5 Electric vehicles launched in Malaysia in 2024 that we’re amped about
The future is electric
It’s not a phase, mum! Electric vehicles (EVs) are here to stay. Over the last few years, we’ve seen our fair share of electric vehicles entering the market and taking over the streets. From Teslas to Taycans, electric cars are no longer a novelty and have become part of the motoring norm as we move towards a more climate-friendly world. To get you caught up in the world of EVs, here are five of the most stunning and impressive electric cars launched in Malaysia in 2024 so far.
Note: This article will continue to be updated as more EVs are launched in Malaysia throughout 2024
BMW IX3 FINAL EDITION
BMW has revealed the iX3’s swansong that sees both cosmetic and technical upgrades. Now with additional M Performance equipment that complements the M Sport package, the new iX3 is the ultimate all-electric Sports Activity Vehicle that is ready for any adventure you set off on. The M Performance kit is now the standard for all iX3s, consisting of M Performance carbon mirror caps, carbon fibre door sills, rear spoiler, and Adaptive M suspension lifetime upgrade, which allows the driver to easily switch to Sport Mode for a more responsive ride.
This electric vehicle will continue to be equipped with its signature premium features such as a panoramic glass roof, air conditioning with three-zone control, electric sport seats for the driver and front passenger, 20-inch M aerodynamic wheels, and more. As for its systems, those at the wheel will have access to the brand’s Driving Assistant Professional, Parking Assistant Plus, and BMW Head-Up display. Entertainment-wise, all passengers will enjoy high-quality sounds with the car’s Harman Kardon surround sound system.
As for power, the rear wheels of this vehicle are powered by an electric motor that generates up to 286 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm. With that being said, the car can complete the century sprint in just 6.8 seconds. Its lightweight high-voltage battery has a gross capacity of 80 kWh and is able to drive up to 461 km on one full charge, recording energy consumption levels of about 18.5 kWh per 100 km.
There are six colour options to choose from: M Carbon Black Metallic, Cashmere Silver, Sophisto Grey, Mineral White, Phytonic Blue and Piemont Red. Meanwhile, interior upholstery is available in either Leather Vernasca Mocha with Décor stitching or Leather Vernasca Black with Blue Contrast stitching.
Price: The BMW iX3 Final Edition is priced at RM 299,800.00 on the road, without insurance. An additional BMW Service & Repair Inclusive, inclusive of a 5-year extended warranty and service package is available at RM19,800.
For more information, visit the official website or contact your local authorised BMW dealership.
PORSCHE MACAN 4
During a grandiose world premiere ceremony at Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, Porsche revealed its all-new electric Macan 4 in late January. The Macan was revealed alongside its more powerful counterpart, the Macan Turbo, marking the first time Porsche has moved an existing vehicle to the electric realm. This new addition to Porsche’s electric lineup promises sports car-like performance on any terrain and high everyday practicality as it balances comfort, performance, and efficiency.
The Macan’s motors run on power from a lithium-ion battery that has a gross capacity of 100 kWh and is a central component of Porsche’s newly-developed Premium Platform Electric with 800-volt architecture. In just 21 minutes, its battery can be charged from 10 to 80 per cent when using a fast-charging station. The DC charging output goes as high as 270kW. This Macan is also the first model that comes with rear-axle steering.
As for range, you can expect to drive as far as 613 km on a single charge with the Macan. Its sleek design is more than just a pretty face as the car’s aerodynamics and streamlining work in its favour. When it comes to power, the Macan 4 and Macan Turbo don’t skimp on anything. The former produces up to 300 kW of overboost power, while the latter can go up to 470 kW. You can complete the century sprint in just 5.2 seconds with the Macan 4 and 3.3 seconds with the Macan Turbo. As for top speeds, the Macan 4 can reach 220 km/h and the Macan Turbo 260 km/h.
Any ride in the Macan is also set to be a futuristic one as the car is equipped with up to three screens, including a free-standing 12.6-inch curved instrument cluster and a 10.9-inch central display. On top of that, the Porsche Driver Experience includes a head-up display that uses augmented reality technology, while the passenger can adjust settings, stream videos, and view information on their own 10.9-inch screen.
