BMW launches first locally assembled electric vehicle in Malaysia: the i5 eDrive40
BMW i5 eDrive40: first locally assembled EV in Malaysia
BMW launches first locally assembled electric vehicle in Malaysia: the i5 eDrive40
BMW Group Malaysia introduces the locally assembled BMW i5 eDrive40, making it more affordable with CKD production and standard M Sport Pro package. Learn about its features and market impact.
2026-01-22T04:28:23+03:00
2026-01-22T04:28:23+03:00
2026-01-22T04:28:23+03:00
BMW Group Malaysia has launched its first locally assembled electric vehicle in the country, the BMW i5 eDrive40. Production takes place in Kulim at a facility where BMW has operated a joint venture with Inokom, part of the Sime Darby group, since 2008.According to BMW Blog, local assembly makes the model more affordable, with the price expected to drop by around $8,000 compared to previously imported versions. The Malaysian variant also differs in its offering and equipment, as the i5 comes standard with the M Sport Pro package on the local market.Beyond Malaysia, BMW produces the i5 in China as well. The BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture manufactures the model at the Dadong plant in Shenyang, including a long-wheelbase version with local design and feature adaptations. There are also reports that the long-wheelbase i5 may eventually be assembled in Chennai, India, for the domestic market. Separately, it's noted that the global i5 (G60) version is slated to receive a design update and the iDrive X system in 2027.Assembly in Malaysia follows the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) method, with vehicles supplied as parts kits and assembled locally. In 2025, BMW sold around 10,800 cars in the country, with local assembly volume estimated at approximately 7,000 units.
BMW i5 eDrive40, locally assembled electric vehicle, Malaysia EV, BMW Malaysia, CKD production, M Sport Pro package, electric car, automotive news
2026
Michael Powers
news
BMW i5 eDrive40: first locally assembled EV in Malaysia
BMW Group Malaysia introduces the locally assembled BMW i5 eDrive40, making it more affordable with CKD production and standard M Sport Pro package. Learn about its features and market impact.
Michael Powers, Editor
BMW Group Malaysia has launched its first locally assembled electric vehicle in the country, the BMW i5 eDrive40. Production takes place in Kulim at a facility where BMW has operated a joint venture with Inokom, part of the Sime Darby group, since 2008.
According to BMW Blog, local assembly makes the model more affordable, with the price expected to drop by around $8,000 compared to previously imported versions. The Malaysian variant also differs in its offering and equipment, as the i5 comes standard with the M Sport Pro package on the local market.
Beyond Malaysia, BMW produces the i5 in China as well. The BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture manufactures the model at the Dadong plant in Shenyang, including a long-wheelbase version with local design and feature adaptations. There are also reports that the long-wheelbase i5 may eventually be assembled in Chennai, India, for the domestic market. Separately, it's noted that the global i5 (G60) version is slated to receive a design update and the iDrive X system in 2027.
Assembly in Malaysia follows the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) method, with vehicles supplied as parts kits and assembled locally. In 2025, BMW sold around 10,800 cars in the country, with local assembly volume estimated at approximately 7,000 units.
