In November last year, the BMW i5 made its debut in Malaysia in the eDrive40 M Sport version. Now, just four months after its arrival, the electric sedan has been upgraded with enhanced charging capabilities and several new features.
The i5 now comes with a 22 kW AC charger that requires less than four hours and 15 minutes for a full charge, which is a whopping four hours faster than the previous 11 kW AC charger.
Continues to be equipped is a high-power 205 kW DC charger, capable of charging the battery from 0 to 80% in just 34 minutes.
The i5 eDrive40 features a single electric motor on the rear axle generating 313 hp and 400 Nm. In Sport Boost, the output is cranked up to 340 hp and 430 Nm, propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and onwards to a maximum speed of 193 km/h.
The driving range remains at 582 km based on the WLTP cycle, with electric power supplied by an 89.3 kWh capacity battery located in the underbody.
The i5 exterior highlights include vertical LED strips adorning its headlights, “Sharknose” design kidney grille, BMW Iconic Glow contour lines, as well as an M high-gloss Shadowline package to complete the look.
Available exterior colours include the Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Brooklyn Grey Metallic, and Phytonic Blue Metallic.
Additionally, the i5 eDrive40 M Sport now arrives in four new striking colour options, namely, Sophisto Grey Metallic, Oxide Grey Metallic, Cape York Green Metallic, and Fire Red Metallic.
The interior features the BMW Curved Display consisting of a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen, both powered by BMW Operating System 8.5.
You’ll also find BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, BMW Maps, Digital Key Plus, and a Bowers & Wilkins audio system boasting an amplifier output of 655W and 18 speakers.
For the upholstery, customers can choose from Leather Merino Black, Leather Merino Copper Brown and Leather Merino Silverstone.
The i5 is fitted with an array of advanced safety and driver support features, which include Proactive Care, Driving Assistance Professional, 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.
Pricing-wise, the upgraded i5 eDrive40 M Sport starts at RM399,800. The additional 5-Year Extended Warranty and Service Package is available at RM20,300.
BMW Malaysia has announced updates to the BMW iX range for the model year 2024.
Starting now, the fully electric SUV will be offered in only two variants, namely the xDrive50 Sport and M60. This means that the xDrive40 and xDrive40 Sport variants have been discontinued.
With this update, the iX xDrive50 Sport follows in the footstep of the M60 by gaining a 22 kW AC charging, which is capable of reducing the charging time to under 5 hours 30 minutes for a complete 0 to 100% charge.
Additionally, both variants continue to offer fast charging capabilities of up to 195 kW, allowing for 0-80% charging in just 35 minutes.
In addition to faster charging, the xDrive50 Sport variant also gets the dual-axle air suspension system that absorbs road imperfections with precision for a more refined driving experience. The BMW Iconic Sounds Electric is also included as a standard feature.
There are no changes in terms of performance and driving range. The iX xDrive50 Sport, with its 523 hp/765 Nm twin-motor setup, can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The WLTP cycle-based driving range is 630 km.
Meanwhile, the iX M60 also features twin electric motors but with a significantly higher output of 619 hp/1,015 Nm (1,100 Nm with Launch Control). It takes 3.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h and can cover a distance of up to 561 km on a full charge.
The iX’s cabin now features the Live Cockpit Professional powered by BMW Operating System 8.5, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 14.9-inch central screen, multifunction seats, wireless charging, and four-zone automatic air conditioning.
However, the previously available Bower & Wilkins Diamond audio system with 30 speakers, which was present in the M60, seems to have been replaced with the Harman Kardon audio system featuring 18 speakers.
Another standard feature included in this update is the Comfort Access, now featuring BMW Digital Key Plus. This digital key can be shared with up to five compatible devices allowing for convenience to the ownership experience.
For colour options, the iX is available in Alpine White, Mineral White Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic, Sophisto Grey Metallic with Brilliant Effect, Phytonic Blue Metallic, Oxide Grey Metallic, and Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic.
For an additional RM6,200, customers can opt for the Aventurine Red Metallic and Individual Storm Bay Metallic shades.
For the interior, BMW Malaysia offers the Interior Design Atelier upholstery in Mocha or Black as standard. Two additional colours, Amido and Castanea, are available for an additional RM17,300.
The starting price is RM465,800 for the xDrive50 Sport variant and RM579,800 for the M60. A five-year extended warranty and service package are available for RM33,200.
BMW Malaysia recently previewed the facelifted fourth-generation BMW X5, which will be offered here in the xDrive50e variant together with the M Sport package as standard.
Looks wise, the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) now appears sharper with redesigned front lights that are 35 mm slimmer than before, a new LED daytime running light signature, M Sport body kit as well as 21-inch M alloy rims to complete the look.
Inside, there’s a 14.9-inch BMW Curved Display powered by BMW Operating System 8.5, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, iDrive Controller with voice, touch or the optional Gesture Control, ambient Light Bar with crystalline surface structure, and a Harman Kardon audio system.
The centre console in the new X5 features a restructured layout and additional touch-sensitive function keys, with gear changes now executed using a rocker switch. Other creature comforts includ BMW Comfort Access, Driving Assistant Professional, and Parking Assistant Professional.
Like the xDrive45e variant that was offered previously, the X5 xDrive50e continues to be powered by the 3.0-litre inline-six cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, but the plug-in hybrid powertrain is now more potent with a total system output of produces 489 PS and 700 Nm, an increase of 95 PS and 100 Nm.
In addition to higher system output, the electric driving range has also increased to 110 km (WLTP cycle), while the charging can now handle up to 7.4 kW, allowing the vehicle to be charged from 0 to 100% in 4.5 hours.
