Weekly wrap-up: 2026 Toyota Vellfire HEV, Kia Carnival Facelift, New BMW i5 CKD launched, Proton e.Mas 7 PHEV bookings open, Mitsubishi Xforce confirmed, and more

The Malaysian automotive industry witnessed a quite busy momentum this week with several new models hitting the local shores, including the new Toyota Vellfire HEV, 2025 Kia Carnival facelift, XPeng G6 Standard Range, new BMW iX1 eDrive20L M Sport, and new BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro. Along with that, Proton and Jaecoo opened bookings of their upcoming models, the e.MAS 7 and J5, respectively. Mitsubishi also confirmed the highly-awaited Xforce for Malaysia and started accepting registrations of interest.

Here, we bring a quick recap of all the top auto news that stole the spotlight during the week.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Proton e.Mas 7 PHEV bookings open in Malaysia 

Proton has opened the bookings for its first plug-in hybrid model, the e.MAS 7, with its launch expected soon. The e.MAS PHEV is offered in three variants - Prime, Premium, and Premium Plus, with prices estimated to range between RM 110k and RM 130k. It is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder dedicated hybrid engine paired with an electric motor, generating a combined system output of 262 PS and 262 Nm. The Prime and Premium trims use an 18.4 kWh battery pack (105 km EV range and 943 km combined range), while the Premium Plus features a larger 29.8 kWh battery (170 km EV range and 996 km combined range).

2026 Toyota Vellfire HEV goes on sale in Malaysia

UMW Toyota introduced the all-new Vellfire HEV in Malaysia this week. Built on the TNGA GA-K platform, the luxury MPV is powered by Toyota’s proven hybrid drivetrain that promises smooth performance with improved efficiency and lower emissions. The 2.5-litre Dynamic Force Hybrid System delivers a combined output of 250 PS and a fuel efficiency of 5.7 litres per 100 km (17.5 kmpl). The Toyota Vellfire HEV is available in a single 7-seater Executive Lounge (2+2+3) variant, priced at RM 549,900 (including a standard 5-year unlimited mileage warranty.

2026 Kia Carnival facelift launched in Malaysia

Kia Sales Malaysia has rolled out the all-new Kia Carnival facelift in the local market. The upgraded model comes with a sharper-looking design, a more modern cabin layout, and a tech refresh to keep it competitive. The locally assembled MPV is offered in two seating variants in Malaysia - 11-seater (2-3-3-3) and 7-seater (2-2-3), priced at RM 188,888 and RM 248,888 (on-the-road, excluding insurance), respectively. Both variants retain the same 2.2-litre Smartstream turbo-diesel engine delivering 199 hp at 3,800 rpm  and 440 Nm from 1,750 to 2,750 rpm. The claimed combined fuel consumption is 6.5 litres per 100 km.

2026 BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro now CKD in Malaysia

BMW Malaysia has launched the all-new BMW i5 eDrive40 M Sport Pro as the first fully electric BMW to be assembled in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region. Priced at RM 368,800, the locally-assembled i5 keeps the clean, elegant proportions with subtle exterior differences. It comes equipped with a rear-mounted electric motor producing 340 hp and 430 Nm and an 83.9 kWh battery that delivers up to 627 km of WLTP range.

2026 BMW iX1 L debuts in Malaysia

BMW Malaysia also introduced a new long-wheelbase variant of the iX1 electric SUV this week, called the iX1 eDrive20L M Sport. With an overall length grown by 116 mm, the L version has a 110 mm longer wheelbase, offering improved rear space and comfort. The BMW iX1 eDrive20L M Sport estimated price tag reads RM 255,000. At the core lies a front-wheel drive motor paired with a 66.5 kWh battery pack, delivering a cruising range of 433 km (on the WLTP cycle).

2026 XPENG G6 Standard Range arrives in Malaysia 

The all-new Xpeng G6 RWD Standard made its way to Malaysia this week as a new entry-level variant of the electric SUV. Priced at RM 159,990 (on-the-road, excluding insurance), the base-spec version features a smaller 68.5 kWh battery pack that enables the EV to cruise up to 480 km on a single charge. In terms of power, it delivers 251 PS and 440 Nm, which is 45 PS less than the next variant up, the RWD Long Range in the lineup.

2026 MINI Countryman S Fiery Stallion Edition launched in Malaysia

To welcome the Year of the Horse, MINI Malaysia has launched the all-new MINI Countryman S Fiery Stallion Edition in the local market. Limited to just 18 units, this special Countryman S features stallion-themed details, an exclusive Vibrant Silver roof, and limited-edition touches inside. The 2026 MINI Countryman S Fiery Stallion Edition is priced at RM 271,288 (with extended warranty and servicing package).

Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ previewed in Malaysia, pre-bookings open

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also stole the spotlight this week, with the preview of the all-electric 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+. It was shown in the Mercedes-Benz CLA 250+ with EQ Technology trim, with an estimated price from RM 295,888 for Peninsular Malaysia. The EV is equipped with a rear-wheel drive motor (delivering 272 PS and 335 Nm) and an 85 kWh NMC battery, promising a WLTP-rated driving range of 792 km. Pre-bookings of the EV are now open with the official launch slated for the second quarter of the year. The new CLA 250+ is on display at Stars@Mercedes-Benz Bangsar from 15 to 18 January 2026.

