Borgward BX5

The cabin of the 2024 Borgward BX5 isn’t much exciting. But it’s still functional and practical. A lot of hard plastics have been used in the cabin, ostensibly to keep the production cost under control and that has impacted the look and feel of the cabin. The interior does look a bit dated since the car hasn’t been upgraded for many years now. The BX5 gets rather plain leatherette seats compared to its rivals the crossover-SUV segment. Standard across the board is a leather-wrapped, height-adjustable, multifunction steering wheel. The dashboard is dominated by an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment unit that supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, and voice recognition. The entry-level Fashion trim gets six speakers, while the Luxury version gets eight. There’s also a 4.2-inch instrument display, a built-in toll reader and cruise control. The car comes with a fairly big cargo space. 

The 2024 Borgward BX5 looks attractive from all angles. The body type not only exudes strength but also grace and class. The exterior styling not only highlights power but also offers the driver a sense of assurance. The build quality is good and the car has a youthful vibrancy. The seamless integration of motoring smart technology and the sporty (yet even elegant) exterior design are the hallmarks of the 2024 Borgward BX5. The car gets halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRLs). The rear end gets LED taillights. The mid-level TS Line adds a diamond front grille, a centre console cover, red door sills, and fancier floor mats. The package includes exterior door visors and security window tint. The roofline stoops down at the back, conforming to the latest style adopted by most car companies. The boot comes with remote control activation.  

Like all crossover SUVs, the front seats of the 2024 Borgward BX5 get the maximum space. There’s a lot of legroom and headroom. The seats are nicely bolstered and snug. The driver gets an expansive view of the road. The Luxury trim gets heated front seats and dual-zone air-conditioning with second-row air vents. The rear seat nicely accommodates four persons. The 2024 Borgward BX5 isn’t a five-passenger car in the truest sense. Tall passengers on the rear seat may find their heads brushing the ceiling because of the sloping down roofline. Rear seat legroom is also limited. The suspension system is non-adjustable but nicely balanced. Only the worst of bumps are felt inside the cabin.     

The 2024 Borgward BX5 is equipped with a turbocharged, four-cylinder, 1.4-litre petrol engine that outputs 148 PS/250 Nm. The motor is mated to a six-speed automatic. Handling the Borgward BX5 is easy because of its compact size. The steering wheel is nicely weighted and promptly responds to driver inputs. Acceleration is fairly quick. Highway ride quality is balanced, once the car settles down to a steady speed. Turning corners is easy. In city traffic, the Borgward BX5 is easy to drive.  

Standard safety features of the 2024 Borgward BX5 includes front and rear parking sensors, crash sensor, multiple airbags, and child safety locks. The entry-level fashion trim gets a reversing camera, while a 360-degree park assist system is available in the highest model. The brakes stop the car immediately and the tyres have great traction. 

At a starting price of RM 118,950, the 2024 Borgward BX5 is one of the most affordably priced cars in its segment. But its rivals offer more equipment. The BX5 badly needs an upgrade. But those looking for a comfortable-riding crossover can keep the 2024 Borgward BX5 in their list of options.