Weekly wrapup: 2025 Proton X50, BMW X5, BYD Atto 2 launched, Chery Super Hybrid platform introduced, and more

It’s the third quarter of 2025, and the Malaysian auto industry looks as busy as ever, with a series of launches and big announcements. Proton has finally launched the X50 facelift, while BMW has introduced the refreshed versions of the X5 and iX. BYD also grabbed attention with the rollout of a new compact EV, the Atto 2, targeting urban commuters. Things were equally exciting on the global front, with Indonesia in the limelight for the GIIAS event.

If you have missed tuning into Zigwheels, we've got you covered in our weekly wrap of top auto news.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

All-new 2025 Proton X50 launched in Malaysia

After nearly a month of the X50 teasers and previews, Proton has finally revealed the final piece of the puzzle i.e. price. The heavily upgraded X50 is priced between  RM 89,800 and RM 113,300, which can be further brought down to RM 85,800 - RM 109,300 with a special launch package. Available for the first 10k buyers, it offers RM 4,000 rebate, trade-in overtrade, 5-year warranty, free labour service, data, special insurance, and financing perks. The upgraded SUV boasts cosmetic tweaks inside and out, a new 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo engine, a larger 14.6-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and an upgraded ADAS suite.

BYD Atto 2 up for grabs in Malaysia

BYD has added a new compact electric SUV to its growing EV lineup in Malaysia, called the Atto 2. It is positioned below the Atto 3 and comes in a sole variant, priced at RM 100,000. The Atto 2 is powered by a 177 PS/290 Nm front wheel drive motor setup and a 51.13 kWh battery, offering a range of 410 km (on the NEDC cycle). In terms of equipment, it features a 12.8-inch rotating screen, an 8.8-inch instrument cluster, a wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ventilated front seats, ADAS, and 6 airbags. BYD Sime Motors offers an Easy Ownership Package worth up to RM 13,500 for the first 800 customers.

2025 BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport goes on sale 

BMW Malaysia has launched the locally-assembled 2025 X5 xDrive40i M Sport, featuring a refreshed design, enhanced performance, and smarter in-car technology. The new X5 packs a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six engine mated to a 48V mild-hybrid system, which churns out 381 PS (up by 47 PS) and 540 Nm (up by 70 Nm). Priced at RM 469,800, the SUV features a BMW Iconic Glow illuminated grille, dynamic air suspension, slimmer adaptive LED headlights, BMW OS 8.5 with a curved dual-screen, gesture control, Digital Key Plus, and advanced ADAS. 

2025 BMW iX facelift launched in Malaysia

The all-new BMW iX facelift also made its way to Malaysia this week with refreshed design, new features and upgraded powertrains. The EV is offered in two variants - xDrive45 Sport and xDrive60 M Sport Pro, priced at RM 460,700 and RM 522,700, respectively. The former is powered by a dual-motor setup and a new 100 kWh battery pack, offering a WLTP-rated range of 602 km (up by 177 km). The top-spec variant features a more powerful dual-motor system and a larger 111 kWh battery, delivering a WLTP-rated range of up to 701 km. In terms of styling, the new BMW iX gets redesigned adaptive LED headlamps, BMW Kidney Iconic Glow grille, and new bumpers.  

Chery Super Hybrid platform unveiled in Malaysia

Chery has officially unveiled its new Super Hybrid system (CSH) tech in Malaysia to make low-emissions mobility solutions more accessible for local customers. The said platform combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged Dedicated Hybrid engine and a high-efficiency e-motor, generating 347 PS and 525 Nm. It provides up to 44.5% thermal efficiency and a total cruising range of up to 1,200 km. The recently launched Chery Tiggo Cross is the first model to feature the said system; it will be joined by the Tiggo 7 CSH and Tiggo 8 CSH soon.

