Weekly wrap-up: Leapmotor B10, New Mercedes-Benz GLC variant launched, New Perodua SUV teased, Wey G9 bookings open and more 

The past seven days continued the busy momentum in Malaysia's automotive industry with a slew of launches, including the Leapmotor B10 EV, the new Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 and the new GLE 400 PHEV. Adding to that, Perodua has begun teasing its upcoming EV, and GWM has rolled off the first CKD unit of its upcoming MPV, the Wey G9. In the meantime, the global auto industry also witnessed some noteworthy reveals.

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

2025 Leapmotor B10 EV launched in Malaysia

Leapmotor has expanded its lineup in Malaysia with the launch of the highly anticipated B10 EV. It is a C-segment SUV based on an all-new and advanced LEAP 3.5 architecture, integrating a highly integrated battery-chassis platform. The Leapmotor B10 is offered in two variants - Life and Design, priced at RM 107,800 and RM 118,800, respectively. Two available battery options include  56.2 kWh and 67.1 kWh, offering a WLTP-claimed driving range of 361 km and 434 km, respectively. The launch promo (available for the first 200 buyers) offers an RM 8,000 rebate for the Life and an RM 9,000 rebate for the Design variant.

Perodua teases new SUV, launch expected next year

The first official teaser of Perodua’s upcoming SUV came out this week. While official details remain scarce, it is widely speculated that the SUV will be called the Traz or Nexis. It is said to be a B-segment crossover based on the Toyota Yaris Cross, making it a direct competitor to the Proton X50 and Honda HR-V. The upcoming Perodua SUV is expected to get a 1.5-litre NA four-cylinder petrol engine or a hybrid setup comprising a 1.5-litre NA four-cylinder mill and an electric motor. Official details are set to be revealed on December 17. 

All-new Mercedes-Benz GLC 200, GLE 400 PHEV launched in Malaysia

Mercedes-Benz introduced two new models in Malaysia this week - GLC 200 4Matic and  GLE 400e 4Matic.

• 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 4Matic: This is the entry-level variant of the popular GLC SUV, priced at RM 329,888. It features the AMG Line exterior package and a sporty AMG Line cabin and comes powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine combined with a mild-hybrid (48V) assistance, a 9-speed AT and a permanent 4Matic AWD system.

• 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400e 4Matic: It is a plug-in hybrid version of the Mercedes-Benz GLE, locally assembled in Pekan. Priced at RM 498,888, the SUV runs on a 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor, which generates a combined output of 381 hp and 650 Nm. THE PHEV offers an all-electric range of 114 km.

First locally-assembled GWM Wey G9 rolls off production line, bookings open

GWM Malaysia has rolled out the first locally assembled unit of the Wey G9 at the EP Manufacturing Bhd plant in Melaka, which is set to launch in early 2026. Notably, it is the first premium Chinese New Energy MPV to be assembled in Malaysia. Bookings for the Wey G9 are now underway, with an expected price below RM 300,000. The MPV is powered by a plug-in hybrid setup comprising a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a rear-mounted electric motor, producing a combined output of 442 hp and 642 Nm and a combined range of 1,000 km.

Dongfeng 007 and Vigo EVs previewed in Malaysia

After launching the Box EV last year, Dongfeng is now geared up to bring two new SUVs to the Malaysian shores. The automaker previewed the Dongfeng 007 and the Dongfeng Vigo this week ahead of the launch slated for Q1 2026.

• The Dongfeng 007 is a mid-size electric sedan set to rival the BYD Seal and Hyundai Ioniq 6. It is expected to be offered in RWD and AWD options, with a maximum power of 544 PS, a peak torque of 640 Nm, and a driving range of 565 km. 
• The Dongfeng Vigo is a C-segment electric SUV that will compete against the Proton e.MAS 7 and the BYD Atto 3. It may come packed with a 184 PS /290 Nm FWD motor and 44.94 kWh or 51.87 kWh battery pack, offering a range of 401 km and 471 km, respectively.

Proton wraps November 2025 on a strong note

Proton sold a total of 13,451 cars (group sales including export) in the month of November. It brings the company’s year-to-date sales volume to 143,322 units, which is up 3.6% compared to the same period last year. The Saga remains Proton’s best-selling model with 6,931 units (66,038 units YTD) sold in November, followed by the X50 with 2,127 units (25,974 units YTD) and the S70 with 1,487 units (15,828 units YTD). The e.MAS 7 continues to hold its position as Malaysia’s best-selling EV with 830 units registered in November (7,784 units YTD). 

