Weekly wrap-up: 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV launched, all-new Hyundai Tucson, Sante Fe previewed, and more

This week was packed with one marque event after the other. From Hyundai introducing its three new facelift models to Mercedes-Benz giving us the all-electric G-Class off-roader, there was so much that went down. To top it off, GAC began the local assembly of the Emkoo SUV, which is ready to hit the local shores next month. 

Here, we bring a quick recap of all the top auto news that remained in the headlines during the week.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

2025 Mercedes-Benz G580 lands in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the all-electric version of the rugged G-Class, the G580 with EQ Technology. The EV is offered in two imported variants - G580 EQ and the G580 EQ Edition One, with price ranging from RM 958,888 to RM 999,888. The limited EDITION ONE stands out with signature blue accents throughout both the exterior and interior. Powering the G580 are four electric motors which generate a combined system output of 587 PS and 1,164 Nm of torque. The motors are fed by a 116 kWh battery pack, the G-Class EV offers a driving range of 473 km. Offering exceptional off-road performance, the EV comes with innovative driving functions such as the G-TURN, G-STEERING, G-ROAR, and Crawl Mode.

2025 BMW X3 20 xDrive M Sport & BMW 320i Sport price revealed

Revealed at the recently held MY BMW World 2025 event, the 2025 BMW X3 20 xDrive M Sport and the 2025 BMW 320i Sport are now up for grabs. The new X3 is priced at RM 320,800 while the 3 Series retails for RM 265,800. The former gets a fresh new look and several tech and driving enhancements for the model year 2025. It is powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine combined with 48V mild hybrid tech. The sedan, on the other hand, benefits from new Pearl Chrome grille accents, new wheels, a BMW Curved Display, and more.  

Three new Hyundai models previewed ahead of launch

Hyundai has taken full control of its brand presence in Malaysia with the establishment of Hyundai Motor Malaysia (HMY). The company has established its headquarters at Menara Affin @ TRX and is geared up to launch a bunch of new models. This week, HMY grabbed all the eyeballs with the preview of three upcoming facelift models -

• 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe: Set to launch next week, the all-new fifth-gen Santa Fe will be offered in three variants – Prime Hybrid, Prestige Hybrid, and the top-spec Calligraphy with 4WD. Both the Prime and Prestige are powered by a 2WD 1.6-litre turbocharged hybrid engine while the Calligraphy has a 4WD 2.5-litre turbocharged mill under the hood.
• 2025 Hyundai Tucson: The facelift version of the fourth-gen Hyundai Tucson also made its debut with a sharper exterior, EV-inspired twin-screen interior, a new 1.6L hybrid powertrain, and expanded Hyundai SmartSense safety features. It will also come in three locally-assembled variants – Style, Prime, and Prestige.

• 2025 Hyundai Staria: The updated 2025 Hyundai Staria gets a new 7-seater Prestige variant, faster powered doors, USB-C ports, and updated Hyundai branding.

 

GAC Emkoo CKD operations begin in Malaysia, launching soon

The official distributor of GAC vehicles in Malaysia, WTC Automotif Sdn Bhd (WTCA), has commenced mass production for the GAC Emkoo, first previewed in January 2024. It is a C-segment SUV rivalling the likes of the Proton X70, Honda CR-V, and Mazda CX-5. The SUV boasts an ultramodern exterior design and a modern cabin loaded with high-tech features. Set to launch in the third quarter of the year, the SUV may get a 177 PS/270 Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol, a 252 PS/400 Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol or a hybrid engine pairing a 2.0-litre engine and an electric motor.

2025 CFMoto 675NK debuts in Malaysia

The all-new CFMoto 675NK made its way to the Malaysia market this week. It is a new naked sports bike with a razor-sharp design and adrenaline-pumping performance. The bike is powered by a 675-cc, triple-cylinder, 4-stroke, DOHC engine dishing out a maximum power of 94 hp at 11,000 rpm and a peak torque of 70 Nm at 8,250 rpm. Key highlights include - 17-inch wheels, full LED lighting, CFMOTO Ride App connectivity, USB charging ports, Traction Control system and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System. Priced at RM 33,888, the CFMoto 675NK is available in two striking shades - Glacier White and Tundra Grey.

