Weekly wrapup: 2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence, 2023 BMW 330 Li M Sport, 2023 BMW M340i xDrive, and Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure launch

This past week was quite busy for the Malaysian auto industry as we saw quite a few car launches and updates. For instance, BMW Malaysia launched not one but three cars and updated quite a few models in its lineup. The premium car segment saw the launch of the Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure SUV. The motorcycle arena welcomed the new 2023 Yamaha NMax and 2023 Honda Vario 125.

Local news

2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence facelift launch

BMW Malaysia has launched the all-new X7 in xDrive40i Pure Excellence version in the local market. Nicknamed ‘The President’, the luxury SUV is priced at RM 654,800 (on-the-road without insurance) with every purchase inclusive of a 5-year extended warranty and scheduled service programme. Powering it is a new mild-hybrid powertrain setup including a 3.0-litre inline-six turbo engine and a 48V mild-hybrid system. The system makes a maximum power output of 375 hp along with a peak torque of 540 Nm with the drive going to the wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission.

2023 BMW 330 Li M Sport launch

The BMW Malaysia lineup now includes the updated 2023 330Li M Sport model. Priced at RM 325,800 (on-the-road without insurance) with extended 5-year warranty and service package. The car is powered by a 2.0-litre inline-four turbocharged engine making a maximum power of 258 hp along with a peak torque of 400 Nm. The drive is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission that leads to a 0-100 kmph sprint time of just 6.2 seconds.

2023 BMW M340i xDrive launch

Along with the new 330Li M Sport, BMW Malaysia has launched the new M340i xDrive in the country. The sedan is available in two trim options here, namely Standard and M Sport Pro with their price tag reading RM 391,800 and RM 396,800 respectively. Powering the two variants is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine generating a maximum power of 392 hp along with a peak torque of 500 Nm. The drive is sent to all-four wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission that allows the car to go from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.4 seconds and attain a top speed of 250 kmph. Also part of the kit is an adaptive M suspension and M Sport differential.

Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure launch

One of the most premium launches this week was that of the Bentley Bentayga EWB Azure. The long version of Bentayga comes at a starting price of RM 1,091,000 (before duties, taxes, registration, and options). The luxury SUV comes fitted with several amazing features including airline seat specifications, 22-way power adjustment, a new auto climate sensing system, postural adjustment technology, Relax & Business Mode, and more. The luxury SUV is powered by a 550hp/770 Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.

Upcoming BMW i5 ROI now open

Next-gen BMW 5 Series will soon be joined by the fully-electric version, called the i5. The 100% electric sedan will be unveiled in October along with the 5 Series PHEV and 48V mild-hybrid variants. The automaker’s website now has a registration of interest page which indicates an imminent launch. The car now features the brand’s signature elegantly sporting design and will be more dynamic and comfortable.

BMW 2 Series GC updated

Apart from introducing new models, BMW is also updating the existing cars in its lineup like the 218i Gran Coupe. The car now comes with the brand’s Standard Suspension system with a softer spring and damper setup, thus enabling a more comfortable ride than before.

Interested buyers would have to spend RM 235,800 to get their hands on a 2 Series GC.

BMW X3 sDrive20i M Sport updated

Along with the 2 Series GC, BMW has also revised the X3 sDrive20i M Sport model. The car now comes equipped with the marque’s Standard Suspension system with a softer spring and damper set-up and an Adaptive Suspension set-up. The setup will reduce disruptive vehicle movements to a minimum.

2023 Proton X90’s production begins

At the launch of Proton’s new stamping line, the automaker announced the commencement of the new X90’s production. Based on the Geely Haoyue, the X90 will be the brand’s third SUV after the X70 and X50. Like all the other SUVs in the company’s lineup, this one too will be assembled in the Tanjung Malim facility. Also, it will be the brand’s first car to offer hybrid technology.

2023 Yamaha NMax in new colour options

The official distributor of Yamaha vehicles in the country, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor, has launched the all-new 2023 NMax. Priced at RM 9,798 (excluding insurance and registration), the scooter is offered in two colour tones - Blue and Red. The bike is powered by a 155cc single-cylinder VVA mill with an electronic fuel injection system generating a max power of 14.9 hp and 14.4 Nm of torque. The drive is sent to the rear wheels via a CVT unit.

2023 Honda Vario 125 scooter launch

Boon Siew Honda launched the new Vario 125 scooter this week in Malaysia. Priced at RM 7,080 (including insurance), the scooter is available in three colour tones - Red, Blue, and Yellow. Powering it is a 124.9 c single-cylinder, SOHC, liquid-cooled engine making 11.5 hp and 11.74 Nm of torque. Its spec kit includes - LED lighting, USB charger, keyless start, anti-theft immobilizer, 18-litre under seat storage, 14-inch wheels, telescopic forks at the front and adjustable mono-shock holding at the rear, and a digital instrument panel.

2023 WMoto Bobbie VII launch

This week a new middleweight cruiser entered the Malaysian market. Called the WMoto Bobbiw VII, it retails for RM 35,888 (excluding road tax, insurance, and registration) with a two-year/20,000 km warranty against defects. Available in two tones - Matte Black and Metallic Black, the cruiser weighs 211 kg. Powering it is a 693 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine making 74 hp at 8,500 rpm and 64.3 Nm at 6,500 rpm.

International news

Kia EV9 unveiled

Kia has finally unveiled its fully-electric three-row SUV in Korea, the EV9. Built on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV9 is offered in both 6- and 7-seat configurations. The automaker is yet to reveal the EVs powertrain configuration, however, it is known to benefit from the concept’s ‘Digital Tiger Face’, front- and second-row reclining seats, 180-degree turning second-row seats, power outlets for third row, two 12.3-inch touchscreens with 5-inch segment display, and much more.

Electric Porsche Cayenne confirmed

As a part of its going 80% fully-electric by 2020 goal, Porsche has confirmed the arrival of the Cayenne EV. It is designed to offer strong performance and automated driving functions with a typical Porsche fly line along with a new cabin experience.

Indonesia gets the new Daihatsu Ayla

All-new Daihatsu Ayla has been launched in Indonesia in five variant options - 1.0 MT, 1.0 X MT, 1.0 X CVT, and two other 1.2L variants. The hatch is offered in a total of eight colour options and an array of features based on the variant option.

Honda WR-V in Thailand

Thailand's auto market this month welcomed the all-new WR-V. It is offered in two variants in the country, called the SV and RS, with prices starting from THB 799,000 (approx RM 104k). Powering it is a naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol mill making a max power of 121 hp and a peak torque of 145 Nm.

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