Weekly wrap-up: 2027 Proton S70 RS, Mercedes-Benz C-Class EV previewed in Malaysia, New Denza D9 coming soon, and more

The past seven days continued the busy momentum in the Malaysian automotive industry, with Proton unveiling the upcoming S70 RS and Mercedes-Benz previewing the C-Class EV. Additionally, Lexus introduced the all-new ES luxury sedan while Denza teased the upgraded D9 electric luxury MPV. Meanwhile, the global industry saw a few big reveals, along with scoops on upcoming models. 

Here's a quick recap of the top news of the week from Malaysia and around the world.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

2027 Proton S70 RS previewed in Malaysia

Proton has pulled the wraps off the upcoming S70 RS, adding a sportier flagship variant at the top of the sedan’s range. The RS moniker stands for Refined Sportiness, which brings sportier exterior styling and cabin changes. Highlights include redesigned bumpers and grille, 17-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers, side skirts and quad exhaust-tip finishers. Inside, it gets a dual-tone cabin with red accents, ambient lighting, a floating centre console, a Commander Dial and a column-mounted gear selector. It uses an i-GT 1.5-litre turbocharged engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. 

Mercedes-Benz C 300 EV previewed in Malaysia, launching next year

Mercedes-Benz previewed the all-electric C-Class in Malaysia this week, slated to launch early next year. Pre-bookings for the C 300 4MATIC Electric AMG Line Plus are now open, with an estimated price from RM 360,888. It is powered by a dual-motor AWD setup tuned to deliver a maximum power of 421 PS and a peak torque of 800 Nm, enabling the EV to hit the century sprint in 4.5 seconds. Its 85 kWh battery pack promises to offer a WLTP-rated driving range of up to 690 km. Key features include - an illuminated grille, a 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen, a panoramic roof with 162 illuminated stars and 470 litres of rear luggage capacity, plus a 101-litre front trunk. 

2027 Lexus ES launched in Malaysia at RM 366,888

The all-new eighth-generation Lexus ES has made its way to the Malaysian market. Built on a new “multi-pathway” platform, the upgraded sedan is offered in a single fully imported variant from Japan - 350h Luxury- priced at RM 366,888 (on the road without insurance). It is 165 mm longer, 55 mm wider, and 110 mm taller and features a new exterior design. The ES 350h runs on a 2.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-four petrol engine and an electric motor tuned to generate a total system output of 247 PS. Key features include world-first responsive hidden switches, a 14-inch infotainment unit, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 17-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, and a digital rearview mirror.

New Denza D9 teased for Malaysia ahead of launch

Denza Malaysia released a dark video clip of the upgraded D9 on its social media handle this week, which is expected to launch soon. The new Denza D9 is likely to get a more powerful FWD electric motor, generating a maximum power of 462 PS (up from 313 PS) and 360 Nm. The battery pack may also get an upgrade from 103 kWh to 115 kWh, with driving range expected to increase from 600 km to 730 km (on the NEDC cycle). One of the biggest upgrades that we can expect from the upcoming Denza D9 is the ultra-fast BYD Flash Charging technology, which operates at up to 1,500 kW and takes 5 minutes for 10% to 70% and 9 minutes for 10% to 97%.

GWM Malaysia begins the Ora 5 HEV local assembly

GWM Malaysia has rolled out the first locally assembled unit of the upcoming Ora 5 at the EP Manufacturing Bhd. plant in Melaka. Slated to launch later this month, the Ora 5 is a compact hybrid crossover SUV that features an award-winning design inspired by nature and GWM’s Hi2 hybrid system, delivering a combined range of 1,100 km, with an impressive fuel efficiency of 4.4 litres per 100 km (22.7 kmpl). The hybrid system combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that produces 150 PS and 240 Nm and a single electric motor tuned to make 190 PS and 236 Nm. 

The company is also celebrating four years of growth in Malaysia under the theme "GROW WITH MALAYSIA,” offering special anniversary editions, exclusive year-end privileges and lucky draw rewards.

Proton reveals October 2026 sales numbers

Proton sold a total of 21,624 units (domestic, export, Proton e.MAS, and smart) in October 2026, marking the second-highest monthly sales volume of the year. Proton’s year-to-date sales have reached 182,510 units, with a projected market share of 27.1%. Proton e.MAS remains Malaysia’s fastest-growing xEV brand, with year-to-date sales of 35,730 units and a market share of 33.2%. The Saga remains the best-selling model for October with 7,352 units, followed by the S70 with 3,029 units and the X50 with 1,925 units. The e.MAS 5 remains the xEV market leader with 2,437 units sold last month.