Setel and TNG team up to simplify fuel payments

Setel has joined hands with TNG Digital to simplify the process of buying fuel at Petronas fuel stations. The users of the TNG eWallet app can now pay for fuel directly through the ‘PETRONAS via Setel’ mini programme available in the app, using Setel’s pump-and-pay technology. The company offers Mesra Rewards points and GOrewards points for the first 50,000 eligible transactions.

Proton set to expand local production of parts in Malaysia

Proton eyes on increasing the parts localisation and improving vendor competitiveness in the country. For the same, the national automaker has signed a bunch of new localisation agreements, which will benefit the brand’s gas-powered vehicles as well as electric vehicles. These include - 

• A  joint venture between Proton supplier Delloyd Technology Bhd and Imotion Automotive Technology (Suzhou) Co. Ltd for the supply of the ADAS pack.
• An agreement between PEPS JV (M) Sdn Bhd and Liuzhou Sanly Autoparts Co Ltd for the braking system.
• A joint venture between JHM Consolidation Bhd and Jiangsu Dekai Auto Parts Co Ltd for lighting.
• A deal between Trillion Speed (M) Sdn Bhd and Shanghai Yinlun Heat Exchange Systems Co for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Mercedes-AMG GT XX concept breaks cover

Mercedes-Benz’s performance division AMG has unveiled its first all-electric concept, called the Mercedes-AMG GT XX. Co-developed with British electric motor specialist YASA, this power-packed model features three axial flux motors producing a whopping power of 1,360 hp and attains a top speed of over 360 kmph. The 114kWh battery supports ultra fast charging with a range tip up of 400 km in five minutes only. The design looks inspired by the Mercedes C111 series of concepts from the 1960s and 1970s.

GWM Ora Good Cat EV gets an upgrade in China

First introduced in 2020, the Ora Good Cat has received an upgrade in the home market. The EV retains its mini-Porsche-inspired design with minimal tweaks such as new front bumper, 18-inch five-spoke alloys, and full-width tail lights. The cabin benefits from a bigger 10.25-inch instrument display, a bigger 14.6-inch infotainment unit, new steering wheel, and heated and ventilated seats. All variants of the China-spec Good Cat now boast the GT variant’s 171 PS/220 Nm front motor and a lithium iron phosphate battery pack with a WLTP-claimed driving range of 420 km.

BYD Atto 3 sales hit the 1 million milestone globally

One of the top-selling EVs in Malaysia, the BYD Atto 3 (known as Yuan Plus in China), has achieved a significant milestone in the global market. The EV has surpassed the 1 million sales mark in just three years and four months since its launch. The EV has a presence in more than 100 markets, including Malaysia. Here, it is offered in a single Ultra variant, priced at RM 123,800 (on the road, without insurance). The local-spec model is powered by a front-wheel drive electric motor generating a maximum power of 204 PS and a peak torque of 310 Nm. Feeding the motor is a 60.48 kWh Blade battery pack, which enables the EV to cruise up to 420 km on a single charge.

XC60 grabs the title of Volvo’s #1 car 

Volvo’s mid-size SUV, the XC60, has grabbed the title of the brand’s No.1 selling car, surpassing the iconic Volvo 240 that has been the most popular choice for families for years. The automaker has sold 2.7 million units of the XC60 so far. Since its debut in 2008, the SUV has continued to impress a wide range of drivers with its Scandinavian design, SUV practicality, and cutting-edge safety features. It comes in two variants in Malaysia -  B5 mild hybrid and T8 plug-in hybrid, priced at RM 328,888 and RM 357,888, 

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

Also read: GWM Tank 300 proves It's the perfect off-roader for beginners at Sepang test