With the abundance of affordable electric vehicles (EV) from China, European manufacturers are beginning to feel worried.
Renault took the initiative to collaborate with Volkswagen in this competition, but it seems unsuccessful. The jointly developed low-cost EV will not be continued.
Renault’s CEO, Luca de Meo, stated that the discussions between the two parties have ended. He described the project as a “lost opportunity,” but mentioned that Renault is still open to cooperation with other manufacturers: “Maybe there are others.”
VW declined to comment, but it is confirmed that the two automotive giants will not continue their collaboration. Meanwhile, Renault will continue to produce the new generation Twingo, expected to arrive in 2026.
The current generation Twingo is still available, with options for traditional engines and EV. The upcoming new generation model will only be offered as an EV, with an expected price of less than €20,000 (RM101,965). On VW’s front, their plans after concluding discussions with Renault are still unclear.
Currently, the German manufacturer has the compact EV ID.3. The successor to the e-up! is also in development, expected to arrive in 2027, possibly named ID.1.
MERCEDES-BENZ Malaysia (MBM) has expanded its EQE lineup with the launch of three new variants, namely the EQE 350+ Electric Art Line, EQE 350+ SUV Electric Art Line, and EQE 350+ SUV AMG Line.
Additionally, the EQE 350+ AMG Line, which was first launched here back in December 2022, has been given fresh updates.
EQE 350+ Electric Art Line & AMG Line
Coming in as the entry-level offering, the EQE 350+ Electric Art Line features the Electric Art Line exterior package, 19-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels, and Digital Light with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus.
The interior is complemented by Artico man-made leather upholstery in black and sapce grey, along with the Advanced Sound System, laser-cut backlit trim with Mercedes-Benz pattern on the dashboard, active ambient lighting, Keyless-Go, and Parking Package with 360° camera.
Similar to the EQE 350+ AMG Line, it is equipped with a single electric motor that drives the rear wheels, producing 292 hp and 565 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, with a maximum speed of 210 km/h.
The battery capacity is also identical at 90.56 kWh, providing a range of 665 to 682 km based on WLTP cycle. The model comes with a 22 kW AC charger, requiring 4 hours and 45 minutes for a full charge, and DC fast charging up to 170 kW that takes only 32 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%.
Meanwhile, the EQE 350+ AMG Line now gets a panoramic sunroof, radiator grille with Mercedes-Benz pattern, rear axle steering with up to 10° steering angle adjustment, Airmatic air suspension, an electric charging socket flap, and 22 kW AC onboard charging.
Pricing starts at RM379,888 for the Electric Art Line variant and RM429,888 for the AMG Line.
EQE 350+ SUV Electric Art Line & AMG Line
Launched five months after the EQE 500 SUV, both variants of the EQE 350+ SUV are powered by a single electric motor positioned at the rear axle, delivering 292 hp and 565 Nm of torque.
Performance-wise, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 210 km/h. That’s just 0.3 seconds slower than its sedan stablemate.
With a battery capacity of 90.56 kWh, the EQE 350+ SUV offers a range of 485 to 596 km based on the WLTP cycle. Its energy consumption ranges from about 21.6 to 17.5 kWh per 100 km.
The charging time is similar to the sedan version, taking 4 hours and 45 minutes for a full charge using a 22 kW AC charger and 32 minutes for 10-80% charge using a 170 kW DC fast charger.
The differences between the two variants lie in their features. The Electric Art Line variant boasts the Electric Art package for the exterior and interior, 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, Neotex/Artico leather upholstery, laser-cut backlit trim with Mercedes-Benz pattern, comfort suspension, Advanced Sound System.
It is also fitted with Digital Light, Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus, Driving Assistance Package Plus, Parking Package with 360-degree camera and AR navigation.
On the other hand, the AMG Line variant shares the same features as the EQE 500 SUV, including a panoramic sunroof, Airmatic air suspension system, rear-axle steering control, Burmester 3D audio system, and sports seats. New to the EQE 350+ SUV AMG Line is the 20-inch AMG five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.
Pricing starts at RM398,888 for the Electric Art Line variant and RM448,888 for the AMG Line.
VOLVO Buses, a part of the Volvo Group, together with Gemilang International Ltd, has launched a fully electric bus (EV).
The all-new Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range is a premium low-floor urban electric bus with two doors, the first of its kind assembled in the country (CKD) by Volvo.
