Malaysia’s 2026 new-car watchlist, 10 launches worth keeping tabs on

If 2025 felt like the year Malaysia finally settled into electrification, 2026 looks like the year brands start getting really confident with it.

Not just more EVs, but more varieties of electrification, self-charging hybrids, plug-in hybrids with serious torque, plus a couple of “mainstream hero” models that could shift what people buy day to day.

Below are ten nameplates that are already on the radar going into 2026. No rankings, no “best to worst”, just a simple question, what’s coming, what’s under the bonnet, and what makes each one genuinely interesting.

Volvo ES90

Volvo is positioning the ES90 as a technological flagship, basically the “we can do a modern premium EV sedan, our way” statement piece. When it lands here in 2026, it will sit in that space where buyers cross-shop the German exec EVs, but want something a bit more Scandinavian and less shouty.

Specs (global previewed details)

• Powertrain: EV (SPA2 architecture), single motor RWD or dual motor AWD 

• Output:

  • Single motor: 333 PS, 480 Nm

  • Twin motor: 449 PS, 670 Nm

  • Twin motor Performance: 680 PS, 870 Nm 

• Battery and range (claimed): 92 kWh (up to 650 km), 111 kWh (up to 700 km) 

• Transmission: Single-speed reduction (typical EV setup)

What’s special
Volvo’s angle is less “look at my horsepower” and more “look at the whole system.” This car also leans on 800V charging architecture, with Volvo claiming it can add up to 300 km of range in 10 minutes at a 350 kW charger, plus 10 to 80% in 20 minutes.

That’s the kind of charging headline that matters for Malaysian reality, where you want to minimise your time queueing at a DC bay on a balik kampung weekend.

Proton S70 MC1

The S70 is already a big deal because it’s Proton taking a proper swing at the “serious sedan” space again. The MC1 update is where it gets spicy, because it’s not just trim and colours, it’s the engine.

Specs (what’s confirmed, and what’s on the current car)

• Powertrain (current S70): 1.5L turbo 3-cylinder petrol

• Output (current S70): 150 PS, 226 Nm

• Transmission (current S70): 7-speed dual-clutch (DCT) 

• Powertrain (S70 MC1, reported): Proton has been reported to be switching the S70 to the 1.5 i-GT turbo 4-cylinder used in the updated X50

• Output (S70 MC1, reported): 181 PS, 290 Nm

What’s special
The headline is simple, more power, more torque, and a four-cylinder. For Malaysian buyers, that’s not just a spec-sheet flex, it’s also a perception thing

A four-cylinder turbo feels “proper” to a lot of people shopping this segment, especially those coming from older Civics, Corollas, and Mazdas.

Transmission details for the MC1 package will only be truly settled once Proton drops the final spec sheet, but the current S70 runs a 7DCT, and the updated X50’s 1.5 i-GT also pairs to a 7DCT.

Nissan Serena e-POWER (C28)

The Serena is the classic Malaysian family MPV choice, and e-POWER is Nissan’s attempt to sell you an EV driving feel without the “bro, where do I charge?” anxiety.

Specs (Malaysia preview details)

• Powertrain: Nissan e-POWER series-hybrid, engine acts as generator only

• Engine: 1.4L NA 3-cylinder, 98 PS, 123 Nm (generator)

• Electric motor (drives wheels): 163 PS, 315 Nm, front-wheel drive

• Battery: 1.77 kWh lithium-ion 

• Transmission: None in the conventional sense (no mechanical link engine-to-wheels)

• Local plan: Nissan said the C28 Serena e-POWER is targeted for Feb to March 2026, and it is positioned as the first locally-assembled e-POWER model here 

What’s special
It’s the “dad-spec EV” in a way, instant torque for everyday driving, smoother low-speed crawl in traffic, and none of the CVT rubber-band complaints because it doesn’t work like a typical petrol drivetrain. If ETCM prices it smart, it could become the default “new family MPV” conversation starter again.

Lepas L6

This one is the wildcard. Lepas is a new brand under the Chery umbrella, and the L6 is part of the first wave of product meant to scale quickly. What matters for Malaysia is simple, new brands are launching fast here, and if Lepas comes in with the right pricing and the right powertrain, it becomes another real option on the shortlist.

Specs (what we can say today)
Lepas has talked about its first products including the L8, and that gives us a hint of the mechanical direction, namely electrified powertrains and modern hybrid transmissions.

The L8 has been mentioned with a 1.5L PHEV setup delivering 275 PS and 365 Nm. For the L6 specifically, full market-ready specs are still thin on the ground in public sources, so treat detailed outputs as pending until the brand releases the final sheet.

What’s special
The appeal is less about “brand heritage” and more about “spec-per-ringgit and packaging.” If Lepas brings the kind of cabin tech and safety suite we’ve seen across Chery’s newer models, it could be another strong value play, especially if it slots neatly between the Tiggo Cross and Tiggo 8-type sizing.

Chery Tiggo 9 (CSH PHEV)

If you want a single sentence, Tiggo 9 is Chery’s “big SUV, big energy” answer, and the numbers are not shy.

