Weekly wrap-up: Denza Z9GT launch date confirmed, Volkswagen Tayron teased, Next-gen BMW X5 revealed globally, and more

The past week was a bit of an exciting one for Malaysian auto enthusiasts, as Denza finally revealed details of the Denza Z9GT luxury performance EV and Volkswagen announced a brand-new model for Malaysia, the Tayron SUV, after a long hiatus. Things were equally exciting globally, with BMW unveiling the all-new fifth-gen X5 and Hyundai introducing the next-gen Elantra. 

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

2026 Denza Z9GT launching in Malaysia on July 15

After previewing the Z9GT in RHD form last month, Denza has now revealed the preliminary specifications and the launch date of its upcoming luxury performance EV. Set to be officially launched on July 15, the Denza Z9GT will be offered in a single variant in the local market, powered by a tri-motor drivetrain. The setup delivers a combined output of 1,156 PS and 1,210 Nm, enabling the EV to run from 0-100 kmph in 2.7 seconds only. It will come paired with BYD's second-gen Blade Battery, 122.49 kWh, running on a 1,000-volt architecture and supporting game-changing Flash Charging tech that replenishes the battery from 10% to 70% in five minutes and 10% to 97% in nine minutes.

7-seater Volkswagen Tayron SUV coming to Malaysia

After a long time, Volkswagen is ready to bring a brand-new model to Malaysia, called Tayron. Set to replace the Tiguan Allspace, the Tayron is a 7-seater SUV based on the updated MQB Evo platform. It will be offered in two variants in Malaysia - Elegance and R-Line. While no more details are yet revealed, the local-spec Tayron is expected to get the same engine options as Australia, including the 150 PS 1.4 turbo petrol four-cylinder and a 2.0 litre mill with 4Motion all-wheel drive, producing 204 PS or 265 PS. It will rival the likes of the Mazda CX-80 and Hyundai Santa Fe.

BMW Clubhouse 2026 set to be held this month

BMW Group Malaysia announced a Clubhouse event this week, which is set to be held from 17 to 19 July 2026 at Factory 19 in Petaling Jaya and is open to the public. Built around four themes - Sportiness, Expression, Leadership, and Luxury- the three-day event will showcase several new BMW and BMW M models, alongside its full range of ICE, electric, and plug-in hybrid models. There will also be limited-edition BMW merchandise available at the event. Interested folks can register through BMW Malaysia's official registration link to secure their entry.  

Proton sold 100,346 units in H1 2026, targeting 200k mark this year

Proton has revealed its sales report for June 2026. During the month, the national automaker sold a total of 16,052 units, representing a month-on-month decrease of 5.5%. The total group sales for H1 2026 reached 100,346 units, which is 39.1% more than the corresponding period in 2025. This marks the company’s strongest first-half sales performance in 15 years and puts it halfway towards its target of selling 200,000 vehicles in 2026. The Saga remains the brand’s highest-selling model with 7,000 units sold in June, followed by the X50 and S70 with 2,378 units and 2,307 units. The automaker has sold a total of 17,920 Proton e.MAS vehicles so far this year, with a remarkable 321% increase over the same period last year 

Chery completes three years in Malaysia

After making a comeback in 2023, Chery has successfully completed three years in Malaysia, marking a key milestone in its local expansion journey. And we must say that in these three years, the Chinese automaker has built a real base here. It now operates 60 dealerships nationwide and has a lineup of 10 models, with the newly launched Tiggo 9 being the tenth offering. As part of its long-term strategy, Chery Malaysia is building the Chery Smart Auto Industrial Park, which is set to become the automaker's largest assembly plant in Malaysia and a regional export hub. 

Proton appoints Grand Motors as e.MAS official distributor in Brunei

Following the introduction of the Proton e.MAS brand in Singapore, Proton has now expanded its NEV business to Brunei. The company has appointed Grand Motors Sdn Bhd as the authorised distributor of Proton e.MAS vehicles in Brunei. Grand Motors will handle the sales, marketing, customer engagement, and after-sales support for the e.MAS brand and will also operate a dedicated outlet and service centre. This move will help Brunei achieve its net-zero carbon emissions target by 2035.