The manufacturer has also collaborated with Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd for the trial operation of the Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range.
The trial is set to commence in July 2024 and is expected to last for a minimum of six months to a year.
A Volvo electric bus will operate on Route 581, covering the journey from Desa Tasik to LRT Bandar Tasik Selatan.
The chassis and powertrain components with efficient energy from Volvo BZL have been engineered and built to the highest standards at Volvo’s manufacturing plant in Sweden.
This bus can accommodate up to 91 passengers with a capacity of 33 seats, including safety seats, seats for specific groups, foldable seats, and standing passenger space.
It features a completely flat and low floor design from the front to the back, providing stability and easier access for passengers.
An electric powertrain system with a power output of 540hp and immediate torque.
The EV bus is also equipped with various advanced braking technologies, including Volvo disc brakes, Electronic Brake System (EBS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Acceleration Slip Regulator (ASR), Brake Blending, Hill Assist System (HAS), and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
Additionally, other safety features such as warning alerts, collision warnings, 360 cameras, and e-mirrors to assist the driver will be offered as options.
In the event of an unlikely breakdown, the battery cells and surrounding area are designed to ‘self-extinguish’ by automatically releasing temperature extinguishing agents to prevent nearby battery cells from damage. This feature has been proven effective through repeated testing.
The Volvo BZL-GML Eco Range electric bus offers flexible charging through the OppCharge interface hardware for automatic high-power charging and CCS charging sockets.
The energy storage is placed on the roof, providing more spacious passenger areas and optimizing weight distribution.
As reported earlier, the smart Malaysia has now showcased the #3 for the first time to the public. The unveiling took place at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 at MAEPS, Serdang, marking the electric SUV’s debut in Southeast Asia.
The price has not been revealed, but smart Malaysia has announced that reservations for the smart #3 are now open.
Three variants are being offered: BRABUS, Premium, and Pro. The Pro variant comes with a 49kWh capacity battery, while the Premium and Brabus variants have a 66kWh battery.
The Pro and Premium variants are equipped with a single rear electric motor, delivering an output of 272hp and 343Nm torque, accelerating from 0 to 100 in 5.8 seconds.
The smart #3 Brabus, on the other hand, is equipped with two motors on the front and rear axles, with a total power of 428hp and 543Nm torque. The #3 Brabus, being an AWD vehicle, accelerates from 0 to 100 much faster, in approximately 3.7 seconds.
The maximum speed for all variants is 180km/h. The driving range is approximately 455km for the Pro and Premium, and 415km for the Brabus.
Both the BRABUS and Premium variants offer the best-in-segment 22kWh AC chargers, capable of charging the battery from 10 to 80 percent in less than 3 hours.
The smart #3 has been enhanced with the latest safety technology, featuring 23 high-precision sensors supporting 21 ADAS functions to ensure driver safety on the road.
Standard features of the smart #3 include the Panoramic Halo Roof, CyberSparksLED+ with adaptive lighting, and illuminated front grille.
Customers can book the smart #3 through their nearest authorized smart dealer or via the Hello smart Application. Customers who place early reservations have the opportunity to receive exclusive official smart merchandise worth up to RM1,500.
This limited offer is reserved for the first 333 customers, with a refundable booking fee of RM1,000.
smart #1 Pricing Update
Additionally, smart Malaysia announced the revised prices for the smart #1:
smart #3 Premium – RM209,000
smart #1 Pro – RM169,000
smart Malaysia is also offering a complimentary 4-year vehicle service package to existing owners of the smart #1 Premium and Pro models.
PERODUA has unveiled its first electric vehicle (EV) prototype – known as the Myvi Conversion – which will serve as the foundation for the compact car manufacturer in developing its electric technology.
As the name suggests, the prototype is based on the Myvi but equipped with a 55.7kWh battery pack, providing a driving range of up to 350km. It features a single electric motor at the front wheel, delivering an output of 161hp and 220Nm of torque.
The EV prototype consists of three main components: the power bench, the power converter system, and the overall frame design, all made in Malaysia.
Meanwhile, the development of the power conversion technology is carried out in collaboration with a company based in Australia. Perodua is also cooperating with three local universities for this project.
“The process of developing the power bench is carried out by Perodua in collaboration with three local universities, namely Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Universiti Kuala Lumpur, and Universiti Putra Malaysia,” said Perodua’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.
