Weekly wrap-up: MG S5 EV, GWM Tank 500 previewed, Honda e:N1 bookings open, New Defender V8 launched, and more

This past week continued the busy momentum in the Malaysian automotive space with a couple of launches—Land Rover Defender V8 and BMW M340i xDrive Edition 50 Jahre. This was followed by the preview of the all-electric MG S5 and the off-road focused GWM Tank 500, generating significant buzz among enthusiasts. In the meantime, the global industry also witnessed a bunch of exciting reveals. 

In case you missed out on any of that, here we bring a quick recap of important auto news of the week. So let’s get started.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

2025 Land Rover Defender V8 launched in Malaysia

The all-new Land Rover Defender V8 made its way to the Malaysian market this week. It is available in two dynamic variants, the Defender 110 V8 and the Defender 130 V8. Both are powered by a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, available in two impressive configurations. The 110 V8 generates 525 PS of maximum power and 625 Nm of peak torque, while the larger 130 V8 actually makes 500 PS and 610 Nm with a detuned version of the mill. The latest Defender offers a unique and powerful sound with its quad exhaust pipes. Its price begins at RM 998,000 (before tax and duties).

BMW 3 Series gets a special 50th anniversary edition

BMW Malaysia has launched the all-new M340i xDrive Edition 50 Jahre to celebrate the golden jubilee of its iconic 3 Series sedan. Exclusive to the Malaysian market, this special BMW 3 Series will be available in a limited quantity of 50 units. Setting it apart from the standard model are unique M Performance parts, commemorative badging, and interior trim. However, under the hood, we can find the familiar 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine, which makes 387 hp and 500 Nm, paired with an xDrive all-wheel drive system. It is priced at RM 396,800 (on-the-road before insurance).

MG S5 EV previewed in Malaysia

After teasing the MG S5 earlier this month, SAIC Motor Malaysia gave us a full preview of the upcoming MG EV this week. It is a C-segment SUV, powered by a single rear electric motor tuned to produce 170 PS of maximum power and 250 Nm of peak torque. The S5 will be available in two battery options - 49 kWh and 62 kWh, offering a WLTP-claimed driving range of 340 km and 430 km, respectively. Set to replace the ZS EV, the MG S5 will rival the likes of the Proton e.MAS 7 and BYD Atto 3. The estimated price tag reads RM 115,000

GWM Tank 500 revealed in Malaysia, booking open

The Chinese auto giant Great Wall Motors is ready to expand its footprint in Malaysia with the upcoming launch of the Tank 500 HEV. Just like the Tank 300, it is also based on the body-on-frame platform, making it ideal for off-roading. It features an Intelligent All-terrain system including 11 driving modes, TANK Turn, intelligent 4WD with M-Lock, and off-road cruise control. Along with an official preview held this week, the bookings for this upcoming SUV are now underway. Expected to cost below RM 350,000, the Tank 500 will be available exclusively at 14 selected GWM dealerships nationwide. 

Honda e:N1 EV bookings now open in Malaysia

Previewed at the 2024 Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show, Honda Malaysia’s first BEV, the e:N1 is set to hit the local shores. The automaker has started accepting bookings for the EV with the launch slated for Q2 2025. Said to be the all-electric version of the HR-V, the upcoming Honda e:N1 is based on the e:NArchitecture F platform and comes powered by a 204 PS/310 Nm electric motor in the neighbouring markets. It offers a driving range of up to 412 km with a 68.8 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery pack on board.

Proton announces OTA updates for the e.MAS 7

Proton’s first electric car, the e.MAS 7 has become Malaysia's No.1 EV in just a few months. Building on this momentum, the automaker is ready to roll out significant Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, enhancing convenience, safety, and smartphone connectivity. The automaker offered owners a glimpse of the upcoming quarterly updates planned through 2025. It includes - 

• Upgraded firmware (Flyme Auto S v1.1.4), adding features like a charging start/stop button and sleep-mode vehicle location tracking (Q2 2025)
• Wireless Apple CarPlay, radio scanning fix, ice-cream van sound update and more (later in Q2 2025)
• Wired Apple CarPlay, a memory function for speed warning switching, and other improvements (Q3 2025) 
• Wired and wireless Android Auto, along with other updates (Q4 2025)

GWM Ora Good Cat GT teased ahead of launch

Alongside previewing the Tank 500, GWM Malaysia has also confirmed the arrival of a jazzed-up version of the Ora Good Cat. It carries a ‘GT’ moniker and features a more aggressive look with a dual-tone contrast colour scheme. Further confirming its unique identity are carbon-fibre-like finishing on wheel arch surrounds and side skirts, yellow brake callipers, a more prominent rear spoiler, and model-specific badges. The Ora Good Cat GT is expected to come with a front-mounted e-motor good for making 171 PS of power and 250 Nm of torque. Feeding the motor will be a 57.70-kWh LPF battery with a cruising range of 460 km.

