Launched: BMW i5 eDrive40 – 340 HP, 582 KM Range, From RM419,800

Introduced earlier today at PACE 2023 was the all-new BMW i5 eDrive40.

BMW Group Malaysia expanded its electric model range further today after unveiling the all-new BMW i5 eDrive40 model. The electrified version of the eighth generation (G60) 5 Series model was presented at the Premium Auto Car Expo (PACE) 2023 held at the Setia City Convention Centre in Setia Alam.

The i5’s arrival on Malaysian shores follows up from BMW Group Malaysia’s recent efforts of opening up registry of interest(ROI) for the model locally whilst leading up to its global unveiling earlier this year.

Underneath its pretty metal, the i5 eDrive40 packs a punchy motor rated at 335 HP and 430 NM.

In eDrive40 form, the i5 harnesses a single rear-mounted motor that outputs 335 HP (250 kW) and 430 NM of twist to drive its rear wheels. This package also delivers respectable performance by despatching 0-100 KM/H in 6 seconds before reaching a limited 193 KM/H V-max.

Juicing said driveline is a floor-mounted 83.9 kWh battery pack that accepts 11 kW AC charging inputs, as well rapid DC charging inputs as high as 205 kW. The latter enable recharges of up to 80% in just 34 minutes, whereas the former method sees full recharges attained over a period of 8 hours and 15 minutes.

Crucially, each full charge grants the i5 eDrive40 with up to 582 KM of range (based on WLTP standards). According to BMW, drivers can stretch past said figure by 25% using the i5’s innovative ‘Max Range’ drive mode that sees deactivates comfort function and adjusts the car to the power and speed limitations.

The i5 eDrive40's 83.9 kWh battery accepts 11 kW AC and 205 kW DC charging inputs, promising a claimed WLTP max range of 582 KM too.

Eagle-eyed readers would already note the M Sport Package treatment the i5 is endowed with. This adds a sporty visuals inside and out, along with 21-inch BMW Individual aerodynamic 954 wheels finished in Bicolour Jet Black and wrapped in staggered front-rear tyre profiles.

Moreover, the package also adds the Adaptive Suspension Pro suite, which works in tandem with an active four-wheel steering system. According to BMW, these were aimed at ensuring this two-tonne-plus EV saloon handles just as well as its lighter combustion-powered twin would.

On board, the i5's cabin sees a rich mix of luxury and tech, including the BMW Curved display module powered by the latest BMW OS 8.5.

Leading the i5's board tech bill is the BMW Curved Display module that marries both a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display, both powered by the latest BMW Operating System 8.5. Moreover, the latter gets paired with a Bowers & Wilkin 18-speaker audio setup.

Other key amenities present on board include leather seats, BMW Panorama glass roof, cabin ambient lighting, wireless charging pad, along with BMW’s latest digital solutions in the form of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, BMW Maps and the security-optimised Digital Key Plus suite.

As for safety, the comprehensive Driving Assistance Professional suite enables a high level of semi-autonomous driving abilities for the i5. It includes adaptive cruise control with stop-go function, lane-departure warning and -keeping assist, Side Collision Protection, Road Priority Warming and Wrong-way Warning, automatic Speed Limit Assist, and Crossing-traffic Warning with braking function.

The i5 eDrive40 goes on sale locally priced at RM419,800 sans insurance.

Available in four exciting paintjob options, the BMW i5 is now open for orders where it commands a price tag of RM419,800 sans insurance. Included in said price is BMW Malaysia’s usual 5-year, unlimited mileage warranty and free maintenance package, as well as an  8-year or 160,000 EV battery warranty.

What do you folks reckon, then? Are you digging this all-electric flavour of BMW’s eight-gen and genre-defining mid-sized executive saloon? As always, share your thoughts in the comments below, as well as our social media platforms…