“This collaboration aims to fully understand the technology used.”
This collaboration, which began in September 2022, sees Perodua and the three universities working together to develop the EV power converter system from the basic stage.
The collaboration opens up opportunities for all parties to enhance their expertise and capabilities in the field of EV.
It is understood that Perodua’s first EV model is planned to be launched at the end of 2025 with a price not exceeding RM100,000.
“We chose the Perodua Myvi as the model of choice for this project because it is our car model that has won the hearts of most Malaysians,” said Zainal.
“Although the actual appearance of our EV is different from what is being showcased here, rest assured that Perodua’s electric car will make its presence in the market.
“Meanwhile, we invite the public to visit the Perodua booth at the Malaysia Auto Show 2024 to see the Perodua Myvi Conversion for themselves and participate in various attractive campaigns that we have prepared.
“We also welcome customers to interact with our staff here to obtain further information about Perodua, such as our newly implemented Standard Outlet aimed at providing a seamless experience to customers at our 3S center,” said Dato’ Sri Zainal.
SHANGHAI-BASED electric vehicle manufacturer Nio, recently launched a new smart EV sub-brand known as Onvo.
According to the automaker, Onvo is short for “On Voyage”, and its first product to enter the market will be the L60, an electric SUV designed compete with the Tesla Model Y.
The L60 is available for pre-order in China with prices starting at RMB219,900 (RM142,670), with deliveries expected to commence in the third quarter of this year.
In comparison, the Model Y in Malaysia starts from RM191,000 for the Rear-Wheel Drive variant and goes up to RM280,000 for the Performance variant.
According to Onvo, the L60 is built using a 900V high-voltage architecture, claimed to be more energy efficient, boasting CLTC energy efficiency of 92.3% and the world’s lowest drag coefficient of 0.229 for a production SUV.
As a result, the company claims that the electric SUV can achieve energy consumption as low as 12.1 kW.h per 100 km.
In its Standard Range configuration, the L60 can travel up to 555 km on a single charge, while the Long Range configuration offers a range of up to 730 km. With the Ultra Long Range battery, it can provide a driving range of over 1,000 km.
Furthermore, the L60 features battery swapping technology with Nio, allowing drivers to replace their EV batteries in just three minutes at over 1,000 battery swapping stations across China.
Additionally, customers have the option to purchase the L60 without a battery. It is sold at a lower price of RMB170,000 (RM110,558), but they are are required to pay a monthly subscription for the battery under the Battery as a Service (BaaS) program.
After the initial launch in China, Onvo reportedly plans to market the L60 globally, including in Europe, towards the end of this year.
Proton New Energy Technology Sdn Bhd (PRO-NET), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Proton, has announced a competition for the people of Malaysia to name their first EV.
“The Proton EV brand naming contest signifies our readiness for the imminent launch of the first electric vehicle,” stated Proton in a press release today.
The grand prize winner stands a chance to win RM5,000 in cash, with RM1,500 for the second place and RM1,000 for the third place. The top five will also receive rewards, with each winner getting RM100 cash. Show your creativity and stand a chance to win exciting prizes.
Here are three easy steps for you to unleash your ideas for Proton’s first EV:
Step 1: Fill out the registration form at Proton EV contest website.
Step 2: Decode and rearrange the images or statements provided.
Step 3: Share the contest link with friends to participate.
Visit Proton EV contest website to decode and guess the name for your chance to win exciting prizes. The contest ends on June 5, 2024.
“Proton is grateful for the support we received from Malaysians over the past 41 years and aims to embark on this EV journey with people at the forefront of its vision,” said Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of PRO-NET.
MERCEDES is reported to be considering discontinuing the use of the ‘EQ’ name for future fully electric vehicle (EV) models. According to a report by AutoExpress, this step will be taken after the end of life of all current first-generation EVs.
The German manufacturer will return to using traditional naming structures for their non-EV models. Currently, almost all Mercedes EV models have ‘EQ’ in their names, from EQA to EQS.
An exception was made for the G-Class, which was launched in Beijing last month. It was not called EQG as expected, but instead was named G580 with EQ Technology. This signifies a new direction in the naming of the brand’s EV models.
