Weekly wrap-up: BYD Atto 3 Performance launched, Proton S70 Lite and Prime bookings open, Volvo EX90 updated, and more

The past week was exciting for electric vehicle enthusiasts in Malaysia, with BYD introducing the Atto 3 Performance with significantly more power and Volvo launching the new EX90 with significant changes under the skin. Proton also stayed in the headlines with the announcement of two new, cheaper S70 variants. In the meantime, a couple of big unveilings and announcements remain in the headlines in the global market. 

Here’s a recap of all the top auto news of the week that you could have missed out on.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

BYD Atto 3 Performance launched in Malaysia 

BYD has expanded the Atto 3 lineup in Malaysia, with the launch of a new Performance trim that sits above the Ultra and Premium variants. While the Ultra is a FWD and Premium is a RWD model, the Performance gets a dual-motor AWD setup, generating a combined system output of 449 PS and 570 Nm, with a 0-100 kmph acceleration time of just 4 seconds. It uses a 74.88 kWh Blade Battery pack, has a claimed 530 km NEDC range, and supports DC fast charging at up to 220 kW. Priced at RM 149,800, the BYD Atto 3 Performance is offered in a limited quantity of 69 units in conjunction with Malaysia’s 69th Merdeka celebrations.

BYD Malaysia MD Jacob Ma has also confirmed that the company is not going to set up its own manufacturing facility in Tanjung Malim, but will go with a local CKD partner instead.

Proton S70 Lite and Prime bookings open ahead of launch

Proton has announced two new variants for the S70 sedan, named Lite and Prime. Positioned below the turbocharged variants, both of these variants are powered by a 1.5L naturally aspirated engine and a CVT gearbox. Making the brand’s top-selling sedan more accessible than ever, the Proton S70 Lite and Prime are estimated to be priced below RM 60,000. The automaker has confirmed that the expanded Proton S70 range will come equipped with 10 class-leading features spanning space & comfort, intelligent connectivity & convenient and comprehensive safety. Bookings can now be made at all authorised Proton dealers nationwide.

All-new Volvo EX90 arrives in Malaysia with significant upgrades

The all-new Volvo EX90 electric SUV has made its way to the Malaysian market, with several significant upgrades. While retaining the same Scandinavian design and premium interior, the latest EX90 comes with a more powerful dual-motor setup, new 800-volt electrical architecture, faster DC charging, and a new-gen core computer, enhancing the overall user experience. The 2026 Volvo EX90 is offered in a single locally-assembled variant, priced at RM 428,888 (on the road, without insurance), which is RM 14,000 cheaper than the fully imported outgoing model. 

Volvo ES90 gets an update for the 2027 model year

Alongside launching the evolved EX90, Volvo Car Malaysia has also announced upgrades for the ES90 electric saloon. For model year 2027, the Volvo ES90 gets two exterior colour offerings in Mulberry and Aurora Silver, an additional premium 'Cardamom' interior option, wireless Android Auto compatibility, and 21-inch wheels featuring a new Glossy-Silver option. The automaker is offering cash rebates up to RM 17,600 to early adopters who make bookings as early as September 2026.

MINI Cooper S Oxford Edition launched in Malaysia

MINI Malaysia has launched the all-new MINI Cooper S Oxford Edition, marking 25 years since the first modern MINI rolled off the line at Plant Oxford. This special model of the iconic hatchback features design cues inspired by the Union Jack, the national flag of the United Kingdom. Key highlights include: Union Jack roof and bonnet graphic, rear signature with Union Jack detailing, Oxford Edition hub caps and valve caps, Union Jack steering wheel badge, and Oxford Edition key cap. Limited to just 6 units in Malaysia, the MINI Cooper S Oxford Edition is priced from RM 300,288 (on-the-road, without insurance), including the extended warranty and service package.

Leapmotor C10 and B10 now locally assembled in Malaysia

Stellantis Malaysia has launched the locally assembled versions of C10 and B10 EVs in Malaysia. To make this happen, the company made a total investment of EUR 5.3 million for the development of localised production capabilities, alongside production line and infrastructure upgrades at the Gurun plant. Priced at RM 125,000, the C10 CKD comes with two new exterior shades - Violet and Lightning White. The B10, on the other hand, is now offered in a single Design variant priced at RM 118,800, with the earlier base Life variant now being discontinued. The equipment list for both EVs has been carried over from their CBU counterparts, with the drivetrain setups also remaining unchanged. The automaker introduced an optional physical Remote Key Fob for both models, priced at RM 500.

