BMW Group Malaysia Launches Locally Assembled i5 eDrive40 — A First for Asia-Pacific

BMW Group Malaysia unveiled two new fully electric models in Kuala Lumpur on 15 January 2026: the All-New BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro, priced at RM 368,800, and the All-New BMW iX1 eDrive20L M Sport, estimated at RM 255,000. The i5 carries the more significant headline — it is the first fully electric BMW model to be locally assembled anywhere in the Asia-Pacific region, a milestone that elevates Malaysia’s standing in the broader BMW Group manufacturing network and signals a meaningful deepening of the brand’s commitment to the local EV ecosystem.

“Today marks not only the introduction of two new fully electric models, but a defining moment in our electrification journey in Malaysia. The local assembly of the All-New BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro signifies how far we have come, from introducing electric mobility to now building it right here on Malaysian soil. Being the first in Asia-Pacific for the BMW Group to achieve this milestone reflects our long-term commitment to developing the country’s EV ecosystem, deepening local capabilities, and expanding the possibilities of premium electric mobility. This achievement positions Malaysia as a regional leader in EV innovation and manufacturing.”

Benjamin Nagel, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia

The i5 eDrive40 arrives as a rear-wheel-drive executive sedan powered by an updated fifth-generation BMW eDrive system. The rear-mounted electric motor produces 250 kW (340 hp) and 430 Nm of torque, delivering a 0–100 km/h time of 6.0 seconds and a top speed of 193 km/h. The headline range figure — up to 627 km on the WLTP cycle — is a meaningful step forward, underpinned by silicon carbide (SiC) converter upgrades alongside new battery and thermal management technologies, including an intelligent heat pump system that manages cabin, drivetrain, and high-voltage battery temperatures simultaneously. Charging is handled via up to 22 kW AC (a full 0–100% charge takes 4 hours 15 minutes) or up to 205 kW DC fast charging, which brings the battery from 10–80% in 34 minutes.

The M Sport Pro package dresses the i5 in 20-inch bicolour M Aerodynamic wheels, M rear spoiler in gloss black, M Sport brakes in dark blue metallic, and the illuminated BMW Shadowline Iconic Glow grille that has become an increasingly recognisable signature of the current BMW EV range. The exterior is completed by Adaptive LED headlights with vertical daytime running light elements and Shadowline-treated LED taillights. Five exterior colours are available: Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Brooklyn Grey Metallic, Phytonic Blue Metallic, and Oxide Grey Metallic.

Inside, the i5 is built around BMW’s Curved Display — a 12.3-inch instrument cluster paired with a 14.9-inch touchscreen — running on BMW Operating System 8.5 with QuickSelect. The BMW Interaction Bar spans the full width of the dashboard and extends into the door panels, integrating touch-sensitive controls and dynamic ambient lighting while concealing the air vents behind a clean surface. BMW Individual Merino genuine leather upholstery in Black/Atlas Grey, Dark Silver M accents with carbon fibre detailing, and an anthracite M headliner reinforce the cabin’s premium, sporting character. A Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System with 17 speakers and a 655-watt amplifier provides the acoustic backdrop. Practical touches include a panorama glass roof, four-zone climate control, fully electric sport seats with memory function, and a 490-litre boot with 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats.

The driver assistance suite is comprehensive: Driving Assistant Professional covers adaptive cruise with Stop & Go, steering and lane control, side collision protection, wrong-way warning, emergency lane assist, and emergency stop assist as standard. Parking Assistant Plus adds Reverse Assist, Panorama View, Remote 3D View, and BMW Drive Recorder. Connectivity runs through a personal eSIM, Digital Key Plus with Ultra Wideband technology, and the full suite of BMW ConnectedDrive services.

The iX1 eDrive20L is a long-wheelbase variant of the BMW iX1 introduced in Malaysia a year ago, extending the wheelbase by 110 mm and overall length by 116 mm. The practical gains are tangible: rear passengers gain 81 mm of additional legroom and 107 mm of additional kneeroom, and the rear seat cushion has been extended by 15 mm with softer foam. For a compact SAV that has always traded partly on versatility, these are worthwhile improvements.

Powering the iX1 eDrive20L is a front-mounted electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) producing 150 kW (204 hp) and 250 Nm of torque. The 0–100 km/h time is 8.6 seconds, with a top speed of 175 km/h. The 66.5 kWh gross battery delivers up to 433 km of range on the WLTP cycle. AC charging at 11 kW covers 0–100% in 6 hours 45 minutes, while DC charging at up to 130 kW brings the battery from 10–80% in 32 minutes — or adds approximately 120 km of range in just 10 minutes.

Externally, the long-wheelbase variant adopts an updated enclosed grille with Extended Shadowline trim and X-shaped graphic lines, M Lights Shadowline headlights, flush door handles, 19-inch M bicolour alloys, and an exterior mirror package. The interior highlight is the new Panoramic Skyroof — notable for its absence of a central bar, providing an uninterrupted overhead view — paired with an electric opaque shade. The iX1 eDrive20L runs BMW Operating System 9, steps up to a 12-speaker 205-watt Harman Kardon audio system, and adds Driving Assistance Plus and Parking Assistant Professional with Lane and Curb detection as standard. Four exterior colours are offered — Mineral White, Brooklyn Grey, Skyscraper Grey, and Carbon Black — with Perforated Veganza Castanea interior upholstery.

Both models are covered under BMW’s Service & Repair Inclusive (BSRI) programme, which provides a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and 5 years or 100,000 km of service coverage as standard. For battery electric vehicles, the high-voltage battery carries an 8-year warranty, and service coverage extends to 6 years with unlimited mileage. BMW Proactive Care monitors vehicle condition continuously via real-time sensor data, with alerts delivered through the My BMW App. Twenty-four-hour roadside assistance, including towing, courtesy cars, and hotel accommodation in the event of a breakdown, is also included.

The All-New Locally Assembled BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro is priced at RM 368,800 on the road without insurance, or RM 392,300 with the 5-Year Extended Warranty and Service Package included. The All-New BMW iX1 eDrive20L M Sport carries an estimated price of RM 255,000. Monthly instalments for the i5 start from RM 4,124 via BMW Group Financial Services’ Easy Drive Financing Plan, based on an 80% loan over a five-year tenure, with a complimentary RM 5,000 Easy Drive cash rebate.

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Photo credits: BMW Group Malaysia

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