“EQ is a technical beginning, Mercedes-Benz in the future will not become EQ,” said Mercedes’ product manager, Tobi Mantele. “EQ is a technical platform for us. Once you move towards full electrification, you don’t want to undermine a brand like the S-Class, for example,” added another Mercedes spokesperson.
This direction also indicates that Mercedes wants to normalize EV as a regular model line and will use naming conventions similar to petrol and diesel models.
At the same time, Mercedes will not only offer pure EVs, but their electrification will also include plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. “We don’t want to completely eliminate the opportunities with our existing ICE platforms. We have top-performing PHEVs in the range, and we will update them,” said the spokesperson.
KIA has released teaser images of their next electric vehicle (EV), the EV3. It will be fully unveiled on May 23 as a compact electric SUV slotted below the EV5.
For your information, the EV3 was first previewed by the Concept EV3 in October last year. Kia’s teaser images indicate that it will retain most of its exterior design cues for production.
Kia Concept EV3
Similar to the EV9, Kia applies the ‘Opposites United’ philosophy to the design of the EV3, as evident from the striking boxy fenders and tailgate.
The EV3 also carries the brand’s signature Star Map lighting at the front and rear, along with black-painted C pillars to create the floating roof effect.
Interior images have not been revealed yet; however, we anticipate a design and layout not significantly different from Kia’s existing EV models.
Likewise, technical details of the EV3 are unknown for now, but according to reports, it is built on the E-GMP platform with a 400V architecture, as opposed to the 800V system in the EV6 and EV9.
Kia says the EV3 will go on sale later this year following its global world premiere.
The first Kia EV, the EV6, has been in the global market since 2021, and now over 210,000 units have been sold. Kia is now set to introduce the first update or facelift for this model.
It will still come in standard and GT Line options, with the GT Line featuring a new front light bar. Both variants will also showcase a new front bumper, along with the choice of 19- and 20-inch rims.
The cabin space doesn’t seem to have changed much, but upon closer inspection, the steering wheel now sports a new three-blade design, alongside a new dual-screen setup.
It will include fingerprint recognition, a 12-inch head-up display, and a digital rearview mirror. The main update for this facelift is the larger battery.
The 2025 Kia EV6 will receive an 84kWh capacity pack, replacing the previous 77.4kWh. It can also be charged from 10 to 80 percent in just 18 minutes, with a 350kW capacity.
The EV6 Long Range rear-wheel-drive variant also offers a longer driving range of 494km. Another update is in the unseen areas. The EV6 will be equipped with side airbags for rear passengers, as well as larger B-pillars for enhanced body rigidity.
The electric motor is said to be quieter, and comfort has been improved through new shock absorber tuning. Kia has also added sound insulation materials to the rear motor area.
Lastly, the OTA (over-the-air) updates can now cover more than just navigation functions, with wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay connectivity becoming standard features.
Recently, smart Malaysia conducted a preview session for its latest model, the smart #3, exclusively at the Pro-Net headquarters. We had the opportunity to get a closer look and even test drive the smart #3 on the Proton test circuit in Shah Alam. But first, a little background.
Background
For those who are uninitiated, smart is now owned by Geely and Mercedes-Benz, focusing solely on producing fully electric vehicles (EVs) at the moment.
The smart #3 is not just a sportier coupe version of the #1; it comes with several technical differences. Firstly, it is built on the Sustainable Experience Architecture (SEA) platform shared with the #1 and several models under the Geely group.
In broad terms, the smart #3 is longer and wider than the #1 but lower, with approximately an 80mm difference between the two. Therefore, theoretically, the smart #3 is expected to offer more stable handling, right? We’ll discuss this further.
Unique features of smart #3
One distinctive feature of the smart #3 is its curved coupe-style roof, unlike the straight roof of the #1. The roof of the smart #3 has unique color play on the A-pillar and C-pillar, giving it a ‘floating roof’ effect.
Other features include front and rear LED lights, flush door handles, frameless windows, and illuminated logos. The smart #3 is also more aerodynamic than the #1, with a drag coefficient of 0.27 (0.29 for the #1).
Specification details
The lineup offers variants similar to the smart #1: Pro, Premium, and Brabus. The Pro variant has a 49kWh battery, while the Premium and Brabus variants come with a 66kWh battery.
The Pro and Premium variants have a single rear electric motor with an output of 272hp and 343Nm of torque, achieving 0-100 acceleration in 5.8 seconds.
