BMW X5: Same price, other options

While expanding its green footprint in the Malay market, BMW introduced the locally-assembled plug-in hybrid X5 last year. Available in a single xDrive 45e M Sport trim, the new version continues to uphold the legacy of its iconic predecessors and the popularity of the BMW X series. It offers a whole new level of performance, innovation, and convenience to the customers. 

The BMW X5 price starts at RM 418,814 (on-the-road with SST rebate, without insurance). In today’s story, we will spotlight all the other options available in the local market for the same price. But before that, let’s know the luxury Bimmer a little better.

Starting with its electrified powertrain, the BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport is equipped with a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with the BMW eDrive technology. It kicks out a maximum power output of 286 PS between 5,000 rpm to 6,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 450 Nm from 1,500 rpm to 3,500 rpm. The engine is coupled with an electric motor that makes 113 PS and 265 Nm of torque. Combinedly, the setup produces 394 PS and 600 Nm. For sending power to wheels, an eight-speed Steptronic transmission with enhanced shift dynamics is there.

This setup enables the SUV to run from naught to 100 kmph in 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 235 kmph. In the case of full-electric mode, the latter comes down to 135 kmph. The all-electric cruise range of the car is around 77 km.

Moving to the BMW X5 features galore, here we can find adaptive LED headlights, welcome light carpet, anti-dazzle exterior, and interior mirrors, two 12.3-inch screens with Apple CarPlay, 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system, a head-up display, two 10.2-inch rear touch screens, four-zone climate control, panoramic glass roof, powered tailgate, power-adjustable steering wheel, and front seats, 360-degree parking camera, cruise control, BMW Personal CoPilot, and more.

Now, let’s see the other cars one can buy at the same price point or near to it.

BMW iX

The first price alternative we choose is the BMW iX electric SUV, which recently made its official debut in Malaysia. BMW offers the EV in two versions - the xDrive40 and Drive40 Sport, the former is priced at RM 419,630. However, the deliveries of the iX are yet to begin in the country.

In terms of specs, the BMW iX xDrive40 is powered by a dual-motor delivering a maximum power output of 326 PS and a peak torque of 630 Nm. The setup is mated to a 76.6-kWh battery offering an electric drive range of 425 km on the WLTP cycle. As for charging, the BMW iX takes 8 hours for a full charge when using an 11-kW onboard AC charger. Performance numbers include a century sprint of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 200 kmph.

The BMW iX xDrive40 standard kit includes LED headlights and tail lights, 21-inch wheels, BMW Curved Display (a combination of a 14.9-inch infotainment system with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster), haptic controls, premium sound system, Qi wireless charging, and a large range of driver and assistance systems.

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque

Another option on the list is the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque whose second-gen model entered the local market in June last year. The facelift added exterior and interior upgrades, a smart AI system, and an array of premium tech goodies to the SUV. It is available in two variants - Evoque base and Evoque R-Dynamic. 

The base version is priced at RM 426,828. It gets power from a 2.0-litre Ingenium turbocharged four-cyl gasoline engine that produces 197 horsepower and a peak torque of 320 Nm. Drive is channeled to the ground via a nine-speed automatic gearbox. The SUV takes 8.5 seconds to run from zero to 100 kmph and maxes out at 216 kmph.

Included in the equipment list are LED headlights and tail lights, flush door handles, InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system having two sleek 10-inch HD glass touchscreens and a 12.3-inch driver display, 380-watt Meridian sound system with 11 speakers, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility, dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, a power-adjustable steering column, a reverse camera, a driver attention monitor, parking assist, and more.

Lexus RX

Another model that one can buy at the given price point is the Lexus RX. The updated version of this luxury SUV landed on Malaysian shores in 2019. It comes in three variants, the mid-spec RX300 Luxury retails for RM 410,785. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cyl gasoline mill delivering 235 horsepower along with a peak torque of 350 Nm. A six-speed automatic gearbox with all-wheel drive is available as standard. The SUV takes 9.5 seconds to hit the century sprint.

The features list comprises LED headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam System, LED tail lights, 20-inch alloy wheels, 12.3-inch display screen, Lexus Premium Audio infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, Lexus Safety System+, ten airbags, rearview camera, around view monitor, and more.

Summing up

All these BMW X5 alternatives are impressive in their own ways. Those who are looking for a luxury SUV around the given price point and feel dicey about the X5 can check out these.

Also read: BMW X1: Variants explained