Specs (Malaysia confirmation details)

• Powertrain: Plug-in hybrid (Chery Super Hybrid system)

• Engine: 1.5L turbo, 156 PS, 220 Nm 

• Electric motors: combined e-motor output listed as 224 PS, 390 Nm, front wheels driven by the motors 

• Combined output: 381 PS, 610 Nm

• Transmission: Not spelled out in the Malaysia confirmation write-up, mechanical layout details should be checked against the eventual local spec sheet

What’s special
610 Nm is the kind of torque figure that used to live in big German diesels and V8s, and now it’s showing up in a family SUV with a charging port. That matters for Malaysia because torque is the everyday sensation people actually feel, overtakes, slopes, loaded car, aircon on full blast, plus the “I didn’t even try, it just moved” vibe.

Jaecoo J5

The J5 is interesting because it aims straight at the sweet spot, compact SUV size, tough-ish design, and a simple turbo petrol drivetrain that most Malaysians understand.

Specs (previewed details)

• Engine: 1.5L turbo, 147 PS, 210 Nm 

• Transmission: CVT 

• Drive: Front-wheel drive 

What’s special
Jaecoo’s whole positioning is “attainable premium with an outdoorsy streak,” and the J5 is the smaller, more urban-friendly expression of that idea. If they nail cabin practicality, safety kit, and after-sales confidence, the J5 becomes the kind of car you see everywhere within six months, the same way some other new China-brand SUVs have managed recently.

GWM WEY G9 (PHEV MPV)

This is the “Alphard rival” headline-maker, and it’s not hiding what it wants to be, a premium MPV with proper plug-in hybrid grunt, and serious equipment.

Specs (Malaysia plan)

• Powertrain: Hi4 plug-in hybrid, AWD

• Engine: 1.5L turbo 4-cylinder, 150 PS, 240 Nm

• Transmission: 4-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) 

• Electric motors: front motor 109 PS, 170 Nm, rear motor 184 PS, 232 Nm

• Combined output: 442 PS, 642 Nm

• Battery: 44.2 kWh NMC, quoted EV range 170 km (NEDC) 

• Malaysia timing: Launch mentioned as early 2026, with CKD units rolling off the local line and bookings opened 

What’s special
It’s the first time we’re seeing this level of “mega MPV” positioning from a Chinese brand with local assembly and a proper plug-in hybrid system. And the equipment list is the type that turns family road trips into a living room session, think big screens, ottomans, fridge, and the whole cinematic lounge experience. 

Toyota Yaris Cross HEV

Malaysia still doesn’t have a Toyota-badged Yaris Cross, but the hybrid version is exactly the kind of “urban SUV + low running costs” combo that fits UMW Toyota’s hybrid narrative.

Specs (Thailand reference)

• Hybrid system: 1.5L NA petrol plus e-motor

• Engine output: 91 PS, 121 Nm

• Electric motor: 80 PS, 141 Nm 

• Combined system output: 111 PS

• Transmission: E-CVT

• Drive: FWD

What’s special
The Yaris Cross HEV isn’t a muscle car, it’s a “get on with life” car, and that’s a compliment. It’s compact enough for KL parking pain, tall enough for Malaysian roads, and hybrid enough to calm the weekly fuel bill anxiety without forcing you into charging habits.

Also, once Perodua has already proven appetite in this size class, the Toyota badge plus hybrid tech becomes a logical next step for buyers who want the same footprint with a different flavour.

Toyota Vios HEV

This is one of the most realistic “big impact” candidates for 2026. A Vios Hybrid is basically Toyota saying, “okay, we are bringing hybrid down to where the volume is.”

Specs 

• Hybrid system: 1.5L petrol hybrid with 111 PS system output 

• Transmission: E-CVT 

• Malaysia angle: The Vios Hybrid has been sighted in Malaysia, and local launch chatter points to two variants being considered 

What’s special
If Toyota prices it right, the Vios HEV becomes the “hybrid for normal people,” not a badge-flex, not a tech demo, just a sedan that is familiar, cheap to run, and easy to live with. In a market where the Honda City e:HEV has already planted the idea in buyers’ heads, Toyota bringing Vios into the hybrid fight is exactly the sort of 2026 plot twist that actually changes traffic. 

Mitsubishi Xforce

The Xforce is built specifically with ASEAN road reality in mind, and Mitsubishi has been pretty open about the “we tuned this for your conditions” message.

Specs (official Indonesia-spec reference)

• Engine: 1.5L DOHC 16V MIVEC (4A91), 77 kW, 141 Nm 

• 77 kW works out to about 105 PS

• Transmission: CVT

• Drive: 2WD (front drive) 

• Special chassis tech: Active Yaw Control (AYC) integration, plus Wet mode, alongside Normal, Gravel, Mud 

What’s special
Wet mode is a very Southeast Asia idea, because we all know that sudden rain plus shiny road paint plus a roundabout is where confidence goes to die. Mitsubishi’s pitch is that it integrates AYC, traction control, engine and steering control to help stability on wet roads, even flooded patches. If Mitsubishi Malaysia finally decides to bring it in, it fills a gap for buyers who want something compact and practical, but with a brand story that still screams durability.

The big 2026 theme, electrification goes mainstream, not just premium

Put these ten cars together and the pattern is obvious. EVs are still the halo products (hello, ES90), but the real battleground is hybrids and plug-in hybrids, because that’s where the mass market is more comfortable spending money right now.

You get that “electric feel” without committing to a charging lifestyle, and you still have petrol for the long runs.

The fun part is, 2026 won’t just be “more new launches,” it will be “more choices that actually fit Malaysian routines,” school runs, jam, toll booths, and the occasional genting climb with a full load and a full stomach.