On the other hand, the smart #3 features two motors on the front and rear axles, delivering a total power of 428hp and 543Nm of torque.
As the #3 Brabus is an AWD vehicle, its 0-100 acceleration is much quicker, around 3.7 seconds. The maximum speed for all variants is 180km/h, with a driving range of approximately 455km for Pro and Premium, and 415km for Brabus.
Initial impressions
So, how was the initial drive of the smart #3? From our experience on Proton’s high-speed oval track, the smart #3 accelerates smoothly.
The Premium variant reaching 100km/h in 5.8 seconds is more than sufficient. Imagine cruising this smart #3 on the highway; a smooth acceleration means easier lane changes and smoother traffic flow. Agree?
We also tested the dynamics at Pro-Net’s provided dynamic section, including figure-8, slalom, and straight-line acceleration. The smart #3’s chassis felt sturdier and agile due to its stiffer springs, shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars compared to the #1, giving it a sportier character.
The technical changes seem crucial and complement the sporty appearance of the #3. Turning in the figure-8 felt stable, with smooth torque delivery at low speeds.
This makes it suitable for everyday city driving by regular motorists. Among our experiences, the slalom tested the chassis stability, tire grip limits, and power delivery. The smart #3 easily reaches grip limits due to its rapid torque delivery, following your right foot’s commands.
However, the safety systems and strengthened chassis ensure the car remains in control and assists the driver in navigating through various situations. Body roll is noticeably reduced, making the smart #3 more nimble and agile when changing directions while accelerating and braking.
Overall, the smart #3 exhibits a distinct character compared to the #1, suitable for young buyers seeking an enjoyable EV for daily driving. Stay tuned for our extensive daily test drive report in both city and long-distance driving once we receive the smart #3 test unit shortly.
In the meantime, you can visit the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 from May 22 to May 26, 2024, as the smart #3 will make its debut appearance there. smart Malaysia representatives will be at Hall A2 (Premium Hall), MAEPS, Serdang.
The Porsche Taycan Turbo GT has been chosen as the safety car for Formula E. Two of Porsche’s most powerful EV units will make their first public appearance at the Berlin race on the upcoming 11th and 12th of May.
Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President of Porsche Motorsport, said: “Sustainability and electrification are crucial for Porsche, as evidenced through our motorsport activities – including the selection of the Taycan Turbo GT as the safety car.
“This is symbolic of what we learn from motorsport for various applications. In Formula E, it is crucial for electric sports cars, such as energy management.
“This is another reason why the Taycan has been enhanced in various aspects recently,” he said.
This new Taycan Turbo GT comes with more power and driving range, as well as faster charging capabilities. It has broken several records at the Nurburgring and Laguna Seca tracks.
With the Weissach package, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.2 seconds, and reach a top speed of 305 km/h.
The Attack Mode unleashes up to 120 kW of additional power. This technology is derived from the Porsche 99X Electric, the Formula E car that won the recent championship.
For the first time, two versions of these EV cars will shoulder the safety car duties. The first car is the Taycan Turbo GT in Purple Sky Metallic, while the other is in Shade Green Metallic.
BYD Atto 3 can be considered a new electric vehicle (EV) model in the market. Sime Darby Motors, as the official distributor, has introduced the updated BYD Atto 3 2024.
The updates for the Atto 3 include its exterior aesthetics. This EV SUV has received a new black graphic on the D-pillar, and the BYD logo at the back replaces the previous “BUILD YOUR DREAMS” inscription.
Furthermore, the interior cabin can be chosen with two color themes, namely Black-Dark Blue or Dark Blue-Light Grey, according to your preference. A new Cosmos Black body color has also been added, in addition to the existing colors.
In terms of technology, the BYD Atto 3 2024 is equipped with wireless charging and a larger 15.6-inch screen (previously 12.8-inch) that is still rotatable. Connectivity to Android Auto and Apple Carplay is still offered as usual.
There are no changes to the power generation system. This means that the Atto 3 is still powered by a front electric motor with an output of 201hp and 310Nm, sufficient for acceleration from 0-100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The electric motor is powered by LFP (lithium iron phosphate) batteries, providing a driving range of 345km (WLTP cycle).
The BYD Atto 3 supports AC 7kW and DC charging up to 70kW, in addition to V2L functionality.