First batch of Xpeng G6 CKD handed over to customers

Bermaz Xpeng has delivered the first batch of G6 CKD units to customers at Kuala Lumpur Tower. Locally assembled at EP Manufacturing Berhad’s facility in Melaka, the Xpeng G6 CKD retains the same core strengths in efficiency, intelligent features, and fast charging capability as the CBU model. The variant lineup also remains unchanged with three options - RWD Standard Range, RWD Long Range, and AWD Performance, priced between RM 159,948 and RM 191,523. Further, Xpeng confirmed that customer deliveries of the new X9 electric MPV have commenced nationwide. 

Proton e.MAS sold over 6,000 units in a single month

Proton e.MAS has surpassed the 6,000-unit mark in August 2026, recording total sales of 6,047 vehicles during the month (including 5,999 domestic registrations), becoming the fastest xEV brand in Malaysia to surpass 6,000 units sold in a single month. The Proton e.MAS 5 is the best-selling Proton e.MAS model, with total monthly sales of 4,770 units. With the remarkable performance in August, the brand’s year-to-date sales reached 27,855 units, including 27,402 domestic and 453 overseas registrations. 

Perodua Bezza remains top-selling car in Malaysia; Proton e.MAS secures 5th place 

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has released the data on total vehicle sales in the country for August 2026. The Perodua Bezza remained Malaysia’s best-selling car with 8,413 registrations, followed closely by the Axia with 8,081 units. In third and fourth positions, we have the Proton Saga and Perodua Myvi, with 7,318 units and 4,878 units, respectively. The Proton e.MAS 5 was the month’s standout performer with 4,770 units, which secured fifth place. Notably, the national brands dominated the charts by claiming nine of the top 10 spots. Toyota Hilux was the only non-national model in the list, with Honda dropping out of the top 10, as the City fell from 7th to 12th position in August. 

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Audi A2 e-tron EV revealed globally with a 646 km range

Audi introduced its smallest electric model in the global market this week. Named the A2 e-tron, the latest EV is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform and features aerodynamically optimised surfaces with a drag coefficient of 0.24. The Audi A2 e-tron will be offered in four electric motor options (outputs ranging from 170 PS to 326 PS), and three battery pack options include 52 kWh LFP, 61 kWh LFP, and 84 kWh NMC. It is touted as the most efficient Audi model, with energy consumption of just 12.8 kWh/100 km and a range of up to 646 kilometres. Slated to launch in Germany later this year, the Audi A2 e-tron price starts at EUR 38,200 (approx RM 180k).

New 2027 BMW 3 Series nears production

BMW is gearing up to introduce the all-new next-gen 3 Series in the global market, based on the new Neue Klasse platform. Ahead of that, the automaker has confirmed key specifications for the sedan’s top-spec M350 version, which will replace the existing M340i. The M350 will be powered by a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder turbo-petrol engine delivering a maximum power of 443 hp (up by 69 hp) and a peak torque of 580 Nm (up by 80 Nm). The drivetrain setup will feature a 48V mild-hybrid system, an 8-speed automatic gearbox and an xDrive all-wheel-drive layout with a drift mode. After completing testing in France, the sedan has entered the final phase of series production development, with the global debut expected by the end of 2026.

Mitsubishi Pajero details out for Thailand - 3 variants with 2WD and 4WD options

Just a week after the global unveiling, Mitsubishi has announced full specifications for the much-anticipated SUV, the Pajero, in Thailand. It has confirmed that the new Pajero will be offered in three variants - Entry (2WD), Mid (2WD), and Top (4WD) in the Land of Smiles. All three trims will be powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine producing a maximum power of 204 PS and a peak torque of 480 Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The top-spec variant exclusively gets serious off-road hardware with 7 terrain modes and 2H, 4H, 4HLc, and 4LLc modes. The production of the new Mitsubishi Pajero is carried out in Thailand, with launch planned for around 100 countries. 

GWM Tank 700 LWB launching soon in China 

Great Wall Motor is set to launch a 6-seater stretched version of the Tank 700 SUV in China, called the Tank 700 Long-Wheelbase Edition. While the automaker has yet to reveal the official details, regulatory filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Tech (MIIT) have revealed some preliminary details about the SUV. Longer, wider and taller than the standard model, the stretched SUV will have a 2+2+2 seating configuration) and will be offered in two powertrain setups: a 2.0T Hi4-Z plug-in hybrid with a 59.05 kWh battery and a 3.0T V6. 

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

Also read: Perodua QV-E - Forget BaaS for a moment, this EV Is surprisingly fun