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The most notable luxury car launches in Malaysia of 2024 (so far)

Drives to remember

23.03.2024

By Amanda Fung

FEATURED IMAGES: MINI | MASERATI
The most notable luxury car launches in Malaysia of 2024 (so far)

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.

 

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

BURO Malaysia, Guide to car launches of 2024 in Malaysia

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. 

BURO Malaysia, Guide to car launches of 2024 in Malaysia

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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