In our previous story, we discussed the year-to-date major launches of the year under RM 150k and now it's time to take a step further to check out more premium options priced under RM 500. This one is the second article in the series of three with the last one reserved for the more ultra-premium launches.

The Malaysian auto market was graced by many vehicles under the RM 500k price tag, giving prospective buyers so many options to choose from. So, let’s get started first with the more affordable options starting from RM 150k and moving up to the RM 500k mark.

2022 Mazda CX-8: Mazda has also launched the updated version of its popular three-row SUV, the CX-8. The SUV gets a new turbocharged petrol 2.5 T High Plus AWD variant, along with some other enhancements and minor aesthetic tweaks. The price ranges between RM 177,674 and RM 212,225.

Mazda MX-30: A long-awaited electric car in Malaysia, the Mazda MX-30 was launched in the local market and is available in two variants - Mid and High. With the price starting at RM 198,780 the car will be fully imported from Japan. Powering both the MX-30 variants is an e-Skyactiv powertrain that consists of an e-motor making 143 hp and 271 Nm. The drive is sent to the front wheels through a single-speed gearbox.

2022 Kia Carnival CKD: Kia Malaysia launched the CKD Carnival is offered in three variants with two seating configurations. Included in the list is the 7-seater HIGH at RM 261,229, 8-seater HIGH at RM 247,229, and 8-seater MID at RM 231,229. Powering all the variants (including the 11-seater CUB) is a 2.2-litre inline-four turbodiesel mill generating maximum power of 199 hp at 3,800 rpm along with a peak torque of 440 Nm from 1,750-2,750 rpm.
The drive is sent to the front wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Part of the car’s feature kit is - 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, 12-speaker Bose sound system, 4.2-inch TFT multi-info display, reverse camera, electric parking brake, dual-zone front automatic climate control, single-zone rear automatic climate control, 8-way power-adjustable front seats, 2-way lumbar support for driver, 7 USB ports, and more.

Limited-edition BMW 3 Series: In July, the Malaysian auto market benefited from not one but two limited editions special 3 Series models - 320i M Sport and 330i M Sport. The two models are priced at RM 262,800 and RM 304,800 respectively which includes a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty programme with free scheduled services. Both the models are powered by a 2.0-litre inline-four turbo engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission gearbox. In the 320i variant, this will make 184 hp/300 Nm, while in the 330i option the figures hike up 258hp/400 Nm.

2022 Audi Q3 S Line: The Audi Q3 is offered in Malaysia in a sole S Line 1.4 TFSI guise. The car retails for RM304,890 on-the-road without insurance. Powering it is a 1.4 litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 150 PS from 5,000 rpm to 6,000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque from 1,500 rpm to 3,500 rpm. The drive is sent to the front wheels through a six-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

Locally-assembled Mercedes-AMGs: Mercedes-Benz also launched two more AMG cars in Malaysia this month. These are locally assembled GLA 35 and A35 sedan, priced at RM 345,048 and RM 325,090, respectively. The former gets a ​​bigger engine while the latter comes with new tech features.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQB350 4MATIC: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia introduced three EQ models one of which is the EQB 350 4MATIC. With an estimated price of RM 330,000, the e-motors here pump out a max power of 292 hp along with a peak torque of 520 Nm. The car comes packed with 19-inch alloys, LED high-performance headlamps, comfort suspension, head-up display, wireless charging, MBUX interior assist, and a driving assistance package.

2022 Mercedes-Benz EQC400 AMG Line 4MATIC: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia lineup now includes the first-ever, fully-electric EQC that is now available locally in the EQC400 AMG Line. Priced at RM390,000, the EV weighs around 2.5-tones and comes with 20-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, AMG Line body kit, multibeam LED headlights with adaptive high beam assist plus, a 10.25-inch display with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, head-up display, wireless charging, and more. The e-motors here generate 408 hp and 760 Nm.

Mercedes GLC 300e and GLB 35: The German automaker has also started retailing the GLC 300e plug-in hybrid and new Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 in the local market. They are priced at RM 374,074 and RM 392,582, respectively.

BMW i4 M50: As part of the BMW M series 50th anniversary BMW Malaysia has introduced five new models M vehicles, including the i4 Gran Coupe. Priced at RM 430,800 the zero-emission vehicle is expected to arrive at dealerships after June 30.

2022 BMW X5 xDrive45e: The upgraded version of the X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid went on sale this month at RM 457,498. It benefits from some new equipment like BMW Laserlight headlights, rear side airbags, etc.

2022 Audi Q5 Sportback: The new Audi Q5 Sportback retails for RM 487,223 on the road without insurance with 10% SST. The tag, however, includes a 5-year, unlimited warranty with three years of a maintenance package, and five-year roadside assistance. Powering the new Q5 Sportback is a 2.0-litre inline-four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine generating maximum power of 249 PS from 5,000 to 6,000 rpm along with a peak torque of 370 Nm between 1,600 to 4,500 rpm. Taking care of on-board passengers are comfortable features like a 3-zone climate control system, 12-way electric front seats with electric lumbar support and memory for the driver, and frameless auto-dimming interior rearview mirror.

Stay tuned with Zigwheels Malaysia for more informative articles. On top of the list is the millions worth of cars launched locally this year.

Also Read: Porsche introduces the new GT race car, the 911 GT3 R