Weekly wrap-up: All-new BMW iX3 launched, Hyundai Stargazer X previewed, Omoda C7 bookings open, and more

This week was packed with one marquee event after another. From BMW launching the next-gen iX3 to Hyundai previewing the upcoming Stargazer X, there was so much that went down. To top it off, Zeekr launched the 7X Black Nova edition, and Omoda | Jaecoo opened bookings for the highly anticipated C7.

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

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

All-new BMW iX3 EV launched in Malaysia

The all-new BMW iX3, the brand’s first Neue Klasse model, made its way to the Malaysian market this week. It is offered in a single 50 xDrive M Sport Pro variant, priced at RM 378,800, and will initially be available in a limited quantity of 50 units. Built on the automaker’s new 800V Neue Klasse platform, the EV is powered by two electric motors producing a combined output of 469 hp and 645 Nm. The motors are tied with a 108.7kWh battery that offers a cruising range of up to 805 km on the WLTP cycle. It also features the new BMW Panoramic iDrive with a full-width 43.3-inch projection, a 17.9-inch central screen and a new 3D Head-Up Display.

Hyundai Stargazer X previewed in Malaysia

Hyundai is gearing up to launch its new B-segment MPV, the Stargazer, in Malaysia later this year. Ahead of that, the automaker provided us with a detailed preview of the MPV’s range-topping variant, the Stargazer X, featuring a six-seat layout, unlike the lower-spec Style and Prime models that incorporate 7 seats. The automaker also announced the Durian Runtuh event, which will be held at the Stadium MBPJ parking area in Kelana Jaya on 8 and 9 August 2026, where the MPV will be on display. Estimated pricing starts from RM 99k for the Style, RM 109k for the Prime, and RM 120k for the X variant.

MINI Countryman S ALL4 Desert Night Edition launched in Malaysia

MINI rolled out a new version of the Countryman S in the Malaysian market this week, called the Countryman S ALL4 Desert Night Edition. Limited to 48 units only, this special model marks its unique identity with Desert Night accents on the C and D-pillars and front bumper, a steering wheel badge, floor mat piercing, and a key cap. Active Cruise Control and MINI Driving Assistant Plus features are available as a standard fitment with this limited-edition model. The Countryman S ALL4 Desert Night Edition is priced at RM 267,333.

Omoda C7 bookings open in Malaysia

Omoda | Jaecoo Malaysia has finally opened the ordering books for the C7 after several previews. Expected to launch later this year, the Omoda C7 is offered in locally assembled petrol and plug-in hybrid versions, with estimated price tags of RM 160,000 and RM 180,000, respectively. The pure ICE version gets a 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine making 197 PS and 290 Nm, while the PHEV runs on a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol mill paired with an electric motor (delivering combined output of 360 PS and 530 Nm) and an 18.3-kWh Blade LFP battery pack.

Zeekr 7X Black Nova launched in Malaysia

Zeekr has launched a new limited-edition version of the 7X electric SUV in the local market. Dubbed as the Zeekr 7X Black Nova, this special model is based on the AWD Performance variant and features exclusive highlights, including an all-black exterior, new 20-inch black alloy wheels and an exclusive two-tone black and grey interior. Limited to just 200 units, the Black Nova is priced at RM 235,000.

Perodua Axia sees price cut by up to RM 4,700

Perodua announced a price cut for the Axia hatchback this week. The price of Malaysia’s most affordable and popular hatchback has been reduced by RM 4,700 for the entry-level G variant, RM 1,500 for the X variant, RM 1,000 for the SE variant and RM 500 for the range-topping AV variant. The Axia revised price list ranges from RM 33,900 to RM 49,000 in Peninsular Malaysia. The reason for this price revision is continued improvements in Perodua’s operational efficiency, which has translated into reduced costs.

Two new Omoda Jaecoo 3S outlets open in Malaysia

Omoda Jaecoo has opened two new 3S centres in Malaysia, one in Johor and the other in Kelantan, expanding its dealer network to 55 outlets. The Omoda Jaecoo Kulai 3S centre is managed by Supernova Motor Sdn Bhd, Johor, while the Omoda Jaecoo Kota Baru 3S Centre is taken care of by Future Otto Sdn Bhd, Kelantan. Over the past two years, the company has established itself as one of Malaysia’s fastest-growing automotive brands, with more than 8,100 vehicles sold year-to-date.

Proton e.MAS 5 EV launched in Nepal

After Singapore, the Proton e.MAS 5 has now made its way to Nepal. Jagdamba Motors, the official distributor of Proton e.MAS vehicles in the country, offers the EV in two variants - Prime and Premium, priced at Rs. 35 lakhs (approx RM 94k) and Rs. 40 lakhs (approx RM 107k), respectively. The e.MAS 5 is the second Proton EV in Nepal following the introduction of the e.MAS 7 in 2025.

Zeekr Malaysia celebrates 5k deliveries with extended warranty programme and more.

Zeekr has achieved a significant milestone of 5,000 cumulative vehicle deliveries in the Malaysian market. To celebrate this achievement, the automaker has introduced a Zeekr Extended Warranty programme, which offers extended coverage for both the vehicle warranty and high-voltage components warranty to 8 years with mileage limits of 160,000 km or 180,000 km, depending on the selected plan. Zeekr Malaysia has also rolled out a dedicated ultra-fast charging ecosystem, developed in partnership with DC Handal, which offers a seamless, reliable and convenient charging experience to its customers.

