BMW Malaysia Launches Locally Assembled i5 eDrive40 and New iX1 eDrive20L
Jin Soh
BMW Group Malaysia has expanded its local electric lineup with two significant additions: the All-New BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro, now the first fully electric BMW to be locally assembled, and the All-New BMW iX1 eDrive20L M Sport, a long-wheelbase take on its compact electric SAV.
Headlining the announcement is the locally assembled BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro, which brings BMW’s executive electric sedan firmly into CKD territory. Visually, it carries the brand’s modern sport-luxury design language, highlighted by the illuminated Iconic Glow kidney grille, Adaptive LED headlights, Shadowline detailing, and 20-inch M Aerodynamic wheels. The M Sport Pro treatment adds subtle aggression, while practicality remains intact with a 490-litre boot expandable via a 40:20:40 split rear seat.
Inside, the i5 features BMW’s Curved Display setup, pairing a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch central touchscreen running BMW Operating System 8.5. The cabin is dressed in Merino leather upholstery, carbon fibre trim, a panoramic glass roof, four-zone climate control, and a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system. BMW’s Interaction Bar adds both ambient lighting and touch-sensitive controls across the dashboard and doors.
Powering the i5 eDrive40 is a rear-mounted electric motor producing 250 kW (340 hp) and 430 Nm, enabling a 0–100 km/h sprint in 6 seconds. Its fifth-generation BMW eDrive system, paired with updated thermal management and silicon carbide components, delivers a WLTP-rated range of up to 627 km. Charging supports up to 22 kW AC and 205 kW DC, with a 10–80% fast charge taking just 34 minutes. Adaptive Suspension Professional with Integral Active Steering comes standard. The i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro is priced at RM368,800.
Alongside it, BMW also introduced the iX1 eDrive20L M Sport, a long-wheelbase version of its compact electric SAV designed with rear-seat comfort in mind. With a 110 mm wheelbase extension, the iX1 eDrive20L offers noticeably more legroom and kneeroom, making it better suited for families or chauffeured use. The exterior gains M Sport styling cues, 19-inch alloy wheels, and BMW’s familiar enclosed EV grille design.
The cabin benefits from the added length with improved rear space, updated seat cushioning, and the introduction of a full panoramic skyroof without a central crossbar. A curved display running BMW Operating System 9 anchors the dashboard, complemented by a Harman Kardon sound system and a full suite of comfort features.
The iX1 eDrive20L is powered by a front-mounted electric motor producing 150 kW (204 hp) and 250 Nm, good for a 0–100 km/h time of 8.6 seconds. Its 66.5 kWh battery delivers up to 433 km of WLTP range, with DC fast charging of up to 130 kW enabling a 10–80% charge in 32 minutes. The iX1 eDrive20L M Sport retails for RM255,000.
Both models come standard with comprehensive driver assistance and parking systems, reinforcing BMW’s push toward safer, more connected electric mobility. With the i5 now locally assembled and the iX1 expanding its appeal through added space, BMW’s electric lineup in Malaysia continues to mature across both premium sedan and compact SUV segments.