Amid one of Malaysia’s most prestigious golfing events, BMW Group Malaysia recently launched the new Locally Assembled X5 xDrive40i M Sport & new iX xDrive60 M Sport at The Art of Driving 2025, reinforcing its commitment to progressively drive premium mobility’s future via the Power of Choice and Technology Openness. Geared towards fans of combustion engines & electric powertrains alike, both SUV models are now available from all Malaysian authorised BMW dealerships as of 25th July 2025.
Benjamin Nagel, BMW Group Malaysia’s Managing Director said, “As the leading premium automaker and premium electric vehicle provider in Malaysia, we set out not only to expand our portfolio of offerings in Malaysia, but also to redefine what it means to experience luxury. For us, luxury is not defined by fine materials and craftsmanship alone – it is the power to choose. This is what we offer our customers through our guiding principles of Technology Openness and the Power of Choice.”
He added, “Today, we unveil our latest premium models, offering both petrol and fully electric powertrains. These models embody the best of design, innovation, and sustainability – all rooted in our Heritage in Motion, our reputation and our expertise that have set the standard for premium automotive excellence for over 50 years in Malaysia. Just as we have redefined driving experience, we have redefined the ownership experience with ‘Relax. We Care.’ and ‘All In. Simply Smart.’ These services go beyond the vehicle, offering peace of mind and ensuring a complete premium ownership experience.”
Having entered its fourth successive generation in 2018, BMW’s acclaimed current model X5 was first updated with the X5 xDrive50e M Sport plug-in hybrid just last year in 2024. Now, the new X5 xDrive40i M Sport’s debut marks the introduction of a completely new Malaysian assembled mild hybrid X5 variant. It is distinctively marked out by fully revised front & rear sections, and an improved interior ambiance; while an enhanced new inline-6 engine retains the core of BMW’s DNA at its heart while thrilling enthusiastic drivers with that signature throaty growl. Meanwhile, the newest BMW iX boasts new front & rear visual treatments signifying its considerably more sporting personality, increased power and a bigger battery.
Continuing to lead the premium Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) segment with its compelling blend of driver focused athleticism & elegant modern luxury, the new X5 xDrive40i M Sport’s substantial redesign starts from the front with a new 3D BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille & high-beam assistant enhanced Adaptive LED headlights that lend it a more dynamic face thanks to their 35mm slimmer profiles. The more commanding look is rounded out by the resculpted front apron with vertical air curtains and triangular air intakes, along with boldly X-shaped daytime running lights which terminate in outwards-pointing arrow forms to further emphasize its width.
V-Spoked 21” M light alloy wheels paired with M Sport brakes are immediately visible at the car’s sides, while its updated rear apron and slender X-formed three-dimensional taillights round out the overall design’s more dynamically sporting edge. Ensuring that it has the performance to back these aesthetics up, under the hood is a new generation power unit that carries forward BMW’s iconic inline-6 engineering DNA spanning over ninety years.
The 3-liter engine features the latest iteration of BMW’s VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control that allows more intense harvesting of brake energy on the overrun by reducing two-thirds of its frictional torque. Working in tandem with the 48V mild-hybrid system, total maximum outputs are 381 hp and 540 Nm of torque, impressive increases of 47 hp and 70 Nm of torque respectively over its predecessor. With power going to all 4 wheels via the 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, rest to 100 km/h is done with in just 5.4 seconds on the way to an electronically limited 250 km/h maximum speed; further proof of the car’s dynamically engaging on-road performance capabilities.
Chassis-wise, the new X5 xDrive40i M Sport’s Dynamic Damper Control, double wishbone front & five-link rear suspension enable impressive handling performance both on-road and off-road. Its prowess through turns is further enhanced in Sport mode, with the 2-axle self-levelling air suspension lowering its body by 20 millimetres for greater road-holding; something definitely felt while sweeping up through the turns of Damansara Heights to a more ideal photo location. Handling was tight enough for a 2-ton family vehicle with decent steering feel, and ample thrust from the straight-6 engine accompanied by an invigorating growl. It is this unique combination of driver-focused sportiness, usability and ride comfort that has long made the BMW X5 a true standout in its segment, something sure to be continued with the xDrive40i M Sport.
