ASEAN debut in Thailand five months after its official global unveiling. Two variants of the BMW i5 are offered in the Kingdom:
BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport – THB 4,999,000 (~RM 653k)
BMW i5 M60 xDrive – THB 5,599,000 (~RM 732k)
The i5 brings the 5 Series into the all-electric era though it has a very divisive look commonly tagged onto most modern BMWs. The iconic kidney grille is now projected farther forward and features a wider gob…I mean surround.
Both variants of the i5 for the Thai market come with a sporty exterior package with the more powerful i5 M60 xDrive variant sporting 21-inch BMW Individual aerodynamic alloy wheels in bicolour Jet Black. The lower variant of the two gets 20-inch M aerodynamic alloy wheels in bicolour Black Grey.
Powering the i5 eDrive40 M Sport is an electric motor mounted on the rear axle that generates 340 PS and 400-430 Nm. The higher torque is delivered via Sport Boost or Launch Control active. The motor is juiced up by an 81.2-kWh battery with a range of 497-582 km (WLTP standard).
As for the i5 M60 xDrive, it has two electric motors mounted on both axles which produce a combined output of 601 PS and 795 Nm. With M Sport Boost or M Launch Control engaged, max torque is increased to 820 Nm with a 0-100 km/h sprint completed in just 3.8 seconds.
Just like the entry variant of the i5, the more potent electric 5er is powered up by an 81.2-kWh battery with a range of 455-516 km under WLTP standards.
Charging the i5 via AC charging of up to 22 kW takes 4 hours 15 minutes from 0-100% while DC fast charging is supported up to 205 kW which allows a 10-80% charge to be completed in around 30 minutes.
The i5 shares the same characteristics as the all-new G60 5 Series with an almost perfectly balanced 50:50 ratio axle load distribution. Both variants feature the Adaptive Suspension Professional system with electronically controlled shock absorbers and Integral Active Steering.
The driver-oriented BMW Curved Display which includes a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display runs on BMW Operating System 8.5 with QuickSelect. Aside from that, the i5 also comes with the BMW Interaction Bar that extends across the entire width of the instrument panel and into the door panels which provides touch-sensitive controls.
For entertainment, there is the 17-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system on the i5 M60 xDrive, a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon hi-fi sound system on the i5 eDrive40 M Sport, and on both variants, a built-in game console.
Okay, technically, the AirConsole is no PlayStation, but it turns the i5’s display into a casual gaming device to have fun with when the executive sedan is stationary or while charging.
Safety features offered on the Thai-spec i5 include the Driving Assistant Professional system which includes Steering and Lane Control Assist as well as Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go function. The former is activated by the indicator stalk while the latter is capped at a maximum speed of 210 km/h.
In Malaysia, BMW Malaysia has opened a Registration of Interest and the same 2 variants launched in Thailand are confirmed to be offered here. That said, perhaps the i5’s local launch could be approaching a bit sooner.
Traded advertising for a career that fits his passion for cars. Enjoys spotting cars during his free time and has a soft spot for Japanese Kei cars but drives a thirsty manual sedan.