Continental UltraContact UX7 tyre launched in Malaysia

Continental Tyres Malaysia has launched the all-new UltraContact UX7 tyre, which offers extra safety, extra durability and extra quietness. Specifically developed and optimised with the SUV drivers’ needs in mind, the new Continental tyre boasts the SUV Confidence+ technology, advanced grip and safety technologies, robust360 Construction, and the Noisebreaker 3.0 system. It is available in a wide range of sizes, ranging from 15 to 22 inches.

Chery Malaysia hands over 50 vehicles to fire victims

Chery Malaysia remains at the forefront of supporting the Putra Heights fire victims. A day after the incident, the company announced a Temporary Vehicle Assistance Programme for affected families to help them navigate essential daily activities. As promised, Chery Malaysia has handed over 50 vehicles on a one-month vehicle loan, including RM 100 in fuel assistance for each recipient. 

Batik Air teams up with Leapmotor for Private Terminal Transfers

Batik Air has reintroduced the exclusive Private Terminal Transfer service for Business Class passengers at KLIA Terminal 1. As for an elevated experience, the airline has collaborated with Leapmotor Malaysia, the first New Energy Vehicle (NEV) brand to be introduced by Stellantis Malaysia. Five units of the Leapmotor C10 EV will be put into service at the terminal as shuttle cars.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

2025 Subaru Forester launched in Japan

Subaru has launched the upgraded version of the Forester in Japan. The upgraded model benefits from a number of significant upgrades, including a new X-Break trim with rugged styling & water-repellent interior. Other enhancements include -

• New 1.8-litre turbo engine generating 177 PS and 300 Nm 
• S: HEV hybrid mill with Toyota-sourced electric motor 
• Upgraded EyeSight X ADAS pack with semi-autonomous highway driving 
• Bigger displays - 11.6-inch infotainment unit and 12.3-inch instrument cluster  
• Redesigned seats 
• First-ever cyclist-protecting pedestrian airbag 

The 2025 Subaru Forester price begins at JPY 4,048,000 (approx RM 125k) and goes up to JPY 4,488,000 (approx RM 139k). 

Xpeng X9 gets an upgrade for 2025

Recently launched in Malaysia, the Xpeng X9 MPV has received an upgrade in the global market. New for 2025 are subtle exterior design enhancements such as updated front bumper trim, illuminated rear Xpeng script, and new 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior improvements include redesigned second-row seats for easier access to the third row and softer fridge door material. The electric MPV also benefits from a bigger 105 kWh battery, with the range increased to 740 km (CLTC). 

All-new Volvo S90 debuts in China

The all-new Volvo S90 facelift has made its official debut in the Chinese market. The upgrade sedan brings on board several cosmetic and technological upgrades and new colour options. Key changes include - a bolder grille, new front bumper and bonnet, slimmer Matrix LED headlights and new rear light graphics. The cabin gets a larger 11.2-inch central display powered by Google, premium materials, and better sound insulation. Available in plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid trims, the new Volvo S90 facelift is likely to hit global markets soon.

2025 Audi A6 Sedan revealed globally

Audi has finally pulled the wraps off the sixth-gen A6 sedan. The latest model underpins VW’s PPC platform and is offered in petrol and diesel engines along with mild-hybrid tech. Also new for the sixth-gen model is a redesigned exterior and advanced creature comforts such as a new infotainment unit with a curved OLED screen and Chatgpt integration. Other changes include rear-wheel steering, adaptive suspension, and advanced driver-assistance systems.

2025 World Car of the Year award winners announced

The Kia EV3 clinched the prestigious title of 2025 World Car of the Year award at the 2025 World Car Awards ceremony recently held at the New York International Auto Show. The EV3 is the third Kia model to receive this top honour, after the Kia EV9 (2024) and Kia Telluride (2020). The winners in the other categories are as follows- 

2025 World Urban Car of the Year	BYD Seagull
2025 World Luxury Car of the Year	Volvo EX90
2025 World Performance Car of the Year	Porsche 911 Carrera GTS
2025 World Electric Vehicle of the Year	Hyundai Inster / Casper Electric
2025 World Car Design of the Year	Volkswagen ID. Buzz

That's a wrap for now. For all the latest updates on the automotive industry, stay tuned with us.

Also read: Why the Peugeot 408 is turning heads as Malaysia’s most uniquely styled car