This EV is offered in only one variant for 2024, priced at RM149,800. You can also choose from three warranty packages ranging from 6 years/150,000km to 8 years/150,000km.
The official distributor of Kia, Dinamikjaya Motors, has launched its third electric vehicle for the Malaysian market, the Kia EV9.
The fully electric SUV is available in two variants, namely the GT-Line AWD 6-seater and the GT-Line AWD 7-seater, priced at RM369,668 and RM374,668, respectively.
Both variants feature a twin electric motor configuration producing a total system output 380 hp and 700 Nm, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 200 km/h.
The battery specifications are also the same, with both variatns utilising a 99.8 kWh lithium-ion battery that offers a driving range of up to 505 km on a full charge.
For charging, the EV9 is equipped with DC fast charging that can handle up to 350 kW, enabling the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes. It also supports 11 kW AC charging, which requires 10.5 hours for a full charge.
The EV9 is the second Kia model built using the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) after the EV6. It measures 5,015 mm in length, 1,980 mm in width, 1,780 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,100 mm.
Its exterior design is highlighted by the Digital Tiger Face, featuring the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille, vertical LED headlights with two clusters of small cube lamps, and Star Map daytime running lights at the rear. Both variants come with 21-inch wheels.
Inside, there is a floating panoramic dashboard housing two 12.3-inch screens and an additional 5-inch segment display that gives the driver access to all vehicle functionalities. There are also two small displays on the door panels that display video feed from the exterior cameras.
Other features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, USB-C charging ports in the front, middle, and rear, ambient lighting, and a Meridian audio system with 14 speakers.
Thanks to the flexible Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) charging system, the EV9 also has Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, supplying up to 3.6 kWh of power to charge various electronic devices.
There’s also Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), consisting features such as High Beam Assist (HBA), Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist (PCA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Assist (RCCA), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA2), Lane Following Assist (LFA2), and Smart Cruise Control (SCC).
The EV9 is fully imported from South Korea and is available in five colours – Ocean Blue, Snow White Pearl, Pebble Grey, Aurora Black Pearl, and Iceberg Green. It comes with a manufacturer’s warranty for five years/150,000 km and a battery warranty for eight years/160,000 km.
BMW Malaysia recently unveiled the new BMW iX3 Final Edition, which comes with additional M Performance equipment complementing the M Sport package.
The automaker’s latest offering is built upon the Impressive trim and adds a host of M Performance equipment as standard, consisting of the carbon mirror caps, carbon fibre door sills, rear spoiler, as well as the Adaptive M suspension.
According to BMW, the newly equipped Adaptive M suspension with lifetime upgrade allows the driver to select between the standard comfortable setting or switch to Sport Mode for sportier handling.
The iX3 Final Edition will continue to feature standard equipment such as the 20-inch M aerodynamic wheels 890 M Bicolour, BMW Laserlight and panaromic glass roof.
Inside, there’s automatic air conditioning with three-zone control, electric sport seats for driver and front passenger, Harman Kardon surround sound system, head-up display and acoustic glazing.
Safety-wise, the electric crossover is equipped with Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus as standard.
Powering the rear wheels of the iX3 Final Edition is an electric motor that generates up to 286 hp (210 kW) and a peak torque of 400 Nm, which enables a century sprint of 6.8 second.
Thanks to a high-voltage battery with a gross capacity of 80 kWh, it can cover a distance of 461 km (WLTP) in one full charge, while recording energy consumptions of as low as 18.5 kWh per 100 km of travel.
The iX3 Final Edition is available in six exterior colours, namely M Carbon Black Metallic, Cashmere Silver, Sophisto Grey, Mineral White, Phytonic Blue and Piemont Red.
Interior upholstery is available in either Leather Vernasca Mocha with Décor Stitching or Leather Vernasca Black with Blue Contrast Stitching.
Pricing starts from RM299,800. Customers can opt for the additional BMW Service & Repair Inclusive consisting of the five-year extended warranty and service package for RM19,800.
IF you have been following the developments in the automotive industry in Malaysia, you would know that the Jaecoo J7 has been unveiled and its bookings have been opened. It is expected to be offered at a price range of RM150k to RM160k.
Currently, the sub-brand under Chery has also introduced the PHEV (plug-in hybrid) version, showcased at the Auto China 2024 in Beijing. It looks almost similar to the petrol version but certainly has some differences in specifications.
