Weekly wrap-up: 2025 BMW M340i xDrive M Sport Pro launched, New Mazda 3 variant bookings open, and more

It’s been a busy week for the Malaysian automotive landscape, filled with key announcements and updates. Zeekr Malaysia appointed Carro as its authorised dealer, Hyundai announced its strategic shift to direct operations in the country, and BMW introduced the new M340i xDrive M Sport Pro. Meanwhile, the global market kept the momentum going with several exciting debuts. In case you missed out on the top auto news of the week, here’s a detailed recap for you.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

2025 BMW M340i xDrive M Sport Pro arrives in Malaysia

BMW has launched the all-new M340i xDrive M Sport Pro in the local market. The latest model benefits from new features, including an upgraded tyre pressure monitoring system, Adaptive Cruise Control with stop and go function, galvanic-embellished controls, and Parking Assistant Plus. Assembled in Kulim, Kedah, the M340i is the most powerful variant in the 3 Series lineup, which comes equipped with a 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo inline-six engine generating 387 hp and 500 Nm. The price tag reads RM 388,800 (on the road without insurance).

New Mazda 3 variant bookings open in Malaysia

Bermaz Motor has started accepting bookings for the new Mazda 3 variant, the 1.5G High Plus, which is slotted below the Mazda 3 2.0L in the model’s lineup. It will be available in both Sedan and Liftback guises and is estimated to be priced at RM 119,620. As the name suggests, the new trim is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder SkyActiv-G petrol mill capable of generating 118 PS of maximum power and 153 Nm of peak torque. Equipment kit includes - leather seats with memory, 10.25-inch infotainment with wireless CarPlay and a wireless charger.

Hyundai Motor Malaysia sets up direct operations 

With a bold vision and strategic plans, Hyundai has announced its direct operations in Malaysia, marking a significant shift from a distributor-led model to a principal-led approach. The company has established Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY) with its headquarters located at Menara Affin @ TRX. HMY is geared up to expand its local workforce, introduce three new models, establish local assembly operations in Kedah, and enhance its dealer and after-sales network.  Notably, the South Korean brand was managed by Sime Motors (Sime Darby Motors) since the early 2000s, which will continue as a key dealer partner.

Zeekr appoints Carro as authorised dealer in Malaysia

The distribution of Zeekr EVs in Malaysia will now be managed by Carro, following the automaker’s appointment of the company as its authorised dealer. Earlier this week, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding at Carro’s Puchong flagship store. The collaboration will see the opening of new Zeekr Space showrooms (Bangsar, Mutiara Damansara, Penang’s Juru Autocity and Seremban) and new Carro Care workshops offering bundled services like financing, insurance, maintenance, and body & paint solutions for EV buyers.

Roslan Abdullah joins GWM Malaysia as COO

Former Proton Deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah has joined Great Wall Motors Malaysia as Chief Operating Officer, marking a significant milestone in the automaker’s journey in Malaysia. With Roslan’s leadership experience and strategic insight, the company aims to strengthen its operations, reinforce customer confidence and establish GWM as a long-term player in the local automotive landscape.

Pro-Net opens new e.MAS and smart outlets

Pro-Net has expanded its network in Malaysia with the opening of three new Proton e.MAS dealerships and one new Smart dealership. The new e.MAS outlets are located in Kota Kinabalu, IOI Putrajaya, and Old Klang Road, Kuala Lumpur, offering potential EV buyers greater access to experience Malaysia’s fastest-selling EV up close. Meanwhile, the new Smart outlet marks the brand’s first dealership in East Malaysia, located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Volvo ES90 EV Malaysian launch confirmed

In a recent press conference, Volvo Cars’ Managing Director for Malaysia and Thailand, Chris Wailes, confirmed that the ES90 is set to arrive in Malaysia in the early next year. The ES90 is the brand’s first-ever electric sedan that underpins the new SPA2 (Scalable Product Architecture 2), specifically developed for EVs. It is offered in two battery options - 92 kW and 106 kWh, providing a driving range of up to 700 kilometres under the WLTP testing cycle. The upcoming Volvo EV supports ultra-fast charging, replenishing the battery from 10 to 80% in just 20 mins.