Price: TBA
For more information, visit the official Porsche website.
PORSCHE TAYCAN
The iconic all-electric Porsche Taycan has been given a facelift for 2024, including updates to its design, range, and technology. On its exterior, nothing drastic has changed, except for some minor tweaks that give the car a sleeker, more composed look. New headlights that sit flush to the body, an updated bumper, and a slightly upgraded rear light bar are the most notable differences when it comes to surface-level improvements on the new model.
The Taycan has also come with new batteries, meaning longer range and more efficient energy consumption. There are two battery options: a 97 kWh pack or an 82 kWh unit. On the base models, you can expect to travel between 503 and 678 km on a single charge, a whopping 35 per cent jump from the previous model’s maximum distance. The Turbo S also boasts a WLTP range from 558 to 630 km. Meanwhile, charge time on the Taycan from 10 to 80 per cent is just 18 minutes thanks to its 320 kW charging speed, an upgrade from the previous 270 kW.
Now for the most impressive feat on this new Taycan: its power. The base Taycan produces about 408 PS, while the Performance Battery Plus model can get up to 435 PS—which allows the car to go from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. The Turbo models go on to steal the show with whopping 884 PS capabilities on the base Turbo and 932 PS on the Turbo S, which completes the zero to 100 acceleration in a jaw-dropping 2.4 seconds.
Price: TBA
Visit the official Porsche website for more information.
AUDI SQ8 E-TRON RANGE
The Audi SQ8 E-tron has arrived in both classic SUV and Sportback silhouettes as the high-performance counterpart of the flagship Q8 e-tron. With its sporty look, impressive range, and energy efficiency, the Audi SQ8 E-tron range will bring a dose of exhilaration to every drive.
The two new models boast three motors that complement the electric quattro all-wheel drive system. Of the three motors, two sit on the rear axle, powering each wheel. The front axle’s electric motor has a peak output of 124 kW, while the two in the rear have 98 kW each. All that power contributes to its sports car acceleration, which brings the car from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. In addition, the SQ8 E-tron has a top speed of 210 km/h, which can handle winding roads and terrains of all sorts thanks to its three-motor drivetrain.
When it comes to battery life, the SQ8 E-tron can go from 10 to 80 per cent in as short as 31 minutes at a DC high-speed point with its 170 kW charging power. Not to mention, it has sockets on both sides of the car, catering to whichever side the charging station is on. With this, the SQ8 E-tron’s range stands at 458 km, while the SQ8 E-tron Sportback’s range is 471 km.
Price: The SQ8 E-tron is priced from RM519,990, while the SQ8 E-tron Sportback prices start at RM529,990.
Find out more about the Audi SQ8 E-tron range on its official website or at your nearest Audi showroom.
BMW IX
Instantly recognisable, the BMW iX is the brand’s flagship EV series and its xDrive50 Sport and M60 models have received a refresh for the year. BMW was recently crowned the leading EV provider in Malaysia and it is showing no signs of slowing down with these upgrades presented in the two iX models. While its distinctive silhouette has been preserved for this round of updates, big improvements have been made to its technological capabilities.
Now equipped with the AC Charging Professional component, both the BMW iX xDrive50 Sport and the BMW iX M60 have a complete zero to 100 per cent charging time of under five hours and 30 minutes. With high-power charging of up to 195 kW, however, the zero to 80 per cent charge can be completed within 35 minutes.
The xDrive50 variant comes with a maximum output of 385 kW and a range of 630 km. Its dynamic start with Launch Control allows for a smooth and speedy acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, hitting a top speed of 200 km/h. On the iX M60, its dual-motor configuration creates a combined output of 455 kW with a range of up to 561 km. Its maximum torque on Launch Control reaches 1,100 Nm, completing the century sprint in 3.8 seconds.
Price: The BMW iX xDrive50 Sport is going for RM465,800 (OTR, without insurance), while the BMW iX M60 is priced at RM579,800 (OTR, without insurance). On top of that, the BMW Service & Repair Inclusive, which consists of a five-year extended warranty and service package, costs an additional RM33,200.
To learn more about the new BMW iX models, head to the official website or contact your nearest dealership.
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