Moving inside, the new X5 xDrive40i M Sport’s redesigned interior impresses with its contemporary blend of premium luxury ambiance and modern sophistication that are sure to make any drive a real pleasure. The elegant instrument panel’s BMW Curved Display visually dominates things, integrating a 12.3-inch information display and 14.9-inch control display. This seamless interface across the fully digital large screen provides easy access to essential functions while preserving the cockpit’s cleanly modern aesthetic; it will take quite a bit of getting used to for those accustomed with more analogue & direct physical control interfaces however. A front passenger side Light Bar and integrated control elements beneath the Central Display give the sleekly sophisticated interior an added touch of refinement. Both driver & front passenger sport memory seats are included as standard, while premium synthetic “Sensafin” upholstery enhances both cabin comfort and durability.
Further down, the fundamentally redesigned centre console features a tidier layout with the BMW Controller and more touch-sensitive function keys providing effortless fingertip control for drivers who prefer to use physical inputs. A rocker switch now governs transmission control, while further standard interior features include 4-zone automatic air conditioning, a panoramic glass roof, and rear side window roller sunblinds. There is a useful 650 liters of luggage capacity, expandable up to 1,870 liters with the rear seats folded.
As for the new BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport Pro, BMW Group’s first exclusively all-electric SAV continues to lead Malaysia’s way into the future of Electrified Mobility. It retains a distinctively familiar aesthetic refined with more dynamic design elements, including a new kidney grille with diagonal lines. Its adaptive LED headlights are updated with two angled lights on each of the vehicle’s sides, enhancing visibility while minimizing unwanted glare. A new M Sport Package Pro offered exclusively on this model adds further appealing dynamism appeal with the 22-inch diamond-polished M aerodynamic wheels in 1025 M Multicolour 3D polished buff with red Sport brakes and M Lights Shadowline, while smoked lights and the M Aerodynamics package sharpens both front & rear contours for a more aggressive overall look.
In performance terms, BMW’s 5th-generation eDrive technology delivers heightened power output delivered via all-wheel-drive with greater range. Producing 544 hp and 765 Nm of torque, the iX xDrive60 M Sport Pro hits 100 km/h from rest in only 4.6 seconds before topping out at 200 km/h, with a noticeably dynamic & engaging driving experience. Its larger 111.5 kWh battery gives 701 km of WLTP range, while a higher 195 kW maximum DC charging rate enables even faster charging: just 10 minutes of high power charging supplies up to 217 km of extra range.
On the inside, ambient lighting and a Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge enhance the signature interior ambience and generous spaciousness of the new iX’s cabin. Both the New BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport Pro and the New BMW iX xDrive45 Sport feature that adds to the spaciousness of the interior. BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional enables intuitive access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings, while a Harman Kardom 18-speaker, 655-watt surround sound system delivers an immersive listening experience. There’s also a multifunctional driver’s seat, wireless charging storage, and 4-zone automatic air conditioning.
With the iX xDrive60 M Sport Pro, the M Sport Pro package makes its presence further known thanks to the Black Sensatec M upholstered multifunctional seats, providing an even more athletically striking look with Atlas Grey Alcantara and M coloured stripe accents, all adding a more striking, athletic look. Dark Silver trim finishers and an anthracite headliner make for a distinctively elegant atmosphere, while similar Black Sensatec M upholstery & Atlas Grey Alcantara add a satisfyingly tactile finish to the armrests and instrument panel. Onboard luggage capacity comes in at 500 liters; folding the rear seats grows this up to 1,750 liters.
Pricing for the new BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport starts at RM 469,800, or RM 508,200 with the BMW Service & Repair Inclusive 5-year extended warranty & service package. For those who prefer to go electric with an added touch of sportiness, the new iX xDrive60 M Sport Pro is available instead at RM 487,800; adding the BSRI package brings this to RM 522,700.