iCAUR iEXPERIENCE off-road test drive happening from June 20–23

The new Chinese EV brand set to arrive on local shores is iCaur (known as iCar in China), born from a partnership between Chery and Smartmi Tech. Ahead of its launch, the automaker has organised the iCAUR iEXPERIENCE off-road test drive for the upcoming 03 model at 1 Utama Shopping Centre, Ground Floor Carpark (Old Wing) from June 20–22, 2025 (10 AM–6 PM). Here, you can get a hands-on feel of the iCAUR 03’s off-road abilities, including iSee-Saw, iSlide, iSplash and iBreake. iCaur made its first public appearance at MAS 2025, where it previewed three models – the 03, 03T, and V23.

Yadea GT20 e-bike arrives in Malaysia

Yadea, a leading Chinese electric two-wheeler brand, has expanded its lineup in Malaysia with the launch of the GT20. This small electric bike is priced at RM 4,998 (excluding road tax, insurance and registration). It is powered by a hub-mounted electric motor generating 2 kW of power and 3.2 kW of torque. The motor is tied up with a 72V38Ah graphene battery, which offers a driving range of 105 km on a single charge. The charging time is 6–8 hours (using built-in 72V6A charger) with a battery lifespan rated for 500 charging cycles. Available colour options are - Metal Grey, Dark/Orange and Green/Gold.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Next-gen Nissan Leaf breaks covers

Nissan has revealed the all-new third-gen Leaf in the global market. Redesigned from the ground up, the new Leaf is a stylish, high-riding crossover SUV based on a new CMF-EV platform. The EV features a refreshed V-Motion front fascia with a bold black grille, a full-width LED running lamp, and distinctive 'ni-san' geometric symbols integrated into the headlights, taillights, wheels, and interior trim. Two available battery options are - 52 kWh and  75 kWh, offering a WLTP-claimed range of 436 km and 604 km, respectively.

Next-gen Audi Q3 makes global debut 

Audi’s popular compact SUV, the Q3, has also received a generational upgrade, hosting substantial cosmetic enhancements inside and out, new tech, and efficient electrified engine options. The latter includes a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid mill mated to a 19.7 kWh battery, providing an all-electric range of up to 119 km. Set to hit the global showrooms in October, the new Audi Q3 price starts at EUR 44,600 (approx RM 218k).

Second-gen Hyundai Palisade launched in Indonesia

Globally unveiled in December last year, the second-generation Hyundai Palisade made its ASEAN debut in Indonesia this week. The upgraded three-row SUV features a bold design and upmarket cabin offering enhanced comfort and convenience to modern drivers. The Indonesia-spec Palisade comes in three variants - Signature 2WD, Calligraphy 2WD and Calligraphy AWD, with prices ranging from IDR 1.1 billion (RM 286,561) to IDR 1.3 billion (RM 338,669). Under the hood lies a Smartstream G 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol hybrid powertrain producing a total system output rated at 334 PS and 460 Nm. Power is sent to the wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission paired with a 2WD or AWD system.

Land Rover Defender 110 Trophy Edition revealed

Land Rover introduced a new Trophy Edition for the Defender SUV this week. This special Defender features blacked-out detailing on bonnet, roof and scuff plates, side body cladding, Trophy decals, 20-inch alloy wheels (with all-terrain tyres) and a range of off-road accessories, including snorkel, side ladder, roof rack, and side panniers. Inside, it gets exclusive Ebony Windsor leather seats and Trophy branding inside the cabin. The Defender 110 Trophy Edition comes in two special hues - Deep Sandglow Yellow and Keswick Green.

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

Also read: Mazda CX-60 coming to Malaysia; here’s what to expect