It is powered by a 1.5-liter turbo TGDi petrol engine, said to be a specific version for the hybrid. This engine is paired with a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) and an electric motor in the front, providing the J7 PHEV with a total output of 347PS and 525Nm of torque. In comparison, the regular Jaecoo J7 has a 1.6-liter TGDi engine with 197PS and 290Nm of torque.
The J7 PHEV can also be driven in EV mode for up to 88km. Its fuel consumption is as low as 4.9 liters/100km. According to Jaecoo, this gives the J7 PHEV the capability to drive up to 1,200km per tank.
Interestingly, the J7 PHEV can be charged using DC. Although the charging duration has not been disclosed, it can definitely be done in a short period of time.
A feature of the J7 PHEV is the V2L function, which is the ability to charge external devices. This function is also found in the Chery Omoda E5.
In terms of exterior appearance, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV can be distinguished by its 19-inch aero rims, the charging port cover flap on the right side, and the absence of exhaust at the back. A standard feature is also the retractable door handle.
It is yet to be confirmed whether the Jaecoo J7 PHEV will be launched in Malaysia, but we believe it will certainly provide an interesting option for us. What are your thoughts on the specifications of the J7 PHEV?
The new Tesla Model 3 Performance, the most powerful variant in the Model 3 lineup, has been officially introduced with a selling price of RM242,000 in Malaysia.
Powering the Model 3 Performance is Tesla’s latest generation performance drive unit (Performance 4DU) consisting of two electric motors, one on each axle.
Based on the specifications available on the Tesla Malaysia website, the electric sedan boasts a total system output of 460 hp that enables it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds, with a maximum speed of 262 km/h.
For comparison, the Model 3 Long Range AWD takes 4.4 seconds to reach the same speed and can accelerate up to 201 km/h.
In terms of range, the Model 3 Performance is said to be capable of covering a distance of up to 528 km based on WLTP cycle, which is 101 km shorter than what the Long Range AWD offers.
Additionally, the high-performance variant also features a new adaptive damping system paired with multi-sectioned stabiliser bar, ultra-high strength steel springs, and stiffer suspension top mounts.
The braking system has been upgraded through track-ready pads, which offer more immediate deceleration and higher thermal limits and endurance.
In terms of appearance, this variant can be distinguished by new front and rear bumper designs, a rear diffuser, and a carbon fibre spoiler.
The Malaysian market model comes with 20-inch Warp wheels and is available in five colours: Pearl White Multi-Coat, Solid Black (RM5,000), Deep Blue Metallic (RM5,000), Stealth Grey (RM7,500), and Ultra Red (RM11,000).
Inside, you’ll find sport seats with enhanced bolstering and deeper position, carbon fibre trims on the dashboard, and a Track Mode V3 that integrates motor controls, suspension controls, powertrain cooling, and Vehicle Dynamics Controller (VDC) under a single, unified system.
As for the cabin space, black upholstery comes as standard, but customers can also opt for black and white upholstery at an additional cost of RM5,000.
According to Tesla Malaysia, the delivery of the Model 3 Performance is expected to commence in the second quarter of this year.
PRO-NET announced that the smart #1 has been ranked third in the EV SUV market category for cars priced above RM180,000, making it one of the most preferred premium EVs in Malaysia.
According to Pro-Net, the Malaysian EV market has witnessed exponential growth in recent years, with EV sales volume surging from 3,079 units in 2022 to 11,624 units in 2023, accompanied by a significant increase in market share from 0.43% to 1.45%.
Zhang Qiang, Chief Executive Officer of smart Malaysia said the milestone reflects the growing demand for urban mobility solutions in the region and reaffirms smart’s goal to position itself as a leader in the premium EV segment.
“With only one model sold, as opposed to other key players in the industry, we have achieved this great success. This exemplifies the trust our customers have in our product and services, and I would like to express my gratitude to our customers,’’ he added.
Designed by Mercedes-Benz and built on Geely’s Sustainable Electric Architecture (SEA), the smart #1 is available in three variants: Pro (RM189,000), Premium (RM219,000), and Brabus (RM249,000).
