2025 BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport debuts in Malaysia - fewer-eco-frills luxury SUV goodness for RM470k

BMW Malaysia has officially added a new variant to its popular luxury SUV lineup with the launch of the 2025 BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport, a mild-hybrid version of the facelifted G05-generation model. This new addition joins the X5 xDrive50e M Sport plug-in hybrid (PHEV), which was introduced earlier in January 2024, but importantly, this xDrive40i variant strikes right at the heart of the appeal that fuels demand for its rival, the Mercedes-Benz GLE 450. 

Locally assembled at the Inokom plant in Kulim, Kedah, the X5 xDrive40i M Sport is priced from RM469,800 on-the-road without insurance. With the optional extended warranty and service package, the price goes up to RM508,200. That makes it RM25,000 cheaper than its PHEV sibling, which starts from RM494,800 and climbs to RM533,200 with the same add-on package.

This launch marks the return of a non-plug-in X5 to Malaysia’s mainstream lineup, something fans of the brand have been clamouring for as they seek to escape the resale value abyss of PHEVs (and EVs). The last regular petrol variant offered here was the F15-generation X5 xDrive35i back in 2014, followed by a brief stint of the CBU-only G05 xDrive40i in 2019. 

In recent years, BMW's local X5 sales were dominated by PHEVs like the F15 40e (2016), the G05 45e (2020), and the facelifted 50e introduced in 2024, thanks largely to tax incentives for electrified vehicles. 

Under the bonnet, the new xDrive40i M Sport packs a familiar core, powered by a B58 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six petrol engine, enhanced with 48V mild-hybrid technology. This setup produces a combined output of 381PS and 540Nm of torque, channeled to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission and BMW’s xDrive AWD system. It can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and hits a top speed limited at 250 km/h, matching the performance credentials expected from a premium SUV.

Just like the xDrive50e, ride comfort and dynamics are managed by an adaptive air suspension system, which can raise the vehicle by 40 mm or lower it by up to 20 mm in Sport mode—or even by 40 mm for easier loading. The suspension architecture features double wishbones up front and a five-link setup at the rear. The SUV rolls on 21-inch Style 915 M bicolour alloy wheels, wrapped in Continental ContiPremiumContact 6 SSR run-flat tyres sized 275/40R21 in front and 315/35R21 at the rear.

BMW has equipped the xDrive40i M Sport with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance systems under the Driving Assistant Professional package. Highlights include Steering and Lane Control Assistant, Lane Change and Lane Keeping Assist, Emergency Stop Assistant, Crossing-Traffic Warning (front), Automatic Speed Limit Assist, Intersection Warning with City Braking, Evasion Assistant, Wrong-Way Alert. 

Also standard is the Parking Assistant Professional package, which adds: Active Park Distance Control, Lateral Parking Aid, Surround View with Remote 3D View, Manoeuvring Assistant with memory for up to 10 parking routes

Inside, the cabin is anchored by BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional system featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen, running the latest BMW Operating System 8.5. The gear selector adopts the latest toggle-style design, now common across newer BMW models.

Connectivity is pretty comprehensive with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system all included. The seats and interior surfaces are trimmed in Sensafin synthetic leather, now offered exclusively in black, which has also replaced the Merino leather previously offered in the PHEV version.

Practical touches include a rear window roller sunblinds, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Despite being the more affordable variant, the xDrive40i M Sport shares most of its equipment list with the PHEV model—aside from the different powertrains and a lighter kerb weight of 2.2 tonnes compared to the PHEV’s 2.5 tonnes.

The arrival of the 2025 BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport doesn’t offer much outwardly new, but offers Malaysian buyers the more traditional yet equally capable alternative to the plug-in hybrid version they’ve been asking for. With strong performance, comprehensive equipment, and a price tag that undercuts the PHEV by RM25k and a promise of stouter residuals, it presents a compelling option for those who prefer a fewer-frills approach to efficiency without the complexity of external charging as well as easier access to the Munich outfit’s silky inline-six engine.