Motoring

4 New car launches in Malaysia that you’ll want to test drive

10.06.2021

By Natalie Khoo

4 New car launches in Malaysia that you’ll want to test drive

We’re almost halfway through 2021 and although the economy has been slow no thanks to the ongoing pandemic, the automotive industry has kept its wheels turning with several new launches across the sedan, SUV, and even sports car segments. Take a look at four new cars now available in the country, complete with highlights of everything you need to know about each variant.

BMW 530e and 530i M Sport Package

BMW Malaysia has added two locally-assembled variants to its highly successful BMW 5 Series: the seventh generation BMW 530e and BMW 530i.

Design: Both the plug-in hybrid and petrol variants arrive with the M Aerodynamics package—defined by larger kidney grilles, slimmer headlights, and a refreshed signature BMW L-shape taillight. New 19-inch M light alloy Y-Spoke Jet Black wheels also come as standard, complemented by Adaptive Suspension and the M Sport brake with blue-painted brake callipers.

Power: Equipping the two new variants is the inline four-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo two-litre petrol engine. The 530e also features the latest generation of the BMW eDrive electric motor, contributing 109hp for a combined maximum output of 292hp and 420Nm of torque. This enables the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds, with a top speed of 235 km/h. It takes approximately three hours and 35 minutes for a full charge with a BMW i Wallbox, or under six hours for standard charging with a conventional main socket.

Meanwhile, the 530i outputs 252hp and 350Nm of torque to achieve the century sprint in 6.4 seconds onwards to a top speed of 250 km/h. Unique to this variant is a specially-created sound emitted through a loudspeaker system that alerts pedestrians of the vehicle when it is travelling in full electric, at speeds of up to 30 km/h.

Interiors: Both variants come with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional running the latest BMW Operating System 7. Aside from the athletic M Sport Package trim, the 530i gets an exclusive electrical glass roof, BMW Gesture Control, Head-Up Display, BMW Display Key and Harman Kardon surround sound system; whereas the 530e gets a HiFi Loudspeaker system as standard.

Price (with SST, on the road, without insurance):

  • BMW 530e M Sport: RM340,800
  • BMW 530i M Sport: RM395,800

The New BMW 5 Series variants will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide starting 28th May 2021. Customers may book the new premium executive sedans for RM 1,000 via the BMW Shop Online platform from 29th May 2021.

For more information, visit the official website.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 4MATIC AMG Line

For those browsing the market for a full-sized SUV, the new locally-assembled GLE 450 4Matic AMG Line is a worthy challenger.

Design: The seven-seater SUV launches with the sporty AMG Line styling, boasting the iconic diamond radiator grille with chrome pins and sporty aprons all-round with large air inlets, as well as MultiBeam LED headlamps and 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels.

Power: Equipped with a turbocharged three-litre six-cylinder engine generating 367hp and 500Nm of torque, it is capable of making the century sprint in 5.7s with a top speed of 250km/h. You’ll also get extended Dynamic Select transmission modes paired with the AirMatic adaptive damping system, 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission and the new MBUX.

Interiors: Speaking of MBUX, the innovative infotainment system is now featured on two 12.3 widescreen displays floating on a linear-themed dash. Other notable features include the Burmester Surround Sound System and signature 64-colour ambient lighting, on top of best-in-class safety and driving assistance systems such as Active Distance Distronic, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist and a 360-degree camera for complete visibility.

Price (with SST, on the road, without insurance): RM475,501.23

For more information, visit the official website.

Ferrari SF90 Spider

If you’re looking for speed, look no further than Ferrari’s most powerful series production supercar—the Ferrari SF90 Spider.

Design: The Prancing Horse’s first production plug-in hybrid Spider takes after the same dynamic exterior of its hard-top sibling—the SF90 Stradale—but with the thrill of open-top driving. To accommodate the retractable hard top (RHT) that deploys in just 14 seconds, the cockpit has been brought forward and features aerodynamic elements to minimise noise and turbulence.

Power: Powering the Spider is a twin-turbocharged V8 engine integrated with three electric motors, paired to an F1 eight-speed, wet dual-clutch transmission. The V8 alone boasts an output of 780hp and 800Nm of torque, which goes up to a monstrous 1000hp in total when combined with the electric motors. This allows it to match the Stradale’s 2.5s century sprint time and top speed of 340 km/h. The battery capacity is rated at 7.9kWh with an all-electric range of 25km.

Interiors: Aside from bringing the cabin forward to make space for the RHT, nothing much has changed from the Stradale, interior-wise. You get a 16-inch curved digital instrument cluster, a multi-function steering wheel, head-up display, a digital gearshift grille and a new navigation system, plus various customisable options for the upholstery and seats.

Price: RM2,088,000 (before duties, customisation options, taxes and insurance)

For more information, contact the Ferrari Malaysia Showroom.

Mini Cooper S 3 Door, 5 Door and Mini Convertible

MINI Malaysia has unveiled not one, but three new models including the Mini Cooper S 3 Door, 5 Door and Convertible, in addition to the latest generation of the Mini Electric.

Design: All three Mini Cooper S models are characterised by an enlarged front grille that forms a single unbroken hexagon, with air curtains replacing the fog lights in the new front bumpers. Piano Black Exterior finishing highlights the door handles, exhaust tailpipes, Mini logos, model badges and fuel lid in black. Side scuttles featuring LED indicators and a wider rear bumper with new rear fog lamps complete the exterior.

Power: True to the go-kart style driving experience, the new variants come equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder Mini TwinPower Turbo Engine accompanied by a 7-Speed Dual Clutch Sports Automatic Transmission. This translates to an output of 192hp and 280Nm of torque. The top speed for the Mini 3 Door and Mini 5 Door is rated at 235km/h, while the Convertible lags slightly behind at 230km/h. As for the century sprint, the Mini 3 Door ranks the fastest at 6.7s, followed by the Mini 5 Door at 6.8s, and the Convertible at 7.1s.

Interiors: Among the key changes inside the car include a redesigned steering wheel with slimmer spokes, a new five-inch Digital Instrument Cluster, and a larger 8.8-inch display with Navigation and Apple CarPlay support. Other updates to the cockpit décor panel, inner and outer air vents, and Mini Ambient Light come as standard.

Price (with SST exemption, on the road, without insurance):

  • Mini Cooper S 3 Door: RM 253,318.69
  • Mini Cooper S 5 Door: RM 261,005.83
  • Mini Cooper S Convertible: RM 274,360.46

The New Mini Electric will be available at all authorised Mini dealerships nationwide and online booking at RM1,000 via the Mini eShop platform here from 2nd June 2021.

For more information, visit the official website.

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