Verdict
The BMW 7 Series costs RM685,800, undercutting the RM1,200,800 M5 by RM515,000, and its 87-km EV range, 3,215-mm wheelbase and 525-litre boot make a clearer case for chauffeured and family use in Malaysia. The M5 answers with a 4.4-litre V8 plug-in hybrid delivering 727 PS and 1,000 Nm, cutting 0-100 km/h to 3.5 seconds versus 4.9 seconds. Both are all-wheel-drive PHEV sedans with 7.4-kW AC charging, but the M5’s RM8,408 annual road tax is nearly four times the 7 Series’ RM2,125 figure.
7 Series
Pick the BMW 7 Series if rear-seat space, an 87-km EV range and a RM515,000 lower entry price matter more than outright pace.
M5
Pick the BMW M5 if you want the 727-PS V8 plug-in hybrid drivetrain and 3.5-second 0-100 km/h performance.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 7 Series RM685,800; BMW M5 RM1,200,800.
- Road tax per year: BMW 7 Series RM2,125; BMW M5 RM8,408.
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 7 Series 4.9 seconds; BMW M5 3.5 seconds.
- EV range: BMW 7 Series 87 km; BMW M5 67 km.
- Wheelbase: BMW 7 Series 3,215 mm; BMW M5 2,857 mm.
- Boot space: BMW 7 Series 525 litres; BMW M5 466 litres.
7 Series
- RM515,000 cheaper to buy.
- 87-km EV range is 20 km longer.
- Longer 3,215-mm wheelbase and 525-litre boot.
- Slower 4.9-second 0-100 km/h time versus 3.5 seconds.
- Lower 308-hp, 450-Nm petrol engine output than the M5’s 591 hp and 750 Nm.
- No 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system listed.
M5
- 727 PS and 1,000 Nm from its V8 plug-in hybrid system.
- 3.5-second 0-100 km/h sprint.
- 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system and auto parking.
- Costs RM515,000 more to buy.
- RM8,408 annual road tax versus RM2,125.
- 67-km EV range and 466-litre boot trail the 7 Series’ 87 km and 525 litres.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM685,800✓ | RM1,200,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Luxury | Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM2,125✓ | RM8,408 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | — | 32-valve DOHC with Twin Turbochargers, Direct Injection, Variable Valve Timing and Lift, plug-in hybrid assistance |
| Capacity | 2,998 cc | 4,395 cc |
| Horsepower | 308 hp at 5,000 rpm | 591 hp at 6,000 rpm✓ |
| Torque | 450 Nm at 1,750 rpm | 750 Nm at 1,800 rpm✓ |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 6 | V 8 |
| Fuel | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid | Petrol Plug-in Hybrid |
| Bore × Stroke | 82 mm × 94.6 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 11 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 194 hp | 194 hp |
| Motor Torque | 280 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Battery Capacity | 18.7 kWh | 22.1 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 87 km✓ | 67 km |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 7.4 kW | 7.4 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Automatic | M Steptronic |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 4.9 seconds | 3.5 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Co2 | 22 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 5,391 mm | 5,096 mm |
| Width | 1,950 mm | 1,970 mm |
| Height | 1,544 mm | 1,510 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,215 mm | 2,857 mm |
| Weight | — | 2,510 kg |
| Fuel Tank | — | 60 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 525 litres✓ | 466 litres |
| Front Tyre | — | 265/40R20 |
| Rear Tyre | — | 295/35R21 |
| Spare Tyre | No | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | — | Hankook S1 evo Z |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link with Air Suspension | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" M aerodynamic style 907 alloys | 20" M Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" M aerodynamic style 907 alloys | 21" M Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack & Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | Adaptive Air Suspension | M Adaptive Suspension |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 7 Airbags (2 Front, 2 Side, 2 Curtain, 1 Driver's Knee) | 7 (Driver & Front Passenger, Side Airbags, Curtain Airbags and Driver's Knee Airbag) |
| ABS/EBD | — | ✓ |
| Stability Control | — | ✓ |
| Alarm | — | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | — | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | — | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | — | Available for outer two rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function and Bolster Adjustment | Power Adjustable Front Seats |
| Rear Seats | Power Adjustable Rear Seats with Power Adjustments | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Sky Lounge Fixed Panoramic Glass Roof | — |
| Power Sockets | — | 1 Front, 2 USB-C Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (15 Colours) | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 4 | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | 2x side sunshades, 1x rear sunshade | Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Live Cockpit Professional system | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | 4 | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button Start |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation with Proximity Lock/Unlock |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation with Contactless Opening | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Surround View Camera | Yes, 360-degree View Monitor |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Power Door | Yes | Yes |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 3 years | 3 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used 7 Series & M5 for sale
7 Series vs M5 FAQ
Is the BMW 7 Series or BMW M5 better?
The 7 Series is better for rear-seat room, EV-only range and lower ownership tax. The M5 is better for performance, with 727 PS, 1,000 Nm and a 3.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
What is the price difference?
The BMW M5 costs RM515,000 more than the BMW 7 Series.
Which has the longer electric range?
The BMW 7 Series goes 87 km on electric power, 20 km farther than the BMW M5’s 67 km. Both use 7.4-kW AC charging.
