Weekly wrap-up: Honda e:N2, New BMW iX3 makes ASEAN debut, Lepas L6 EV revealed, and more

This week was relatively quiet for the Malaysian automotive market, with no major launches, fewer announcements and activities. However, at the regional level, things were quite exciting as the 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) kicked off in Thailand with a bang, offering us an early glimpse of the models that could potentially make their way to Malaysia in the near future. 

Here’s a quick recap of all the major happenings from last week that you could have missed out on.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Seres E5 Plus PHEV teased for Malaysia

The Chinese automaker, specialised in premium electric cars, Seres, has dropped the teaser of a new model on its social media handle, the Seres E5 Plus. It is a plug-in hybrid 7-seater SUV that measures 4,760 mm in length, 1,865 mm in width, and 1,710 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,785 mm. The SUV is powered by the brand’s Super Electric Hybrid System, which combines a 95-PS 1.5L engine, a 215-PS electric motor, and a four-wheel drive system, delivering a combined range of 1,200 km.

Proton eMAS 7 PHEV spotted in a new exterior shade

Launched earlier this year, the Proton eMAS 7 PHEV has recently been spotted on local roads in a new exterior shade, Dark Green, which is not on the existing colour palette. However, no further information is yet available, leaving us wondering whether an update is on the horizon.

Aveta Malaysia strengthens motorcycle aftersales support

Back in 2024, Aveta rolled out the 'Aveta Care on Wheels' programme to help customers with any technical issues across Peninsular Malaysia. Fast forward to today, the company has expanded the reach of its mobile service-ready programme, now covering parts of Kedah, Perlis, Penang, Perak, Southern Johor, the Central Region, Melaka, and the East Coast. As part of the expansion, selected Preferred Plus dealers have now been integrated with the programme to reduce waiting time, improve responsiveness and enhance service accessibility. 

Chery Malaysia honours top dealers at first gala dinner

Chery Corporate Malaysia held its first gala dinner this week, recognising top-performing outlets and people who helped drive the brand’s progress in the country last year. A total of 32 awards were handed over across 15 categories, covering areas such as sales, service, and marketing. Chery’s Dealer of the Year 2025 was given to Chery Medini, operated by Gagner Auto Sdn Bhd. 

BUDI95 monthly quota reduced from April 2026

The Malaysian government has decided to reduce the monthly BUDI95 fuel subsidy eligibility cap from 300 litres to 200 litres, starting April 2026. This decision came in response to rising global oil prices and supply uncertainty amid West Asia tensions. The move aims to control the increasing subsidy burden, which could rise if the fuel prices remain high. Notably, the subsidised fuel price remains unchanged at RM 1.99 per litre.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

2026 BIMS kicked off in Thailand 

The 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show began in Thailand this week, unveiling a range of exciting new cars set to hit the market sooner or later. Running from March 25 to April 5, 2026, the show previews the following models - 

• Lepas L6 EV: Malaysia-bound Chinese brand Lepas introduced its new electric car, the L6, at the show. It is a C-segment SUV, positioned below the L8, which is expected to come powered by a 242 PS front electric motor and a 67.08-kWh LFP battery pack, offering a range of 510 km.

• Honda e:N2: Honda introduced its new electric, the e:N2, at the 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show. Priced at THB 1.429 million (RM 171,200), the EV runs on a single front-mounted electric motor and a 68.8 kWh battery, which offers a driving range of 530 km (NEDC). 

• New BMW iX3: Globally revealed in September 2024, the all-new second-generation BMW iX3 made its ASEAN debut in Thailand. Based on a new Neue Klasse platform, the upgraded EV features a Neue Klasse design language, a new “Super-Brains” system, advanced technology, and a dual-motor setup delivering 469 PS power and 805 km range.
• Toyota Land Cruiser FJ and Hilux Travo: The all-new Land Cruiser FJ also made its way to Thailand, featuring a boxy, retro-inspired design, compact dimensions, and a 2.7-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine tuned to make 166 PS of maximum power and 245 Nm of peak torque. Toyota also showcased the ninth-gen Hilux Travo at the show, 

• 2026 Nissan Kicks e-Power facelift: The all-new Nissan Kicks e-Power facelift is also stealing the spotlight at BIMS 2026, featuring sharper styling, improved tech, and enhanced safety features, with the same EV-like hybrid driving system. 
• Mazda CX-6e: Thailand also became the first ASEAN market to preview the Mazda CX-6e electric SUV. Built on a platform developed in collaboration with Changan Mazda, the EV is powered by a rear electric motor and a 78kWh battery, offering a cruising range of 484 km. 

2026 Maybach S Class breaks cover with punchy V8 mill

Mercedes-Benz has pulled the wraps off the all-new Maybach S-Class in the global market. The longer and more luxurious counterpart of the S-Class features an updated design with several tech updates, including a voice assistant integrated with ChatGPT and Gemini. As for the drivetrain, the top-spec version of the luxury saloon gets an updated 4.0-litre V8 turbocharged petrol engine, which churns out a maximum power of 530 hp and a peak torque of 750 Nm. It is paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox and a 4MATIC All Wheel Drive system.

Rolls-Royce drops plan to go fully electric by 2030

The luxury carmaker Rolls-Royce has scrapped its plans to become an all-electric brand by 2030, announced a few years back. The decision is driven by weak customer demand and relaxed regulatory and legislative targets by government authorities. With that said, all Rolls-Royce cars, including Phantom, Ghost and Cullinan, will continue to be powered by the V12 engine. While the company dropped its aim to be all-electric by the end of the decade, it has been working on its next electric SUV, which is expected to make its world premiere later this year. 

First Lamborghini EV will debut after 2030

Another luxury car manufacturer that delays its EV plans is Lamborghini. Earlier, the company announced it would introduce the Lanzador EV by the end of 2030; however, it will now debut as a plug-in hybrid SUV. Due to the weak demand for high-performance luxury EVs, Lamborghini has decided to prioritise hybrid technology that balances performance, customer expectations and emissions. 

Sony-Honda Afeela EVs no longer in development 

After Honda dropped its plan to introduce the 0 Series electric lineup, the Sony-Honda joint venture (SHM) has also cancelled the Afeela EVs due to weak global demand for premium electric cars. Back in 2022, the tech giant Sony joined hands with Honda to fulfil its dream of making EVs. After a few years, SHM revealed its first EV, the AFEELA 1 sedan in 2025, followed by the AFEELA SUV in 2026. The former was scheduled to launch in California this year at a starting price of USD 89,900.

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

Also read: Omoda C9 PHEV: Key things that make it stand out