Proton July 2026 sales numbers revealed

Proton sold a total of 18,442 units (domestic, export, Proton e.MAS and smart) in July 2026, representing a hike of 14.9% over the previous month. The year-to-date sales stand at 118,788 units, with a y-on-y growth of 38.7%. The Saga remains the best-selling model with 7,814 units, followed by the S70 and the X50 with 2,857 units and 2,291 units, respectively. For Proton e.MAS, the brand sold a total of 3,888 units in July, with e.MAS 5 retaining Malaysia’s best-selling EV title.

ETCM hands over two Nissan Kicks e-Power to PDRM

Edaran Tan Chong Motor Sdn Bhd (ETCM), the official distributor of Nissan vehicles in Malaysia, has handed over two units of the Kicks e-Power to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for a two-month Proof of Concept evaluation programme, with no obligation. This initiative aims to assess the electrified SUV under actual working conditions to evaluate its performance, practicality and suitability for frontline operations. Notably, the Kicks e-Power is equipped with Nissan’s innovative e-Power system that delivers a 100% electric driving experience without the need for external charging.

iCaur Malaysia opens a 3S centre in Kota Kinabalu

iCaur has opened its first outlet in East Malaysia, bringing its offerings closer to buyers in the region. Located in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, the 3S facility is operated by Universal Icar, offering a comprehensive range of services under one roof. It features a spacious vehicle display area, three dedicated service bays, a vehicle delivery bay and two private EV charging bays. The brand now has 21 sales points across Malaysia and is targeting 30 by the end of this year.

Aveta Vanguard 180 and Vanguard 250 Limited Edition launched in Malaysia

Aveta Malaysia introduced two new adventure tourer crossovers this week - Vanguard 180 and Vanguard 250 Limited Edition. Priced at RM 9,398, the Vanguard 180 is powered by a 174-cc single-cylinder engine, generating a maximum power of 18.2 hp at 8,500 rpm and a peak torque of 17.2 Nm at 6,500 rpm. The Aveta Vanguard 250 Limited Edition, on the other hand, offers a more sporty and exclusive touch with distinctive decals, redesigned handlebar, and metal foot pegs. It runs on the same 244.2-cc liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine as the standard Vanguard 250. Available in a limited quantity of 688 units, this special model costs RM 17,188.

New WMOTO NEXY+180 scooter up for grabs in Malaysia

The upgraded version of the WMOTO NEXY+180 also made its way to showrooms this week, offering riders a more comfortable, practical, and safer driving experience. The upgraded scooter benefits from a range of improvements, including low-beam auxiliary lights, seat-mounted holders, turn signals, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The new NEXY+180 runs on a 174-cc single-cylinder engine that makes 18.2 hp at 8,500 rpm and 17.2 Nm at 6,500 rpm and is priced at RM 9,288 (excluding road tax and insurance).

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

smart #2 EV design previewed ahead of global reveal

The EV brand smart is ready to globally unveil the smart #2 on October 12, 2026, at the Paris Motor Show. Well, ahead of that, the automaker unveiled the design of its upcoming two-seater city car through murals displayed in major global cities. Based on a bespoke scalable Electric Compact Architecture, the upcoming smart #2 EV has been engineered with a focus on agility, stability, refinement and safety. It will feature a 35.7 kWh battery, expected to offer a WLTP-rated range of around 300 km.

Xpeng G9L debuts in China, set to become a global model

The Xpeng G9L was officially revealed in China this week as a global model. It is a full-size five-seat SUV measuring 5,120 mm in length and 3,100 mm in wheelbase, falling in the same size category as the Volvo EX90 and Kia EV9. It is powered by a dual-motor AWD setup producing a combined output of 577 hp. Based on the 800V platform, the EV supports ultra-fast charging, allowing the vehicle to charge 450 km in nine minutes. Priced around CNY 300,000 (RM 177k), the Xpeng G9L  features a 5.1-square-metre usable cabin area, a large folding rear table, a built-in fridge, an AR-HUD, and a comprehensive driving assistance system.

Xiaomi SkyNomad EREV SUV breaks cover in China

Xiaomi recently introduced a new boxy, extended-range EV (EREV), called SkyNomad, in China. Two variants are on offer: the SkyNomad N90 Max, a seven-seat flagship at RMB 299,900 (RM 181k), and the SkyNomad N70 Max, a five-seat all-wheel-drive version at RMB 259,900 (RM 157k). Built on Xiaomi’s new Kunlun platform, the model is equipped with a 76 kWh battery paired with a 1.5-litre turbocharged range extender and dual electric motors producing a combined 310 kW. It is expected to offer an all-electric range between 464–505 km and a combined driving range of up to 1,705 km (CLTC).

Hennessey Blackbird hypercar revealed globally

Hennessey has pulled the wraps off its latest hypercar, the Blackbird, which prioritises driver engagement over speed records. It runs on a 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8, producing 811-862 hp, revving beyond 9,000 rpm. The power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual gearbox, enabling the vehicle to hit the century sprint in 2.5 seconds only and achieve a top speed of 354 kmph. It uses a carbon-fibre monocoque and carbon-fibre bodywork and features an analogue, no-screen layout interior with a large tachometer. Production will be limited to just 71 units, with customer deliveries scheduled to begin in 2029.

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

Also read: Malaysia’s automotive market in H1 2026: 6 Key trends and insights