The most notable luxury car launches in Malaysia of 2024 (so far)
Drives to remember
Every year, we can count on the world’s top car brands to deliver groundbreaking automobiles for us to fawn over. We’ve seen the car industry progress by leaps and bounds, introducing upgrades and features that we wouldn’t have imagined just a decade ago.
Launch after launch, we are left impressed and excited for what’s to come. As such, we’re keeping track of all the must-know car debuts of 2024 that we’ve seen here in Malaysia. From MINI’s final edition of the beloved Countryman to the Maserati Granturismo, here are some of our favourite car launches of the year.
For our roundup of notable electric vehicle launches in Malaysia of 2024, click here.
Note: This article will continue to be updated as more cars are launched in Malaysia throughout 2024.
MERCEDES-MAYBACH GLS 600 4MATIC
Combining the allure of the GLS with Maybach’s exclusivity, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC is the SUV of our dreams. Exuding luxury in every corner, the car is easily recognisable with its austere presence, vertical chrome bars, and Maybach lettering across the top model’s grille. Nothing short of grand, one can expect this car to hit all the marks when it comes to comfort, style, and opulence.
On the inside, passengers will be encapsulated in a world of first-class luxury with ambient lighting featuring full reclining seats in the rear, MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment, and more. Every detail has been meticulously executed when it comes to construction—even the most minute of amenities brought to the next level. We’re talking temperature-controlled cup holders, multi-contour rear seats, and 2 USB slots in the rear with 100W charging. Those who opt for the Manufaktur leather package will also get to enjoy extensive Nappa leather upholstery and colourways throughout the interior from the cushions to the window frames.
Bringing together the best of design and motorsport technology, its 23-inch Maybach multi-spoke forged wheels are a mark of class. Adding to its allure are multi-beam LED headlights, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, power closing doors, and a panoramic sliding sunroof. When exiting or entering the vehicle, you’ll also spot an animated projection of the Mercedes-Maybach pattern alongside the front and rear doors for an extra touch of luxury. The car doesn’t skimp on performance either as it can complete the century sprint in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 250 km/h.
Passengers in the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC will also be treated to a top-of-the-line multimedia system with a widescreen cockpit—consisting of an instrument display and a touchscreen media display—alongside a rear tablet located in the centre armrest of the rear seat. Those in the rear seats will be able to enjoy two fully-integrated, 11.6-inch touch displays. Meanwhile, the driver and front passenger will have access to a head-up display and MBUX augmented reality navigation.
Price: From RM1,918,888 (Peninsular Malaysia), on the road and without insurance. A 10 per cent sales tax applies.
For more information, visit the official Mercedes-Benz Malaysia website or visit its retail outlets.
MERCEDES-BENZ GLS 450 4MATIC
Positioned as the brand’s “S-Class among SUVs”, once can expect nothing less than the best with the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC. The latest iteration of the Mercedes-Benz’s GLS comes with updates to its exterior, interior, and equipment—all while maintaining the high ride comfort, stability, and easy handling that the vehicle is known for.
Visually, the car is one that commands attention with its Silver Shadow radiator grille and prominent bumper. Those who opt for the AMG Line exteriors will have 22-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels and illuminated running boards with rubber studs. Drivers will also benefit from the car’s multi-beam LED headlights that light up the road according to your driving conditions. Also included for your safety are the Airmatic Package, Magic Vision Control, and the Guard 360˚.
As expected, Mercedes-Benz never compromises on comfort and this GLS 450 4MATIC is no exception. Rear passengers can kick back in multi-contour seats with massage functions and lumbar support. The Rear Comfort Package Plus adds extensive connectivity in the back of the car, including luxury head restraints, MBUX rear seat tablets, and wireless charging systems. Meanwhile the Exclusive trim Package comes with additional trim elements and map pockets. On top of that, the car comes with two USB slots with 100W Charging and automatic climate control in the rear.
Your long road trips get an upgrade with the new generation of the MBUX infotainment system, complete with a new look for the displays, high-end rear seat entertainment, two fully-integrated 11.6-inch touchscreen displays, and more. For the one in the driver’s seat, the widescreen cockpit combines both the instrument and media display into one beneath a joint glass cover. Also enhancing the driving experience is the multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather, luxe upholstery, multi-contour front seats with active cushions, air control functions, and the Driving Assistance Package.