The Pro and Premium variants are equipped with a rear-mounted electric motor producing 272 PS and 343 Nm, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The more superior smart #1 Brabus features twin electric motors with an output of 428 PS and 543 Nm. With higher power and AWD, it only takes 3.9 seconds to reach a speed of 100 km/h.
The Pro variant comes with a 49 kWh battery providing a driving range of up to 315 km. On the other hand, the Premium and Brabus variants each have a 66 kWh battery, offering different driving ranges of 440 km for the former and 400 km for the latter.
BMW Malaysia announced that the all-new BMW iX2 is now open for pre-booking. The electric Sports Activity Coupe is priced from RM282,800 on-the-road, without insurance.
For our market, the iX2 will be available in available in a sole xDrive30 variant, featuring a single electric motor on each axle.
The combination generates 313 PS (230 kW) including a 7 PS (5 kW) boost, allowing the electric crossover to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 180 km/h.
The 66.5 kWh high-voltage battery in the vehicle floor generates a WLTP range of up to 449 km. An 11 kW AC charger enables the battery to be charged from 0 to 100% in 6 hours and 30 minutes, while the 130 kW DC charger requires only 29 minutes to do so.
The iX2 gets its rebellious appearance from the new BMW kidney grille with a black mesh grille and black high-gloss illuminated frame, as well as adaptive LED headlights with BMW Selective Beam and vertically arranged light signature.
Flush door handles, the M high-gloss Shadow line package and V-spoke style 873 M Bicolour 20-inch M light alloy wheels complete the look.
Like other iX models, the iX2 interior features the BMW Curved Display powered by the BMW Operating System 9. It combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch control display.
The system features the BMW iDrive display and is equipped with BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and a control system with QuickSelect, which is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).
Other features include wireless charging tray with a built-in cooling system, front armrest with integrated control panel, automatic tailgate, and Harman Kardon Hi-Fi audio system.
There are also sport seats for the driver and front passenger, a 40:20:40 rear seat configuration, and a leather-wrapped multifunction M steering wheel.
According to BMW, the iX2 combines sportiness and comfort through upgraded stabilizer bearings on the front and rear axle, anti-roll bars, M adaptive suspension system, M Sport steering, and M Sport brake system.
As for driving assistance systems, the iX2 offers features such as Active Guard Basis, Driving Assistant Plus, and Parking Assistant Plus, including the Attentiveness Assistant.
The iX2 xDrive30 is available in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Skyscraper Grey, Cape York Green, Fire Red, M Portimau Blue, and M Brooklyn Grey.
For the interior, customers can opt for the Veganza leather-alternative in M Alcantara (black) with blue stitching, Perforated Black, Perforated Coral Red/Black, Perforated Atlas Grey/Smoke White, and Perforated Mocha.
Customers can also purchase the Inclusive BMW Service & Repair package, which includes a five-year extenderd warranty and service, at RM14,200.
ARE you in the market for a new electric vehicle (EV)? How about trying out Volvo, where you might just stand a chance to win a trip to Sweden for two worth up to RM50,000!
Yes, this offer is made by Volvo Car Malaysia in conjunction with the Volvo Birthday Sale, as the Swedish brand celebrates its 97th birthday this month.
The Volvo Birthday Sale event will take place next week, from 26th to 28th April 2024 at Sentul Depot. It will also be held at selected Volvo dealers across the country, as well as in Sabah and Sarawak.
As mentioned earlier, the purchase of Volvo EV vehicles enables you to win a trip to the birthplace of Volvo in Gothenburg, Sweden, in addition to the opportunity to visit the recently opened World of Volvo experience center on the 14th of April.
During the Volvo Birthday Sale event, you can also enjoy a rebate of RM15,000 and other offers for the C40 and XC40 Recharge Pure Electric models.
The latest C40 Recharge Pure Electric has been updated for 2024, now offering an extended driving range of up to 550km (WLTP cycle), faster DC charging, pixel technology headlights, and a new Vapour Grey color.
Other Volvo models will also be showcased at this event, including the PHEV lineup (XC60, XC90, S60, S90, and V60 Recharge). Additionally, the Volvo SELEKT range will be offered, which consists of certified pre-owned vehicles with full assurance and inspection by Volvo Car Malaysia.
To further sweeten the deal for you as a customer or potential customer, the first 97 customers who make reservations within the three-day period will receive an exclusive Volvo Gift Box upon delivery of the new vehicle.
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