KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group Malaysia, has officially introduced its first locally assembled all-electric i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro executive sedan, alongside a new long-wheelbase iX1 eDrive20L M Sport compact sports activity vehicle (SAV) and a limited edition MINI Countryman S Fiery Stallion Edition.
Priced on-the-road without insurance at RM399,800, the arrival of the locally assembled (CKD) i5 marks the German carmaker's first fully electric BMW model to be assembled not only in Malaysia but across the entire Asia-Pacific region.
The i5 is available in Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Phytonic Blue Metallic, Sophisto Grey Metallic, Oxide Grey Metallic, Cape York Green Metallic, and Fire Red Metallic.
Inside, the cabin features premium BMW Individual Merino leather upholstery in a choice of Black/Atlas Grey, Copper Brown/Atlas Grey, or Silverstone/Atlas Grey.
For power, a fifth-generation BMW eDrive system is used with the rear-mounted electric motor to produce 340hp (250kW) and 430Nm of torque – allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 6.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 193kph.
Up to 627km (WLTP) of range is said to be achievable thanks to the 83.9kWh lithium-ion battery that can accept up to 22kW of AC charging (0% to 100% in under four hours and 15 minutes) or 205kW DC fast charger (10% to 80% in 34 minutes).
Notable standard equipment includes Adaptive Suspension Professional, Integral Active Steering, the BMW Interaction Bar, and an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System.
The iX1 eDrive20L M Sport, with an extra 110mm added to the wheelbase, has been priced similarly at RM249,800 and is said to be specific to the region.
Available in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, M Portimao Blue, Cape York Green, Space Silver, and Storm Bay, the iX1 uses a front-mounted motor that generates 204hp (150kW) and 250Nm of torque - allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 8.6 seconds and reach 170kph.
A 64.8kWh lithium-ion battery helps provide up to 433km (WLTP) of range, and can accept up to an 11kW AC charger (0% to 100% in six hours and 45 minutes) or 130kW DC charger (10% to 80% in 32 minutes). A quick 10-minute charge is said to add up to 120km of range.
The lengthened iX1 now features the M Sport kit with an updated X-shaped enclosed kidney grille design, which features the Extended Shadowline trim that can also be seen on the rear diffuser and side sill elements.
Along with a new comfort-oriented suspension system, the list of updates includes a Panoramic Skyroof with an electric opaque fabric shade, and a 490-litre boot that's now expandable to 1,600 litres (up from 1,490 litres).
With softer seat foam and a 15mm extension to the cushion base of the rear bench, occupants can fully enjoy the 81mm of additional legroom and 107mm of knee room.
Driving Assistance Plus is now included as standard to boost safety and adds on Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go function, Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Speed Limit Info and Lane Departure Warning with Lane Return.
Both the i5 and iX1 are covered by a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service, along with an eight-year or 160,000km high-voltage battery warranty.
To mark the upcoming Year of the Fire Horse, MINI Malaysia introduced the Countryman S Fiery Stallion Edition, which is limited to just 18 examples.
Priced at RM266,388, it features a Vibrant Silver roof, Fire Horse silhouette decals, and a custom stallion grille emblem before individually numbering the interior's side sills (1/18) to reflect the auspicious "118" motif.
The warranty is backed by the MINI Service & Repair Inclusive programme, which provides four years of unlimited mileage coverage and four years or 60,000km of service.
Meanwhile, the company announced it managed to deliver over 10,800 vehicles across its BMW (7,700 units), BMW Motorrad (1,600 units) and MINI (1,500 units) brands in 2025.
Additionally, it also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Universiti Malaya, which will see it supply retired electric vehicle (EV) batteries to the university's Power Energy Dedicated Advanced Centre.
Here, it will conduct research and development into second-life applications such as stationary energy storage solutions for rural electrification.