Price: RM999,888 (Peninsular Malaysia), on the road and without insurance. A ten per cent sales tax applies.
For more information, visit the official Mercedes-Benz Malaysia website or visit its retail outlets.
MERCEDES-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE
Meet the most powerful S-Class ever made. The Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance is a culmination of comfort, style, and performance in one groundbreaking car. Combining the AMG 4.0 litre V8 bi-turbo engine with AMG Performance hybrid powertrain with Formula 1™ technology transfer, this car knows no bounds when it comes to performance. The car has a total system output of 590 kW and 1430 Nm of torque, completing the century sprint in a jaw-dropping 3.3 seconds and reaching a top speed of 290 km/h.
While the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance is all about speed and exhilaration, it doesn’t make concessions when it comes to your driving experience. Its standard features include AMG Ride Control+ air suspension, AMG Active Ride Control roll stabilisation, AMG high-performance ceramic composite braking system, and active rear-axle steering that combine to make each drive as comfortable as possible. To go the extra mile with safety, you can opt for the Driver Assistance Package that will give you a comprehensive suite of active assistance systems.
Looks-wise, this full-size luxury sedan brings the best of sportiness together with class and functionality. Key exterior highlights include Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus, a panoramic sliding sunroof, ambient lighting with brand logo projections, 21-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels, and digital lights. Those who opt for the AMG Night package will also enjoy exterior mirror housings finished in high-gloss black as well as black chrome trim elements and black chrome-plated tailpipe trims.
Passengers in the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance will also be given first-class treatment with its Burmester 3D Surround Sound System, the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System, as well as Thermotronic automatic climate control in the front and rear. As for the upholstery, the car is kitted out with top of the range materials. The AMG Exclusive package includes AMG seats in black Nappa leather, the AMG performance steering wheel in Nappa leather, Anthracite open-pore poplar wood trims, AMG door sill panels with replaceable covers, illuminated red AMG logo, and special AMG floor mats.
Price: Starts at RM 2,238,888, on the road and without insurance. A ten per cent sales tax applies.
Find more information on the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia website or visit its retail outlets.
MASERATI GRANTURISMO
The iconic silhouette from Maserati makes a comeback in this year’s edition of the GranTurismo. Elegant and powerful, the GranTurismo is available in two distinct models: Modena and Trofeo. The Modena is the perfect daily drive for those who love blending luxury with sportiness. Fitted with the 490 CV 3.0-litre V6 Nettuno Twin Turbo, this model was made for drivers who find pleasure in longer journeys. With this engine, not only can the car truly go the distance, but it can also make your ride a thrilling one. It has a top speed of 302 km/h and can complete the century sprint in 3.9 seconds.
On the other hand, the Trofeo—which means racing in Italian—comes with the same engine but with an upgraded maximum output of 550 CV. It can reach a top speed of 320 km/h and go from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds. Put the Trofeo into Sports mode, and you’re in for maximum power, whereas Corsa mode will showcase the car’s best driving abilities on the track.
This coupé maintains the classic proportions the Maserati is known for, with its long bonnet and central body intersected by four fenders. It was constructed using a multi-material approach that allows for best-in-class weight levels throughout the car. The Vehicle Domain Control Module—a Maserati development—provides the driver with full control of all the most important car systems to ensure the smoothest and most efficient driving experience in all conditions.
As for the interiors, both the Modena and Trofeo models exude class with a hint of sportiness. Depending on your model, there will be subtle differences in looks as the Trofeo errs on the sporty side while the Modena takes on a more refined approach to its design. However, both cars feature cutting-edge technology and are equipped with innovative systems such as the Maserati Intelligent Assistant Multimedia system and a Sonus Faber audio system.
Price: The Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo starts at RM 878,800 while the Modena is going for RM738,800.
For more information, contact the Naza Italia showroom at +603 7956 8599 or 1700 81 5051 in Petaling Jaya.
MINI COUNTRYMAN WITH JOHN COOPER WORKS TRIM
Marking the last chapter in the famed car’s story is the MINI Countryman with an exclusive John Cooper Works trim. This final update brings with it a slew of upgrades and enhancements to both its exteriors and interiors, maintaining the iconic MINI DNA alongside elements of sportiness. Its aerodynamic kit comprises a front apron with built-in air ducts and a rear bumper with a diffuser, giving the vehicle an eye-catching appearance. On top of that, it also features the MINI JCW door sill finishers, sporty rear spoilers, and 19-inch JCW Circuit Spoke Wheels within run-flat tyres.
