Top car launches of 2025 in Malaysia

The year 2025 was full of excitement for Malaysian automotive enthusiasts as several automakers introduced their latest models in the market. From compact SUVs and full-size SUVs to the brand’s first-ever EVs, the local automotive market witnessed some significant launches. Here, we curated a list of the top launches of 2025, have a look -

Perodua QV-E

• Perodua finally launched its first-ever electric car in Malaysia, the QV-E, earlier this month. 
• The long-awaited EV is offered in a single variant, priced at RM 80,000, without insurance & battery. Yes, the battery is leased separately under a mandatory 9-year contract at an RM 275 monthly fee (excluding SST). 
• The Perodua QV-E comes powered by a front-mounted electric motor generating a maximum power of 204 PS and a peak torque of 285 Nm. 
• Power is supplied by a CATL-sourced 52.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, which offers a driving range of 380 km on the WLTP cycle. 

Perodua Traz

• P2 also pulled the wraps off its highly anticipated B-segment SUV in December, called the Perodua Traz.
• It is offered in two variants - X and H, priced at RM 76,100 and RM 82,000 (on the road price, without insurance), respectively. 
• Based on Perodua’s DNGA platform, the Traz is powered by a 1.5-litre 2NR-VE DVVT-i engine, delivering a maximum power of 106 PS and a peak torque of 138 Nm. The fuel efficiency is rated at 21.3 kmpl.
• The new Perodua SUV comes packed with several modern features, including a 9-inch infotainment, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Perodua Smart Drive Assist, 360-degree camera, auto air conditioning, and more.

New Proton Saga

• Proton treated us with the all-new, reimagined version of its iconic sedan, the Saga, this year.
• The upgraded Saga features a refreshed design inside and out, enhanced tech, a more powerful engine, and advanced driver assistance systems.
• It comes in three variants - Standard, Executive, and Premium, with prices ranging from RM 38,990 to RM 49,990.
• Based on a new AMA platform, the 2026 Proton Saga is powered by a new “iGT” 1.5-litre NA engine that delivers 120 PS and 150 Nm and 4.9 litres per 100 km fuel efficiency.

New Proton X50

• Proton’s beloved SUV, the X50, also received a significant makeover in 2025. It gets an updated styling and more innovative tech with a focus on appealing to a younger customer base. 
• The new Proton X50 comes in three variants - Executive, Premium, and Flagship, with prices ranging from RM 89,800 to RM 113,300.
• It is powered by a new 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (replacing the 3-cylinder unit), which kicks out a maximum power of 181 PS and a peak torque of 290 Nm.
• Changes include new LED headlights, revised alloy wheels, new Teal Bayou Green colour, and a new 14.6-inch infotainment screen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Proton e.MAS 5

• Proton caused a stir in Malaysia’s electric vehicle market with the launch of the e.MAS 5.
• Touted as the country’s most affordable EV, the Proton e.MAS 5 is offered in two variants - Prime and Premium, priced at RM 59,800 and RM 72,800, respectively.
• The Prime version comes powered by a 79 PS/130 Nm rear-wheel drive motor and a 30.12 kWh CATL LFP battery pack, offering a range of 225 km. The Premium trim, on the other hand, runs on a 116 PS/150 Nm RWD setup combined with a bigger 40.16 kWh battery that lets the EV cruise up to 325 km.
• Initially, the EV is offered as a fully imported CBU model, with the CKD version set to arrive soon as Proton's new EV plant in Tanjung Malim nears completion. 

Honda e:N1

• Honda entered the Malaysian EV race with the launch of the e:N1 in May this year.
• Honda’s first EV SUV is offered in a single CBU variant, priced at RM 149,900 (on the road without insurance.
• It blends the familiarity of the Honda HR-V with dedicated EV performance and forward-thinking features.
• Built on Honda’s e:N Architecture F platform, it is a refined and well-engineered EV powered by a single front wheel drive motor that churns out a maximum power of 204 hp and a peak torque of 310 Nm.
• Feeding the motor is a 68.8 kWh ternary lithium-ion battery, delivering a range of 500 km on a single charge.  

BYD Seal 6

• Malaysia's No.1 EV brand, BYD, expanded its lineup with the launch of the Seal 6 in September this year. Notably, it is absolutely different from the BYD Seal, which is a D-segment fastback.
• Touted as the most affordable and largest C-segment EV sedan in Malaysia, it is offered in two variants - Dynamic and Premium, priced at RM 100,000 and RM 115,800, respectively.
• Built on BYD’s e-Platform 3.0 architecture, the EV comes powered by a single rear wheel drive motor and a 56.64 kWh BYD Blade battery pack, offering a cruising range of 485 km (NEDC).
• The Seal 6 EV is an attractive option for buyers seeking an eco-friendly ride without compromising on comfort or technology. 