UMW Toyota rolls out new initiatives in Malaysia

UMW Toyota introduced a few initiatives this week, offering greater peace of mind and added value to Toyota customers. These include - 

• Mobili-T Assist: It is a temporary mobility solution offered to eligible Toyota customers whose vehicles are undergoing repairs for a period of more than 14 days.
• Move Your World Rewards: It offers a chance to win exclusive prizes to eligible individual customers who register a new Toyota from 1 November to 31 December 2026. A total of 100 iPhone Duo prizes are available across two monthly draws. 
• Recon service campaign: Introduced under the Toyota Extra Mile programme, this campaign gives recon car owners access to Toyota-certified technicians, genuine parts and manufacturer-standard servicing through its network of 103 service centres.

MINI NEXT certified pre-owned programme relaunched in Malaysia 

MINI has relaunched its certified pre-owned programme, MINI NEXT, in Malaysia. It covers selected used MINIs that undergo inspections, history verification and refurbishment where required before certification. Each car undergoes a 360-degree inspection covering its interior, exterior, mechanical condition and safety systems, along with a test drive and final inspection. Service and vehicle histories are also verified.

Volvo Secret Sale Malaysia 2026 to be held this month

Volvo Car Malaysia has announced its Secret Sales 2026 campaign, offering buyers exciting cash rebates of up to RM 70,000, along with additional exclusive discounts on selected models. This nationwide campaign will be held at all Volvo dealerships on 14 and 15 November 2026. Customers can pre-register and arrange an appointment through the Volvo Secret Sale page. 

2026 CFMOTO 500SR arrives in Malaysia at RM 29,988

CFMOTO has launched the highly anticipated 500SR in the Malaysian market. It is a middleweight sports motorcycle that features a full fairing of razor-sharp lines, an aerodynamic low-slung profile, and a compact rear design. The bike is powered by a 500-cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC inline-four engine which generates a maximum power of 78.8 PS at 12,500 rpm and a peak torque of 49 Nm at 10,000 rpm. With the Ram Air intake system activated, the output rises to 82.9 PS. Priced at RM 29,988 (excluding insurance and road tax), the CFMOTO 500SR is offered in two colour options - Galaxy Grey and Nebula White colour options.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

New Yamaha bikes revealed at EICMA 2926

Yamaha Motor introduced a range of exciting models at EICMA 2026 this week, including a new RW range of adventure scooters and two electric scooters. These include - 

• Yamaha RW700: It is a middleweight adventure scooter that combines a rugged steel tube-style frame, a 689-cc motorcycle engine, 170 mm ground clearance and Yamaha's first Y-AMT system. 
• Yamaha RW350: It is a 327-cc adventure scooter that features the Yamaha Dynamic Ride system, tubeless Dunlop D615 tyres and three riding modes. 

• Yamaha NMAX E: It is Yamaha’s electric take on its popular NMAX scooter. It is equipped with a 7.5kW electric motor and a 3.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, offering a driving range of 104 km.

• Yamaha XENTER E: It is an electric high-wheel scooter that features bigger 16-inch wheels, a spacious underbone frame, a large footboard area and newly developed suspension. It is powered by a 7.5kW electric motor and a 3.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, providing a driving range of 108 km.

Xpeng G9L set to launch in Thailand this month 

Revealed in China as a global model earlier this year, the Xpeng G9L is set to launch in Thailand on November 11. It is a full-size five-seat SUV measuring 5,120 mm in length and 3,100 mm in wheelbase, falling in the same segment as the Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90. Power comes from a dual-motor AWD setup delivering a combined output of 577 hp. Based on the 800V platform, the Xpeng G9L supports ultra-fast charging, allowing the EV to charge 450 km in nine minutes. The vehicle also features a 5.1-square-metre usable cabin area, a large folding rear table, a built-in fridge, an augmented reality head-up display, and a comprehensive driving assistance system.

2027 Honda Avancier hybrid SUV teased ahead of global debut

Honda dropped a teaser of its upcoming 7-seater hybrid SUV this week, called the Avancier. Positioned above the CR-V in the brand’s global lineup, the Honda Avancier will make its global debut on December 1. The upcoming model will feature a new design language with split headlamps and the automaker’s new H badge. It is also likely to get a 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with two electric motors, along with the Prelude-inspired S+ Shift system. The production of the Honda Avancier is expected to begin in Thailand early next year, with the SUV targeting South Asian markets. 

Land Rover Range Rover Velar and Evoque to be discontinued after 2027

As per the recent market reports, Land Rover will discontinue the two Range Rover models - Velar and Evoque after 2027, with no direct replacements planned for them. This phase-out is partly due to the automaker's latest strategy that has split Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery from the parent company as standalone names, where Range Rover is positioned as an upmarket marque while Defender and Discovery take on more affordable segments. The upcoming Range Rover GT EV will be the entry-level model, with Range Rover and Range Rover Sport joining the range in the future. 

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

Also read: Jetour T1 vs Jetour T2: Which boxy SUV should you pick?