Honda ADV350 scooter gets an upgrade in Malaysia 

The popular adventure scooter, the Honda ADV350, received an upgrade this week. The refreshed model hosts a number of important features such as a new 5-inch full-colour TFT console supporting Honda RoadSync connectivity, built-in light in the underseat compartment, auto-cancelling indicators, adjustable rear shocks and new colours (Moscato Red Metallic and Matte Pearl Agile Blue). Priced at RM 33,999, the scooter continues to run on the same 330 cc single-cylinder SOHC liquid-cooled engine good for making 28.9 hp at 7,500 rpm and a peak torque of 31.9 Nm at 5,250 rpm. 

QJMotor SRV250 AMT launched in Malaysia

MForce Bike Holdings has expanded the QJMotor lineup in Malaysia with the launch of the all-new SRV250 AMT. Priced at RM 17,888, it is the first Automatic Manual Transmission (AMT) cruiser in the local market, which enables a clutch-free riding experience. At the core of the bike is a 249-cc V-twin liquid-cooled DOHC engine which produces a maximum power of 27.49 hp at 9,000 rpm and a peak torque of 23 Nm at 8,000 rpm. Featuring a bold cruiser styling and modern features, the QJMotor SRV250 is available in two colour options - Matt Black and Silver.

4,000 units of Proton e.MAS 7 delivered in 6 months 

The Proton e.MAS 7 has achieved a significant milestone with a total of 4000 units delivered between 1 January and 30 June, marking its strong presence on the local roads. With a market share of 23.4%, the Proton EV has continued to lead the Malaysian electric vehicle market for the sixth consecutive month. In addition to domestic sales, Proton exported 250 units of the electric SUV to selected international markets. 

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

BYD Atto 1 EV launched in Indonesia at RM 50k 

BYD has launched the Atto 1 (a rebadged version of the BYD Seagull) at the ongoing 2025 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS 2025). It is offered in two variants -  Standard Range Dynamic and Long Range Premium; the price ranges from IDR 195,000,000 (RM 50,472) to IDR 235,000,000 (RM 60,824). Both variants of the Atto 1 are powered by a front electric motor that generates 75 PS of maximum power and 135 Nm of peak torque. Two Blade lithium-iron-phosphate battery options are - 30.08 kWh and 38.88 kWh, offering NEDC-rated driving range of 300 km and 380 km, respectively.

Indonesia welcomes new 7-seater Mitsubishi SUV, the Destinator

Mitsubishi has launched a new seven seater SUV in the Indonesian market, the Destinator, featuring a striking exterior, high ground clearance and advanced technology. It is offered in three variants - GLS, Exceed, and Ultimate with prices ranging from IDR 385,000,000 (RM 99,876) to IDR 465,000,000 (RM 120,620). All trims are powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine which delivers 163 PS and 250 Nm of torque. The Destinator is the brand’s third global model, developed in Indonesia. It will also be launched in other ASEAN markets, as well as in South Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.

2026 GWM Tank 500 facelift debuts in China

Great Wall Motors has updated the Tank 500 SUV for the model year 2026 in China. The refreshed version benefits from cosmetic inside and out, including a new front grille, new alloy wheels and a column-mounted gear selector. In terms of features, the new Tank 500 comes equipped with a built-in rear refrigerator, an advanced LiDAR system, and a ceiling-mounted screen. It will be offered with the same plug-in hybrid engine options - Hi4-T and Hi4-Z as before.

Daihatsu Rocky Hybrid makes its official debut in Indonesia

Perodua Ativa Hybrid's twin, Daihatsu Rocky Hybrid, has made its ASEAN debut at the 2025 GIIAS event. The Rocky Hybrid features the same e-Smart series hybrid system under the hood as the Ativa Hybrid. It consists of an 82 PS / 105 Nm 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine acting as a generator and a 106 PS / 170 Nm electric motor driving the front wheels. As per the reports, it will be offered as a fully imported model from Japan, with a starting price of IDR 293.9 million (approx RM 76k). Closer to home, the Ativa Hybrid is a limited, subscription-only model.

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

Also read: First Impressions: MG S5 - The enthusiast’s EV you might be sleeping on