Zeekr 7X

• After introducing two striking SUVs (009 and X) in late 2024, Geely’s premium sub-brand Zeekr launched its third model, the Zeekr 7X, in August this year.
• It is a premium electric SUV offered in three variants - RWD Standard, RWD Long Range, and AWD Performance, with prices ranging from RM 179,800 to RM 226,800.
• Built on an 800-volt electrical architecture, the Zeekr 7X comes equipped with a 75 kWh LFP or a 100 kWh NCM battery pack, delivering a driving range of 480–615 km.
• Designed in Sweden, the EV features a massive 93-inch Integrated Smart Light front curtain, a tech-heavy interior and Level 2.5 ADAS features.

Mazda CX-60

• Bermaz Motor finally brought the long-awaited Mazda CX-60 to our shores in September this year. 
• This full-size, five-seater is offered in a single 2.5L 2WD High variant (fully-imported from Japan), priced at RM 200,510 (on the road without insurance). 
• It is powered by a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine tuned to deliver a maximum power of 191 PS and a peak torque of 261 Nm. 
• The Mazda CX-60 stands out in the segment with its rear-wheel drive layout, which offers a more balanced, driver-oriented SUV experience.
  

Jaecoo J8

• OMODA I JAECOO Malaysia launched its premium off-road SUV, the J8, in July this year.
• The locally assembled Jaecoo J8 is offered in two variants - 2WD (5-seater) and AWD (6-seater), priced at RM 178,000 and RM 198,800, respectively. 
• Both are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four engine tuned to make 249 PS and 385 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels or all four wheels, depending on the variant. 
• The Jaecoo J8 features bold and rugged styling and sets new benchmarks in terms of off-road manoeuvrability. 

Jetour Dashing

• Chery’s sub-brand Jetour entered the Malaysian market with its striking 5-seater SUV, the Dashing, in April.
• The Jetour Dashing is a C-segment offered in two variants -  Comfort and Prime, priced at RM 109,800 and RM 116,800, respectively. 
• Both variants run a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine capable of generating 156 PS and 230 Nm, mated to a 6-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
• The Jetour SUV is a value-for-money compact SUV, featuring a coupe-like design and a high-tech interior with large digital screens, targeting younger, style-conscious buyers.

iCaur 03

• Born from a strong collaboration between Chery and SmartMi Tech, the new car brand iCAUR also made its way to Malaysia this year. The brand launched the iCAUR 03 as its first EV in the market.
• It is an off-road electric SUV offering rugged off-road capability, solid performance and advanced technology. 
• The iCAUR 03 is offered in two variants - 2WD and iWD (Intelligent Wheel Drive), priced at RM 119,800 and RM 129,800, respectively. 
• The 2WD variant comes powered by a rear-wheel drive motor generating 184 PS and 220 Nm, and a 65.7 kWh LFP battery with 426 km NEDC range. The iWD, on the other hand, runs on a dual-motor setup, making 279 PS and 385 Nm and a 69.8 kWh pack with up to 418 km NEDC range.

Denza D9

• BYD’s premium sub-brand, Denza, officially entered the Malaysian market with the introduction of its flagship model, the Denza D9, in February this year.
• This premium electric minivan is offered in two variants - Advance and Premium, priced at RM 259,000 and RM 309,000, respectively. 
• Both variants come equipped with a 103.36 kWh Blade LFP battery pack, which offers a driving range of up to 600 km. 
• The Denza D9 is a well-proportioned MPV featuring π(Pi)-Motion aesthetics, DiSus-C Intelligent Damping Body Control System and a luxurious cabin kitted with several creature comforts.
• Denza has sold more than 1,000 units of the D9 so far, making it one of the most desirable luxury MPVs in the premium electric mobility segment.

GWM Tank 500

• GWM Malaysia launched the Tank 500 in May this year as a bold alternative in the large SUV segment.
• This luxury off-road SUV features a bold appearance, intelligent hybrid power, robust off-roading capabilities, and a sophisticated interior.
• The GWM Tank 500 is offered in a sole Ultra variant (imported from Thailand), priced at RM 328,800 (on the road, without insurance).
• It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol-electric engine that kicks out a combined output of 346 PS and 648 Nm.

So, those were the top car launches of this year. Which of these impressed you the most? 

Also read: Malaysia’s best-selling cars in 2025: A look at the top performers