Borgward BX5 - Variants explained

While many may not be aware of this, but the fact of the matter is that Borgward is one of the oldest carmakers to hail from Deutschland. It was founded by Carl Friedrich Wilhelm Borgward in the 1920s, though the company shut down in 1961 due to poor sales and quality issues. However, fast-forward to nearly half a decade and in 2015, Car’s grandson Christian Borgward, along with a close partner and the Chinese auto giant Foton Motor, decided to bring the historic German marque back into life. With significant financial backing from Foton, Borgward went on to launch the BX7 and BX5 crossover SUVs -- both were first unveiled in China. However, the marque has now officially entered the Malaysian market, and their first offering is the compact yet stylish BX5.

For those who are interested, the all-new Borgward BX5 is available in five variants, encompassing two powerplant options (in FWD and AWD configurations) and an across-the-range 6-speed automatic transmission. Prices commence at RM 118,950 for the entry-level BX5 with FWD and the smaller capacity engine, topping off at RM 156,950 for range-topping CRS trim with AWD and the larger motor. Compared to several crossovers in its class, the Borgward BX5’s exterior design certainly exudes a sense of artistic effort and svelte styling cues - both of which work well in its favour. Overall, the BX5’s exterior is a neat congregation of distinctive curves, muscular bulges, crisp lines and sporty accents. However, let’s now move on to explaining the Borgward BX5’s different variants that are currently on sale in Malaysia.

BX5 1.4T (FWD)

Starting at RM 118,950, this (1.4T FWD) variant is where things initially kick off for the Borgward BX5. As the name might indicate, under the bonnet of all 1.4T variants lies a 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. It produces 148 hp with 250 Nm of maximum torque, driving the front wheels via a torque-converter 6-speed automatic transmission, and can propel the BX5 to 100 kmph in over 10 seconds and to a top speed of almost 190 kmph.

In terms of its major equipments list, this base variant gets automatic halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights (DRLs), rain-sensing windshield wipers, keyless entry with push-button start, part-leather seating upholstery, power-adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, panoramic glass roof, 4.2-inch colour multi-information display, split-folding rear seats, cruise control, built-in toll reader, 6-speaker sound system, 8-inch touch-infotainment head unit with navigation, voice recognition, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

There is also loads of safety features bundled in together with the rest of the equipment, including rear parking sensors with reversing camera, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD) & Braking Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Auto Hold, Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Electronic Differential System (EDS), speed-sensing auto door locking & crash-sensitive door unlocking, Driver Fatigue Detection, ISOFIX anchor points and finally, six airbags along with a 5-star ASEAN NCAP crash safety rating.

BX5 1.4T TS (FWD)

The BX5 TS package costs RM 130,950, and includes all the features and kit found on the base car. However, it does get some cosmetic upgrades to help it differentiate itself from the entry-level trim. So now there’s a revised and sportier looking front grille design, integrated exterior door visors, security tinting for the windows, sportier inserts for the door sills, higher quality floor mats, and a slightly revised centre console.

BX5 2.0T (AWD), 2.0T TS (AWD), and 2.0T CRS (AWD)

Wearing a price tag of RM 138,950, this variant represents the entry point into the BX5 with the larger engine and all-wheel-drive platform. Also, unlike the variants thus far, all 2.0T BX5’s are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-popper mill that makes 221 hp and 300 Nm of twisting force, though the transmission of choice remains the same. And even though Borgward hasn’t released any official performance figures for the cars with this larger motor, one can safely assume that it’ll be better than the lower capacity engines.

While many of its features are identical to the base variant with the 1.4-litre engine, the BX5 2.0T adds a power-operated tailgate, smart remote functions, power-folding wing mirrors with integrated puddle lamps, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, and all-round parking sensors. Similarly, the RM 150,950 BX5 2.0T TS (AWD) is an almost carbon-copy of its namesake with the 1.4T powerplant -- in that it only receives a few visual tweaks and few additional elements to separate it from the standard (2.0T) trim. Finally, if you’re feeling flush with cash, there’s the top-of-the-range BX5 2.0T CRS variant that costs RM 156,950, though it’s difficult to understand what actually makes it stand out from the other two trims - though Borgward mentions the availability of upgraded floor mats along with matte colour wrapping and glass coating.

Speaking of which, apart from the kit that’s already carried over from lesser trims, these higher-spec 2.0T variants of the BX5 also incorporate xenon headlights, static cornering lamps, larger alloy wheels, heated wing mirrors, interior ambient lighting, full-leather upholstery, heated front seats, upgraded 8-speaker sound system, 360-degree park assist, and the inclusion of Hill Descent Control (HDC) to the safety catalogue.