As for performance, this edition comes with a two-litre MINI TwinPower Turbo engine, which produces 192hp and 280 Nm of torque. With such power, this Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) can reach 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 226 km/h. You can also engage its Sport driving mode for a more responsive drive as it kicks in the 7-Speed Dual Clutch Sports Automatic Transmission. On the other hand, the Green driving mode will provide extra comfort for your drive with its coasting function.
Its interiors embody the sporty yet classy essence of MINI, embellished with dome light housing, anthracite sun visors, and anthracite pillars that run from the front to the rear of the car. The car is available in four colours: a classic British Racing Green, a striking Chilli Red, a sleek Nanuq White, and a charismatic Sage Green.
Price: The MINI Countryman with JCW Trim is priced at RM 253,833, on the road and without insurance.
Find out more on the official MINI website.
VOLKSWAGEN TOUAREG R-LINE
For the first time in 12 years, Volkswagen has announced a new edition of its flagship SUV, the Touareg R-Line. This top-of-the-range offering brings with it all the comfort that an SUV should have, paired with powerful performance thanks to its 3.0-litre V6 TSI engine. It has an output of 340 PS and up to 450 Nm of torque, delivered to all wheels with an 8-speed automatic transmission and intelligent 4Motion system. Seven driving modes are at your fingertips, ready to cater to any terrain, driving condition, or style.
Design-wise, this latest Touareg presents classy and commanding updates to both the front and rear of the car. At the front, you’ll spot a new radiator grille, IQ Light HD Matrix headlights, and a front apron. Its headlights are among the best in the world, using an intelligent lighting system made of more than 38,000 interactive micro-LEDs. The car is also equipped with Night Vision—a pioneer feature for Volkswagen in Malaysia—that uses an infrared sensor in the camera to detect thermal signatures up to 130 metres ahead.
In the rear, you’ll see a brand new illuminated logo set against a horizontal LED strip by the tail light clusteres. The R-Line trims blend style and sporty accents as seen with the 20-inch Braga alloy wheels, chrome detailing, and the ‘R’ motif on the doors, front grill, and seat headrests. This Touareg also proves itself to be the ultimate SUV as its air suspension with Automatic Self-Levelling adapts the vehicle height to match terrain conditions, and can lower the ride height by 40mm or rise to a wading level of 550mm. The car is available in five colours: Lapiz Blue, Silicon Gray, Grenadilla Black, Oryx White and Dolomite Silver.
Price: The Volkswagen Touareg R-Line is priced at RM469,990, inclusive of the Volkswagen Assurance Package.
To find out more, visit Volkswagen Malaysia’s official website.
ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST PRISM
Recognisable from a mile away, the Ghost is among the world’s most iconic and customisable cars and it just got even more personal. The Rolls-Royce Ghost Prism has landed on Malaysian shores and is offering clients a bespoke automobile experience. Limited to just 120 units—a nod to the carmaker’s 120th anniversary—this iteration of the Ghost is set to be one of the most exclusive cars on the market too. While not an entirely new launch on the technical side of things, this new arrival marks a new aesthetic-led chapter for Rolls-Royce.
Inspired by the world of contemporary fashion and design, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Prism is meticulously executed from start to finish. Finished in dark, neutral tones and embellished with bold strokes of colour, the car aims to be a timeless statement with its contrasts between its solid form and bright hues—which also influenced its Prism name.
The Gunmetal grey base has a rich mineral finish, achieved through a strenuous 10-step process that concludes with polishing done by hand for 16 hours. The grille and rear-lid brightwork come in a high-gloss, smoky black-grey hue called Burnout. Each metal piece is prepared, primed, and polished by hand to make sure they match the sheen of the rest of the car. Meanwhile, the front bumper and side profile are finished in a deep, glossy black.
There are four accent colours to choose from: Turchese, Mandarin, Forge Yellow, and Phoenix Red, each evoking a different energy to suit distinct tastes. The accent colours will appear on the car’s lower bumper inserts, brake callipers, and coachline. On the interiors, you’ll also spot the accent colour on the seats, steering wheel, and in the 1,040 coloured ‘stars’ in the Bespoke Starlight Headliner. Early Ghost Prism commissions will incorporate a light interior suite, while later versions can incorporate a near-limitless number of colourways.
Find out more on the official Rolls-Royce website.
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