Weekly wrap-up: Audi Q7 CKD operations begin, ‘iCaur’ brand to enter Malaysia, big debuts at Auto Shanghai 2025 and more

It’s been a busy week for car enthusiasts! Locally, we witnessed the Audi Q7's local assembly beginning in Pekan and received confirmation about the debut of a new Chinese car brand, iCaur (aka iCar). On the global front, things were just as exciting, with Auto Shanghai 2025 turning heads thanks to its showcase of futuristic EVs and bold concept cars.

In case you missed out on any of that, we've got you covered in our quick recap of all the major auto news of the week. 

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Audi Q7 local assembly begins in Malaysia

The local assembly of Audi’s flagship SUV, the Q7, officially began in Malaysia this week. It marks a pivotal milestone as it is not only the first time this model is being built in Malaysia but across the entire Southeast Asian region. The Q7 S Line is the first Audi to roll out from the Volkswagen Group Malaysia (VGM) assembly plant in Pekan. The facility can handle an annual production capacity of up to 5,000 units. Bookings for the upcoming Q7 CKD are currently underway with an estimated price ranging from RM 469,000 to RM 489,000.

New Chinese brand set to enter Malaysia

The Malaysian automotive arena is set to welcome another Chinese EV brand called iCaur (known as iCar in China). Born from a partnership between Chery and Smartmi Tech, iCaur will make its first public appearance at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 starting from May 9. The V23 EV is expected to be the first iCaur EV to hit the local shores. It is a boxy, off-road-inspired electric SUV, featuring both RWD and AWD variants in China with a maximum driving range of up to 501 km. The equipment kit comprises a 15.4-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and an ADAS pack powered by Horizon Robotics’ Journey 3 chip.

Northport deploys Proton e.MAS 7 into its operational fleet

In a joint effort, Northport (Malaysia) Bhd and PRO-NET have deployed three units of the Proton e.MAS 7 for Northport’s auxiliary police patrol fleet to advance sustainable mobility and operational efficiency. Northport is the first organisation in the country that has integrated the e.MAS 7 into its operational fleet. The EV will bring a number of advantages to day-to-day patrols such as smooth and quiet drive, less fatigue, less running cost and emissions.

Proton e.MAS 7 leads the ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 in Jakarta 

Proton e.MAS 7 officially led the convoy at the flag-off ceremony of the ASEAN Unity Drive 2025 in Jakarta this week. The drive was organised by the Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), under the MITI, and supported by PRO-NET as the main sponsor. It will span over 9,000 km across nine ASEAN nations. 

New Mitsubishi 3S centre opens in Malaysia

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia has opened a new 3S outlet in Teluk Panglima Garang, which offers sales, service, and spare parts facilities under one roof. Operated by MN Wheels Sdn Bhd, it is strategically located at No 4, Jalan Gangsa, Kawasan Perindustrian Teluk Panglima Garang, 42500 Teluk Panglima Garang. The centre spans 27,000 sq ft with a building size of 10,000 sq ft, incorporating a spacious showroom area and a well-equipped service centre.

Malaysia gets the all-new 2025 Suzuki SV650

Suzuki has launched the all-new 2025 Suzuki SV650 final edition in the Malaysian market. The latest SV650 V-twin roadster marks a final, celebratory chapter in the story of a true legend. It has a timeless design with retro-modern elements and comes powered by a 645-cc 90-degree V-Twin engine that delivers a maximum power of 74.9 hp at 7,500 rpm and a peak torque of 59.9 Nm at 8,000 rpm. Priced at RM 29,900, the bike is offered in three colour options - Pearl Vigor Blue, Pearl Mat Shadow Green, and Metallic Black. 