New Xpeng centre opens in Damansara Utama

Xpeng has opened the doors of a new outlet in Damansara Utama, owned and operated by Nizra Auto. It is a 1S centre located at 2, Jalan SS21/1, Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Nizra Auto will soon open a dedicated after-sales and service facility to offer customers a complete vehicle ownership experience. By the end of 2026, Xpeng plans to have 18 designated outlets in Malaysia, with a target to increase this number to 30 by 2028.

Boon Siew Honda opens a new integrated facility in Kota Damansara

Boon Siew Honda has opened a new Sales Headquarters at Taman Sains Selangor, Kota Damansara, marking a significant step toward strengthening its local ecosystem. This new integrated facility features office spaces, meeting rooms, collaborative work areas, two dedicated training rooms and a well-equipped technical centre, bringing the company’s key teams together in one location to enhance day-to-day operations. The facility aims to improve operational efficiency, strengthen collaboration among teams, enhance dealer support, and streamline parts availability.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Fifth-gen BMW X5 revealed globally - ICE, EV, PHEV, and Hydrogen drivetrain on the cards

The all-new fifth-gen BMW X5 has finally made its official debut in the global market. The latest version adopts the brand’s new Neue Klasse design language and features a completely redesigned interior with a bigger 17.9-inch free-floating central display, BMW Panoramic Vision, and an optional 14.6-inch passenger screen. As for the drivetrain, it gets the widest range of powertrains ever offered on the luxury SUV, including 48V mild hybrid petrol, 48V mild hybrid diesel, two plug-in hybrids, iX5 Electric and iX5 Hydrogen (to be introduced at a later stage). The BMW iX5 is powered by a dual-motor setup producing a combined output of 578 hp and 805 Nm; it is paired with a 141 kWh battery, offering up to 845 km range. 

All-new 8th-gen Hyundai Elantra debuts in South Korea

Discontinued in Malaysia in 2023, the Hyundai Elantra has just received a new avatar. The all-new 8th-gen Elantra has made its global debut at the Busan Mobility Show in South Korea, where it is known as the Avante. Touted as Hyundai’s most advanced sedan yet, the upgraded Elantra benefits from larger dimensions, a dramatic design overhaul, new safety technologies, and premium features. Available drivetrain options are 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol and 1.6-litre hybrid powertrains. The hybrid trim now comes with Smart Regenerative Braking and Hybrid Hierarchical Predictive Control, offering enhanced efficiency and overall driving performance.

2027 Mitsubishi Pajero to come  with ‘Triple Metre’ off-road displays 

After a 5-year hiatus, the iconic Mitsubishi Pajero is set for a grand comeback. Mitsubishi has started the teaser campaign for the new Pajero, building anticipation by revealing details bit by bit. While it was previously confirmed that the reborn Pajero will be based on the ladder-frame platform of the Triton, the latest teaser has confirmed that it will bring back the iconic ‘Triple Metre’ system in a modernised form. It will have a fully digital setup showcasing a wide array of information, including pitch and roll angles, altitude, compass heading, and left-right torque distribution, helping drivers monitor changing road conditions in real time.

Lamborghini Urus SE Performante breaks cover

Lamborghini has pulled the wraps off the all-new Urus SE Performante, featuring performance and design enhancements over the standard Urus SE. Touted as the hottest Lamborghini SUV ever, the latest Urus is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine mated to an electric motor and a 25.9kWh lithium-ion battery. The setup generates a combined output of 812 hp and 1,000 Nm, enabling the supercar to run from zero to 100 kmph in 3.3 seconds and from 0 to 200 kmph in 10.8 seconds. The new Urus SE Performante also features a Rally drive mode for loose-surface driving, along with revised suspension, several carbon-fibre elements, and new 6D sensor technology.

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