QAF Auto Sdn Bhd launched the all-new BMW 5 Series and BMW i5 sedans at an event at the QAF Auto BMW showroom in Beribi yesterday.
German Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Gerda Winkler, the guest of honour, launched the new vehicles alongside QAF Brunei Group Chief Executive Officer Albert Lau, QAF Auto General Manager Alisa Khoo and BMW Asia Area Manager Jessica Carret.
“The BMW 5 Series is a car that needs no introduction,” said Khoo. “The feeling of empowerment that it exudes is addictive and inspiring at the same time. This is an experience that our customers crave for and can expect every time they get behind the wheel.”
She added, “With the introduction of the BMW i5, our electric vehicle portfolio in Brunei has now grown to four models that cater to all lifestyles. We are confident that regardless of the drivetrain, the BMW 5 Series delivers power, focus and direction – key attributes that define those who work to move the world forward.”
The all-new BMW 5 Series is a car that is more dynamic than ever, featuring a wealth of digital innovations and for the first time, all-electric drive, while the first ever BMW i5 Sedan, the new edition of the world’s most successful business sedan takes the lead on the road to sustainable premium mobility in the upper mid-range vehicle segment.
Consistent electrification, advanced BMW curved display and control system with “QuickSelect”, and increased sustainability throughout the entire product life cycle characterise the progress made in the fields of the future, which are centrally important in the current transformation of the BMW Group.
The all-new BMW 5 Series offers ideal conditions for enjoying hallmark BMW driving pleasure in everyday traffic and a high level of comfort on long-distance journeys.
Generous space, modern functionality, a high level of acoustic comfort as well as high-quality, precisely processed materials and fine workmanship characterise the ambience in its interior.
In addition, the new BMW 5 Series is the brand’s first model to feature a fully vegan interior as standard. This includes the surfaces of the seats, the dashboard and the door panels, as well as the steering wheel (excluding M Sport models) for the first time. The seat surfaces in the Veganza version with leather-like properties are also standard with a decorative perforation.
Meanwhile, the all-electric BMW i5 is equipped with extensively enhanced fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology. The first-ever BMW i5 eDrive40’s electric motor drives the rear wheels and generates a maximum output of 250 kilowatts or 340 horsepower (hp) and a maximum torque of up to 400 Nm with Sport Boost or Launch Control function. The first-ever BMW i5 eDrive40 accelerates from zero to 100 kilometres per hour (kph) in six seconds, its top speed is 193 kph.
The space-saving high-voltage battery is located in the underbody and provides a usable energy content of 81.2 kilowatt-hour (kWh). In addition to the efficient electric motors, the latest version of adaptive recuperation and an intelligent combination of heat pump technology for heating and cooling the interior, drive and high-voltage battery contribute to the long range.
The Worldwide harmonised light vehicle test procedure (WLTP) values are 497 to 582 kilometres for the first-ever BMW i5 eDrive40. With the new MAX RANGE function, the range can be increased by up to 25 per cent if required by limiting power and speed and deactivating comfort functions.
The new generation will be offered in the Sultanate with all-electric drive and highly efficient petrol engine with 48-volt mild hybrid technology. The all-new BMW 5 Series is produced at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, where the electric motors and high-voltage batteries for the first-ever BMW i5 is also manufactured. – Adib Noor
