After making its debut in the neighbouring Singapore and Thailand, it seems like we will soon be able to taste the updated BMW 5 Series facelift too, based on a new teaser post on BMW Malaysia’s social media pages.
Attached to the post is a link to the registration-of-interest page (here) on the local arm’s website, where two variants are listed – the 530e M Sport plug-in hybrid and the ICE-only 530i M Sport. We’re not sure if BMW Malaysia will be dropping the 520i Luxury variant – but we’ll certainly miss it if they do – it was honestly one of the best cars we’ve driven in 2019!
Revealed globally in May last year, the updated BMW 5 Series sports a new front fascia with sharper-looking headlights and a more squared-off kidney grille. Over at the rear, the tail lights now gets a three-dimensional lens with smoked surrounds for a sportier appearance.
530e M Sport plug-in hybrid 530i M Sport
Based on the listing on BMW Malaysia’s website, the 530i M Sport looks to be the range-topping variant, with additional exterior features including the fancier BMW Laser Light headlights (with blue DRL surrounds), alongside what looks like a sunroof up top. To be clear though, these images are more likely than not just placeholders, so we’ll have to wait until the actual launch to confirm the specifications.
Being a mid-cycle update model, the interior is expectedly quite similar from the outgoing model. The most apparent change will be the now-larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display on the dashboard, up from the 10.25-inch units on the current model.
Mechanically wise, both variants should remain fairly similar to their respective outgoing model. The 530i features a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine underneath the bonnet, with power output figures unchanged at 252 hp and 350 Nm of torque. The engine is paired to an eight-speed automatic gearbox to send drive to the rear wheels.
Just as before, the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is down-tuned on the 530e, but paired to an electric motor for a combined system output of 252 hp and 420 Nm of torque. However, the powertrain now gets a new XtraBoost function, which adds on an extra 40 hp for a maximum duration of 10 seconds whenever necessary.
No information have been provided on the pricing of these new models, but do expect them to be around the ballpark of the outgoing models – RM334k for the 530e plug-in hybrid, and RM364k for the 530i M Sport, both inclusive of the sales tax exemptions.
