Weekly wrap-up: 2025 Mercedes-Benz S 580 e launched, BYD Seal 6 arrival confirmed, Suzuki Fronx Hybrid bookings open, and more

The past week kept up the momentum in Malaysia’s automotive industry, with Mercedes-Benz introducing its upgraded S-Class PHEV and BYD and Suzuki teasing their upcoming models. In the meantime, the global auto arena also witnessed several big unveilings and snippets about upcoming models. If you have missed tuning into Zigwheels, we have got you covered in our weekly wrap of top auto news. 

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

All-new Mercedes-Benz S 580 e arrives in Malaysia

First revealed in 2022, the Mercedes-Benz S 580 e has received an upgrade in Malaysia after three years. The latest version of the luxury sedan features new 20-inch forged wheels, updated interior trims, climatised front seats, and new air quality control system. Also new for the 2025 model year is DC fast charging at up to 60 kW (10-80 SoC takes just 20 minutes) and a new rear-axle steering (up to 4.5 degrees) for better agility. The updated Mercedes-Benz  S 580 e is priced at RM 738,888, including an eight-year / 160,000 km warranty for the high-voltage battery.

BYD Seal 6 EV launching in Malaysia this month

Malaysia’s top-selling EV brand, BYD, is ready to launch another striking EV, the Seal 6. It is an all-electric sedan, slightly shorter than the regular Seal, which will make its first international debut in Malaysia on 26 September 2025. The teaser shot of the upcoming Seal 6 closely resembles the BYD Qin L EV, unveiled in China earlier this year. Rivalling the likes of the Tesla Model 3, the Qin L features an 800V high-voltage system and an RWD motor. Two LFP Blade battery options are - 46.08 kWh and 56.64 kWh, offering a driving range of 470 km and 545 km, respectively. 

Proton e.MAS 7 remains Malaysia’s best-selling EV for 8 straight months  

The Proton e.MAS 7 continues to be Malaysia’s No. 1 electric vehicle for the eighth consecutive month in August. The automaker sold a total of 852 units (domestic + export) of the EV last month, bringing year-to-date (Jan-Aug) total to 5,811 units. The e.MAS 7 holds a 24% share of the Malaysian EV market, which means nearly one in every four EVs sold is a Proton EV. While the EV has so far been offered as a CBU unit from China, Proton will soon begin rolling out the locally assembled e.MAS 7, with its new EV Plant in Tanjong Malim now operational.

Suzuki Fronx Hybrid bookings open in Malaysia

Suzuki is set to expand its lineup in Malaysia with the launch of the Fronx. Bookings for the upcoming compact SUV are now underway, with launch expected to happen in Q4 2025. The Fronx features a bold coupe-type design with a sophisticated interior equipped with advanced technology. Under the hood, the Malaysia-spec Suzuki Fronx will feature a 1.5-litre four-cylinder K15C Dual Jet engine with SHVS mild hybrid system, producing a maximum power of 101 PS and a peak torque of 135 Nm.

Jetour Malaysia offers petrol rewards plus exclusive benefits this September

Celebrating Malaysia Day and the nation’s spirit of unity, Jetour Malaysia is offering petrol rewards worth RM 1 million this September. It includes  RM 2,000 petrol cards and 1-year insurance for the first 916 customers. In addition, the automaker also launched the exclusive Pride of the Nation Programme for Malaysian civil servants, offering them an extra 3% rebate on top of existing monthly promotions. Jetour is also set to take centre stage at KLCC on Saturday, 20 September as Key Sponsor and Official Car Partner of the Malaysia Sarong Music Run 2025. 

Isuzu Merdeka Convoy held with over 1000 participants

Isuzu Malaysia held a special convoy to commemorate the country’s 68th Independence Day, bringing together 1,028 D-Max owners. These special Isuzu Merdeka convoys were flagged off from 39 Isuzu dealerships nationwide. The D-Max owners drove to several popular attractions within their states to celebrate the special day with fellow owners and their families, showcasing their patriotic spirit. 

Yamaha NVX gets an upgrade in Malaysia

Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia has rolled out the upgraded NVX in Malaysia. The latest version comes in two trims - ABS and SP, priced at RM 11,998 and RM 14,998, respectively. Upgrades include - new Yamaha Electric CVT (Y-ECVT) gearbox, new body panels, redesigned front and rear lighting, and a new TFT metre panel supporting the Yamaha Y-Connect feature. The Y-ECVT tech features the Downshift function, offering a kick in acceleration, providing a sensation similar to a turbocharger.

