BMW Malaysia finally released its latest offering today in the form of the BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport. Aptly, the terms after ‘X’ and ‘5’ will tell you that this X5 is both electrified and dressed in a very sporty outfit.
To refresh your memory, the firm already introduced the new G05-generation SUV not too long ago in a non-electrified but similar xDrive40i M Sport form. Being a fully imported (CBU) model, it also commanded a hefty RM618,800 price tag.
The new plug-in X5 variant presented today stands instead as a locally assembled (CKD) offering which, when coupled with the government’s on-going tax-break on new cars, commands a slightly more ‘sensible’ RM440,745 price tag.
Before you ask, said price includes BMW’s 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled services plus an 8-year or 160,000km warranty for the battery alone. Apart from that, you’re also getting quite a lot of ‘car’ for your Ringgits…
This being a plug-in, it sees BMW’s eDrive electric motor system working in tandem with the Bavarian marque’s signature 3.0-litre straight-six turbo driving all fours through an 8-speed automatic.
With a combined systems output of 394bhp and 600Nm, the package propels this X5’s heft of slightly over 2.4 tonnes from nought to 100kph in a respectable 5.6 seconds. Notably, full-electric drive is also possible for up to 77km and up to 135kph.
Not only quick, the electrification also sees this SUV stand as one of the most frugal and greenest offering to bear famed Bavarian crest thanks to its claimed 2.5 litres/100km fuel economy and 56g/km emissions averages.
Style conscious folks will be glad to know that the M Sport trimline blesses this X5 with a number of tasty bits like the M Sport aerokit, M-badged and painted brake calipers, as well as 20-inch dual-tone M Sport alloy wheels.
If these aren’t enough, fret not as BMW Malaysia have also readied a catalogue of optional M Sport exterior trims, but these will come with additional costs of course…
On board, notable features include a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, 12.3-inch digital dash display, touchscreen infotainment display brimmed with BMW’s novel Gesture Control and Intelligent Personal Assistant, dual 10.2-inch rear seat infotainment touchscreens, as well as semi-autonomous parking amongst many.
On the safety front, no expenses were spared even in this localised CKD offering given that it comes brimmed with the BMW Personal CoPilot suite. This adds Lane Departure Warning, Lane Changing Warning, Frontal Collision Warning with braking intervention, Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, as well as Rear Collision Prevention.
In short, this new offering comes fully loaded with plenty of goodies, only now it gets presented with sporty styling, an electrified twist to its performance, and a somewhat more reasonable price tag.
Keen to size up the BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport in the flesh for your self? You can do so this weekend when it hits authorised dealer showroom floors starting June 20 onwards.