Denza Malaysia opens four new dealerships

BYD-owned Denza opened the doors of four new full-service dealerships in Malaysia this week, highlighting the brand’s growing presence in the country. All stores were launched at the same time via a nationwide live-streamed event. Their details are as follows - 

• Denza Old Klang Road by Sime Motors, Kuala Lumpur
• Denza KL North by Millennium Autobeyond, Jalan Kuching, Kuala Lumpur
• Denza Balakong by Wing Hin Elegant, Selangor
• Denza Melaka by SKK Motors, Malim Jaya, Melaka

2025 BMW S 1000 RR and F 900 GS Adventure arrive in Malaysia

Two new BMW bikes made their way to the local market this week - the 2025 BMW S 1000 RR and the 2025 BMW F 900 GS Adventure. The former is priced at RM 139,500 (RM 159,500 with M package), while for the latter, customers need to shell out RM 95,500. The new S 1000 RR boasts sharper styling with state-of-the-art technology and refined riding dynamics. The new F 900 GS Adventure, designed for rugged exploration and long-distance touring, has a bold and rugged design with white-aluminium elements. Both are offered with a 3-year warranty and a 3-year roadside assistance programme.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Auto Shanghai 2025 kicks off in China 

The 2025 Shanghai Auto Show has kicked off in China with several car launches and exciting debuts, captivating car lovers around the globe. Some key reveals include - 

Denza Z EV sports car concept

Denza introduced a four-seater electric concept sports car, the Denza Z, at Auto Shanghai 2025. Aiming to rival the Porsche 911 and Maserati Granturismo, the Denza Z has a cab-forward design with a low and sporty stance. Key highlights include a bold front lip, a large rear wing, a steer-by-wire system with a fold-away steering wheel, and the advanced DiSus-Z suspension system.

Mazda EZ-60 

Developed in collaboration with Changan Mazda, the EZ-60 made its world premiere at the Auto Shanghai 2025 this week. It is an electric crossover SUV with a sleek and aerodynamic profile featuring an illuminated blanked-off grille, X-shaped front bumper, and 21-inch two-tone alloy wheels. Based on Changan's EPA platform, the Mazda EZ-60 will be offered in BEV and PHEV forms with a driving range expected to be around 600 km for the BEV and more than 1,000 km per refuelling for the PHEV.

MG Cyber X

MG has pulled the wraps off a new Cyber model in China, called the Cyber X. It is a boxy, high-riding electric SUV based on the parent company SAIC’s new E3 electric platform, touted as the  “first fully electric, system-level architecture”. Expected to arrive in China later this year, the Cyber X may rival the smart #5.

Leapmotor B01

The B01 is a newborn, affordable, and tech-savvy Leapmotor C-sedan that makes its global debut at the 2025 Auto Shanghai. It is built on the same LEAP 3.5 platform that underpins the B10 SUV. The sedan has a sleek and aerodynamically refined body with an impressive drag coefficient of 0.197 Cd. It will be offered in two single-motor powertrain options mated to different battery packs - 56.2 kWh LFP or 67.1 kWh LFP, providing a maximum range of 650 km. 

Next-gen Lexus ES 

Lexus has introduced the all-new ES luxury sedan at the Auto Shanghai 2025. The exterior adopts the brand’s latest design language inspired by the LF-ZC concept, while the interior follows the “Time is Luxury” philosophy with a clean and refined layout. Built on an optimised GA-K platform with significant structural improvements, the new ES will be available in two electric models - ES 350e and ES 500e.

Volkswagen ID. AURA, ID. ERA, and ID. EVO 

Volkswagen unveiled three new EV concepts at the show, including the FAW-Volkswagen ID.AURA, the SAIC Volkswagen ID.ERA, and the Volkswagen Anhui ID.EVO. These new VW models aim to cater to the growing demand for electric cars in the Chinese market. 

ID. AURA	A compact electric sedan BEV targeting young, modern families
ID. ERA	A full-size SUV EREV (Extended range EV) for families and business travelers
ID. EVO	A full-size SUV BEV for young urban lifestyle seekers

Volvo EX90 grabs “World Luxury Car of 2024” award

The Volvo EX90 has won the World Luxury Car of the Year at the 2025 World Car Awards. The seven-seater Volvo flagship SUV impressed the jury with its Scandinavian luxury, all-electric, powerful performance, and next-level safety tech. Closer to home, the EVX90 is offered in a single Ultra Twin variant priced at RM 442,888. 

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

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