Borgward BX5 - First impression

It was in May last year when Borgward inked an agreement with Go Bremen Motors giving the later the formers manufacturing and distribution rights in Malaysia and few ASEAN region. This marked the beginning of Borgward inning in the country. Back then, the German automaker also previewed two SUV - BX7 and BX5. Though, both the cars were previewed in Malaysia in August 2018, but it was the BX5 that arrived first.

The Borgward SUV would be sold as locally-assembled units in the country. It is to be noted that in the Malaysian market, the BX5 would rival against Mitsubishi ASX, Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander, Kia Sportage, and Hyundai Tucson to name a few. It was only yesterday when the BX5 went on-sale, and here we are with its first impression.

Starting with its design language -

Sporty aesthetics, dynamic elegance, strong character are the key attributes of the Borgward BX5 confident and superior appearance. The SUV was designed at the brand’s Design Centre located in Rennigen that’s near its headquarter in Stuttgart. The BX5 has been designed via a committed team of designers that work hard to maintain uniqueness and high design quality of the model.

Like most of the models, the BX5 also gets the brand’s typical OCTAGON grille with side wing lines and the brand diamond sitting in the middle. While the base trim gets halogen headlights, the range-topping variants get Xenon units. The height-adjustable, automatic delay-off and automatic-on headlamps functions are offered as standard. Static cornering lights are limited to the top models. Also, adding to the brightness is the LED daytime running lights.

The side profile gets side mirror with LED turn-signal lights, body-colored door handles, and a sharp contour line is running from head- to taillight. Speaking which, at the rear are present LED taillights and LED high mount brake light.

Overall the BX5 creates a lasting impression on the onlooker and is a pure dream to look at.

Interior space

Open the doors of the Borgward BX5, and you’ll be amazed by the sheer premium-ness of the car. While the 1.4T and 1.4T (TS) come equipped with single-zone air-con system, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, 4.2-inch instrument cluster, cruise control and a built-in toll reader, the range-topping variants feature the same along with a few substitutions. Like in place of a single-zone, it features a double-zone air-con system with rear vents. They also get anti-pinch function for all windows, genuine leather seats, and heated driver and co-driver seat.

Other standard features are panoramic sunroof, 6-way adjustable driver seat, outside temperature display, automatic AQS, entertainment system with FM/AM, MP3 player, video player, two USB port, AUX, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, local GPS and voice recognition in English, and mobile phone sync. Further, there is also a 12-volt power outlet, cigarette lighter, reverse radar with distance display, push-button engine start/stop, vehicle locator, and cruise control.

Under the hood configuration

The BX5 is offered in five variants, of which two are powered by a 1.4-litre mill and rest are tuned with a bigger 2.0-litre engine. The former maker 150 PS of power at 5,500 rpm along with a peak torque of 250 Nm at 1,750-4,000 rpm. The bigger unit churns out 224 PS at 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm at 1,500-4,500 rpm.

Both the engine units are coupled to a 6-speed automatic gearbox. However, the 2.0-litre is all-wheel drive, and the 1.4-litre is front-wheel drive unit.

Safety tech

One of the best things about the Borgward BX5 is its long and robust safety profile, most of which is standard. Thus assuring full safety of the owner and his family. It is only the Hill Descent Control (HDC) which is dropped in the 1.4-litre variant, rest all safety gears are shared. The list includes six-airbags (dual front, front side, and front & side curtain), ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, vehicle stability control, traction control, auto hold, brake assist, tyre pressure monitoring, Hill-start Assist Control, and EDS.

Other passive safety equipment present in all trims are crash sensor door lock auto-lock, speed-sensitive power locks, child safety locks, unlocked door warning, engine immobilizer, interior trunk release, screen auto-lock, driver fatigue detection, front door warning paster, engine splash shield, ISOFIX, anti-intrusion brake pedal, and brake light flashers.

In conclusion, the Borgward BX5 is a capable car with modern looks, amazing comfort & convenience features, and a strong safety shield. The vehicle is offered in four color options - red, black, gold, and white. It comes as a fresh breath of air and embodies traditional SUV qualities combined with youthful design.