Chery Malaysia rolls out year-end promo

Chery Malaysia has announced exciting rebates for Tiggo SUVs as part of its festive year-end promotion. The automaker offers -

• RM 15,000 rebate on the Tiggo 8 Pro
• RM 10,000 rebate on the Tiggo 7 Pro
• RM 5,000 rebate on the Tiggo 7 PHEV, Tiggo 8 PHEV, Tiggo Cross HEV, and Tiggo Cross Turbo

Further sweetening the deal is a complimentary extended battery warranty of 10 years or 200,000 km for the Tiggo 7 PHEV and Tiggo 8 PHEV buyers.

Kia establishes a national sales organisation in Malaysia

After announcing a principal-led model earlier this month, Kia officially introduced Kia Sales Malaysia at an event in Bamboo Hills this week. The automaker revealed its three big icons - Return, Rebuild, and Reposition, aimed at regaining relevance in Malaysia. While it showcased the exciting Kia models (Carnival, Sportage and EV9) during the event, no specific details were revealed about the upcoming lineup. Hyung Ho Kim will lead Kia Sales Malaysia Sdn Bhd as President and CEO effective January 2026, with Emily Lek as Managing Director.

BYD celebrates third anniversary in Malaysia

BYD Sime Motors completed its three years of operation this week. Recognised as Malaysia’s No.1 EV brand, the company has sold more than 25,000 cars in the country so far, contributing to reducing 62,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, which is equivalent to planting 2.5 million trees or circling Malaysia’s coastline 6 times. The brand has a total of 39 sales outlets, 24 after-sales service centres, 12 body & paint centres, and a central parts warehouse in Malaysia, with the local CKD assembly operations set to begin soon.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Second-gen Kia Seltos makes its global debut

The all-new second-gen Kia Seltos made its global debut this week ahead of its Indian launch slated for January 2, 2026. The new Seltos boasts a completely redesigned exterior and interior, aimed at delivering refined practicality and advanced usability for modern lifestyles. Key changes include - a bold front grille, new squarish headlamps, flush door handles, redesigned LED tall lights, a 30-inch integrated curved display, a head-up display, and ventilated front seats. Powertrain choices include - 1.5-litre NA petrol (115 PS and 244 Nm), 1.5-litre turbo petrol (160 PS and 253 Nm), and 1.5-litre diesel (116 PS and 250 Nm).

Smart #6 plug-in hybrid sedan revealed in China

The first exterior images of smart’s first-ever sedan, the #6, have been released, thanks to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Touted as the brand’s biggest model to date, the Smart #6 is a sleek, sporty fastback-style vehicle. Based on Geely’s NordThor Hybrid 2.0 technology, it will come powered by a plug-in hybrid setup generating a total system output of 429 hp and a combined driving range of 1,810 km (285 km pure electric). The smart #6 is expected to launch in China next year.

GWM Tank 300 Polar Edition unveiled; limited to 300 units globally

Great Wall Motors has introduced a new limited-edition version of the Tank 300, called the Polar Edition. Sprayed with a unique “Polar Orange” colour, the SUV features unique decals, a “Polar Glory” badge and comes with three off-road packages - Escape Escort, Winter Guardian, and Snow Conqueror. It is offered in both 2.0T petrol and 2.4T diesel engines, combined with a 9-speed automatic and part-time 4WD system. With production limited to 300 units globally, the GWM Tank 300 Polar Edition price ranges from CNY 226,800 (RM 131k) to CNY 244,800 (RM 142k).

Jetour introduces the all-new X90 Pro in China

Jetour has pulled the wraps off the all-new X90 Pro in the Chinese market. Based on the Jetour’s latest design language, the upgraded SUV features a large front grille and substantial dimensions. It comes with a 15.6-inch infotainment system powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip and a standard six-seater (2+2+2) layout, with 5-seater and 7-seater versions available as an option. Available engine choices are - 2.0T and 1.6T, producing 251 hp and 194 hp, respectively. The 2026 Jetour X90 Pro price ranges between CNY 135,900 (RM 78k) and CNY 167,900 (RM 97k).

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

Also read: What makes the Perodua QV-E a game-changing EV