Mitsubishi Xforce ROI opens, bookings set to open in February 

Mitsubishi Motor Malaysia has officially released the teaser images of the Xforce and started accepting registrations of interest, with bookings set to open in February 2026. Globally introduced in 2023, the Xforce is built in Indonesia and exported to various ASEAN markets, including the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is a B-segment SUV featuring a stylish design, comfort, superior handling, and a fuel-efficient 1.5-litre engine generating a maximum power of 105 hp and a peak torque of 141 Nm. 

Perodua sold 359,904 units in 2025

Perodua continues to be the best-selling car brand in Malaysia, with the national automaker selling a total of 359,904 units in 2025. It reflects a 0.5% growth as compared to 358,102 units registered in 2024. The Bezza is Perodua’s top-selling model with 100,488 units sold in 2025, followed by the Axia with 84,291 units and the Myvi with 72,724 units. Perodua produced a total of 370,370 vehicles in 2025, which is 0.6% up from 368,100 vehicles manufactured in 2024.

All-new Nissan Serena e-Power launch confirmed for March 2026

Globally introduced in late 2022, the sixth-generation Nissan Serena is set to launch in Malaysia in March this year. It will be offered as a locally assembled model with pricing estimated to be between RM 160k to RM 180k. The upcoming 2026 Nissan Serena e-Power features a conventional HR14 1.4-litre 3-cylinder engine (serving as a generator), a battery pack, a generator motor, and a traction motor producing 163 PS and 315 Nm of torque. The fuel efficiency is rated at 18.5 km per litre. 

Jaecoo J5 bookings open, launching in Q1 2026

Omoda | Jaecoo Malaysia sold a total of 17,849 vehicles in 2025, representing a significant growth of 153% over 7,040 vehicles registered in its first year. Building on this momentum, the automaker has opened the ordering books for its new B-segment SUV, the Jaecoo J5. Positioned below the J7, the Jaecoo J5 features a refined design, advanced technology, and lifestyle-friendly versatility. Under the bonnet lies a 1.5-litre turbocharged intercooled engine tuned to deliver 147 PS and 210 Nm. The upcoming Jaecoo SUV is estimated to be priced around RM 120,000 in Malaysia, making it the most accessible SUV in the brand’s local lineup.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Hyundai Staria Electric debuts as the brand’s first electric MPV

Hyundai pulled the wraps off the Staria Electric in the European market, marking a bold step forward in multi-purpose vehicle innovation. As Hyundai’s first electric MPV, the EV combines a 218 PS front-mounted electric motor and an 84-kWh lithium-ion battery, offering an estimated WLTP range of up to 400 km. It underpins an 800-volt high-voltage system and can recharge from 10 to 80 % in just 20 minutes. It will be offered in two configurations - 7-seater LUXURY for private, family and leisure use and 9-seater WAGON for larger families, group travel or shuttle operation.

BYD Seal 08 sedan, Sealion 08 SUV launching soon in China 

BYD has dropped the official teaser shots of its two new flagship models - the Seal 08 sedan and the Sealion 08 SUV. These EVs belong to the brand’s Ocean series and are slated to launch in China in the first quarter of the year. While no official specs are yet revealed for these highest-positioned models, teaser images drop some hints. As per that, the BYD Seal 08 appears to be a mid-to-large with a coupe-like roofline, whereas the BYD Sealion 08 features an upright stance. 

Renault Filante makes its global debut in Europe

Renault has entered the luxury crossover segment with the introduction of its new flagship SUV, the Filante. Set to rival the likes of premium SUVs from Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volvo, the new Renault Filante is the brand’s longest model, featuring a bold styling with a coupe-SUV silhouette. Based on Geely’s CMA platform, the SUV houses a strong hybrid drivetrain combining a 1.5-litre turbo gasoline mill and two electric motors, generating a total system output of 250 hp and 565 Nm. Other key highlights include - three 12.3-inch screens, augmented-reality HUD, a fixed glass roof, lounge-style seats, three-zone climate control, a premium audio system, an intelligent voice assistant and Level 2 ADAS systems.

2026 Women’s Worldwide Car Of The Year category winners revealed

The category winners of the 2026 Women’s Worldwide Car Of The Year awards have been announced after an evaluation process carried out by a jury of 84 women motoring journalists from 54 countries. These winners will compete for the 2026 WWCOTY title, which will be revealed on March 5, 2026. The category winners are as follows - 

Best Compact Car	Nissan Leaf
Best Compact SUV	Skoda Elroq
Best Large Car	Mercedes-Benz CLA
Best Large SUV	Hyundai Ioniq 9
Best Performance Car	Lamborghini Temerario
Best 4×4	Toyota 4Runner

Two special awards are ‘Best Tech Award’ and ‘Sandy Myhre Award’ (for gender equality efforts) are bagged by Renault and Ford, respectively. 

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

Also read: 10 Most searched cars on Zigwheels Malaysia in 2025