The X5 xDrive50e M Sport will be offered in four exterior colors, namely Black Sapphire, Manhattan, Mineral White, and Skyscraper Grey. For the interior, customers get a Merino leather upholstery in Black or Tartufo.
Official pricing for the X5 xDrive50e have not been announced yet but according to BMW Malaysia, it is estimated to retail for RM530,000.
BMW is one of the manufacturers in Malaysia that offers a wide range of electric vehicle (EV) models, including the i4, i7, iX1, iX3, and iX. This time, Engear was given the opportunity by BMW Malaysia to spend the weekend with the iX3.
There is a secret, although the iX3 is a relatively new, futuristic, and state-of-the-art EV model, it possesses the characteristics of a traditional BMW. Why? Because it is a true rear-wheel-drive vehicle.
Yes, the BMW M3 now has all-wheel drive with the xDrive system, but the iX3, an EV SUV, is rear-wheel drive. Truly, it’s a strange world we live in now.
RWD Configuration
The BMW iX3 has a rear-wheel-drive configuration because it is powered by a single electric motor installed on the rear axle, with an output of 282hp and 400Nm of torque. This motor draws power from a 73.8kWh battery that gives the iX3 a driving range of up to 453km.
We insist on talking about RWD; why is it so important? Perhaps most drivers don’t care. It’s an interesting fact because when the front tires don’t need to deliver power and only bear the responsibility of steering, it results in a very precise and direct steering feel.
So, does this mean the car is fast? Not necessarily. It just means that the iX3 has the “feel” or sensation of a true sports car; 100% power at the rear tires, 100% steering by the front tires. When was the last time you drove a car like this?
But to say this BMW iX3 is slow, not quite. The performance is still solid. Despite weighing 2,200kg, it’s still capable of accelerating to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds, faster than most cars. The maximum speed is capped at “only” 180km/h, as is common with EVs.
However, it’s true that throughout the writer’s experience driving the BMW iX3, handling in corners was quite balanced and satisfying. Its weight is centered, the steering provides plenty of feedback, and the 400Nm of torque is accessible most of the time.
Driving at night is accompanied by BMW Laser Light, which not only looks sophisticated but also provides strong visibility for the driver. Indirectly, this also adds to the safety aspect.
Luxurious and practical for everyday use
The BMW iX3 we drove is an M Sport Impressive variant, so it gets a sporty body kit despite the presence of blue EV elements.
The blue elements can be seen on the closed grille, air intakes on the front bumper, and rear diffuser. However, the sporty elements dominate the exterior design of this iX3 M Sport, such as the 20-inch rims, aggressive side bumpers, and prominent rear diffuser design, in addition to the roof spoiler.
The side profile of the BMW iX3 is still classic SUV, and resembles the X3, signaling its familial aspect with other models. It should also be noted that the lower floor of this iX3 is nearly flat like a sports car, and it works in conjunction with the rear diffuser.
Only the overall cabin area feels ordinary and not too special. Its dashboard displays a design that we are already familiar with, not bad, just perhaps a bit dated.
However, if you diligently delve into its central screen, there is a lot of exclusive content for the electric model. This includes power distribution menus, regenerative mode, and charging planning.
The writer quite likes the 464-watt Harman Kardon audio system in this iX3, which can make you enjoy driving this car because it can play your favorite songs with a very pleasant sound. Even if your spouse asks you to buy a packet of sugar, you will be eager to drive the BMW iX3 even for short distances.
Space is not an issue for the iX3, it is quite spacious with sufficient leg and headroom for five adults.
Travel data
Well, now we shouldn’t forget the fact that the BMW iX3 is an EV, so how about its performance and daily practicality? Is 453km sufficient? In all honesty, when we got the car, its battery was at 95 percent with only 313km of driving range. Oh dear! How did that happen?
It should be noted that the EV car’s range reading is calculated based on the previous driving behavior. Perhaps the previous driver of the iX3 didn’t hold back, enjoying the 400Nm torque it offers.
From the writer’s experience, despite the displayed range being 313km, the writer managed to drive over 350km with 25km of range left when returning the iX3. How so? The writer did a lot of city driving at speeds below 120km/h, with frequent stop-and-go situations.
So, the car’s 2.2-ton weight gave momentum for the regenerative system to replenish energy back into the battery every time the writer slowed down. It can be said that in 90 percent of the writer’s driving situations, the brake pedal wasn’t pressed; simply lifting the foot off the accelerator pedal, and the iX3 used regen to stop, rather than the disc brakes.
Its regen system can also be adjusted at various levels, depending on the conditions and suitability. From the writer’s experience, you can use maximum regen in the city and for slow driving, while minimum regen for faster highway driving.
So, the writer didn’t run out of battery over several days of driving the iX3 around Kuala Lumpur, which is a good thing, isn’t it? But for your information, the iX3 will take seven and a half hours for a full charge if using AC. If using fast DC charging, it supports up to 150kW, meaning 80 percent of the battery can be reached in just 32 minutes.
Should I buy it?
The EV market in Malaysia has indeed been disrupted by the presence of Tesla, offering models with a driving range of over 500km at prices below RM200,000.
So, how about the BMW iX3? The M Sport Inspiring variant starts at RM307,160, while the M Sport Impressive variant that we tested is priced at RM328,160.
In the writer’s opinion, true car enthusiasts don’t mind all that, especially BMW enthusiasts. The iX3 is suitable for BMW owners who want EV technology after having a 5-Series or X3 at home.
The iX3 will be a practical EV for urban use, while maintaining a sporty image and appeal to “petrolheads”. In fact, it doesn’t immediately look like an EV at first glance, if that’s what you prefer.