Modenas ELIT 150S scooter launched in Malaysia

While commemorating its 30th anniversary milestone, Modenas has recently launched an all-new premium scooter in Malaysia, the ELIT 150S. Priced at RM 7,877 (excluding road tax & insurance), the scooter features contemporary styling, advanced technology, and everyday practicality. It is powered by a 150-cc Euro 4-compliant, liquid-cooled engine, good for generating a maximum power of 14 hp at 8,250 rpm and a peak torque of 13.5 Nm at 6,750 rpm. Other features include CVT transmission, all-around LED lighting, LCD instrument console, a USB  charging socket, and 13-inch wheels. Two available colour options are Riviera Blue and Quantum Grey.

Honda BeAT gets new colours in Malaysia

Boon Siew Honda, the official distributor of Honda bikes in Malaysia, has introduced two new colours for the BeAT - Black and White. Alongside the new tones, the existing Matte Silver and Green will remain available in the market. The scooter features a compact appearance, offering riders better handling in heavy traffic. At the core lies the same 110-cc eSP single-cylinder air-cooled engine, which kicks out a maximum power of 8.67 hp at 7,500 rpm and a peak torque of 9.53 Nm at 5,500 rpm.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Toyota bZ7 EV revealed in China ahead of launch

Toyota introduced a new bZ model in China this week, called the bZ7. It is an all-electric sedan, developed by the GAC-Toyota joint venture and incorporates hi-tech features like Huawei’s HarmonyOS cockpit, roof-mounted lidar sensor, and Xiaomi’s smart ecosystem. The EV is powered by a single e-motor sourced from Huawei, paired with a lithium iron phosphate battery supplied by CALB-Tech. The exact battery capacity and driving range are yet to be revealed. 

Suzuki Victoris launched in India with hybrid drivetrain options

Suzuki’s Indian subsidiary, Maruti Suzuki, launched a new sub-compact SUV this week, named Victoris. Targeting the diverse needs of modern-day consumers, the Victoris is a global model, with the automaker confirming plans to export it to over 100 countries and regions. The Indian-spec model is offered in three drivetrain options - a 1.5-litre mild hybrid petrol engine, a 1.5-litre strong hybrid engine combined with an electric motor, and a 1.5-litre petrol+CNG option. The price ranges from Rs 10,50,000 (RM 50,159) to Rs 19,99,000 (RM 95,494).

2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross EV debuts in Europe

Mitsubishi has pulled the wraps off a new electric SUV in the European market, named the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross. The EV is based on Mitsubishi's “Smart Armor” concept and underpins the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance's CMF-EV platform. At the core lies a front-wheel drive electric motor that kicks out 217 horsepower and 300 Nm of peak torque. Feeding the motor is an 87 kWh battery pack, which offers a WLTP-claimed range of 600 km. The Eclipse Cross EV is set to hit the European showroom later this year. 

Australia gets the Proton eMAS 7’s PHEV twin, the Geely Starray EM-i  

Geely introduced the all-new Starray EM-i (known as the Galaxy Starship 7 in China) in Australia this week, which is the plug-in hybrid sibling of our beloved EV, the Proton eMAS 7. The PHEV is offered in two trims - Complete and Inspire, priced from AUD 37,490 (RM 105k) and AUD 39,990 (RM 112k). Under the metal skin lies a  99 hp/120 Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine combined with a 218 hp/262 Nm electric motor and an 18.4 kWh LFP battery pack, offering an all-electric range of 83 km. The combined range is estimated at around 943 km (on the WLTP cycle). The Proton e.MAS 7 PHEV is also expected to launch in Malaysia in the near future.

2026 Kia K4 hatch specifications confirmed for Europe 

Kia has unveiled the detailed specifications of the all-new K4 hatchback in Europe ahead of the launch slated for later this year. Replacing the Kia Ceed, the new K4 will be offered in five powertrain options in the Old Continent, of which two are electrified. The hatchback features a different roofline and rear end compared to the sedan; however, the lighting units share the same design. Key features include - dual 12.3-inch displays, a 5.3-inch climate control display, Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system, Kia Connect, and advanced driver-assistance systems. 

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

Also read: All cars & SUVs launching in Malaysia before 2025 ends