Weekly wrapup: Volkswagen Tayron, Denza Z9GT, New BMW 218 Gran Coupe launched, Omoda C7 PHEV previewed, and more

This week was jam-packed with one major launch event after another. From Volkswagen introducing the new 7-seater Tayron SUV to Denza giving us the luxurious Z9GT shooting brake, there was no shortage of excitement. BMW Malaysia also expanded its lineup with the launch of three new models and Omoda previewed the C7 PHEV. 

As for the international market, a few big reveals and major announcements kept the show running. Let’s check out a quick recap of the top auto news of the week. 

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Denza Z9GT EV launched in Malaysia at RM 358,800

Denza has launched the Z9GT EV in Malaysia, touted as the country’s most advanced luxury grand tourer. It is offered in a single fully imported variant, priced from RM 358,800 (excluding registration, insurance, and road tax). The EV features a head-turning shooting-brake design, intelligent technologies, and a tri-motor drivetrain. The latter delivers a whopping combined power of 1,156 PS and a peak torque of 1,210 Nm, enabling the EV to run from zero to 100 kmph in 2.7 seconds. Also part of the kit is a 122.49 kWh second-gen BYD Blade LFP battery pack, which offers a WLTP-claimed driving range of 600 km. 

Volkswagen Tayron launched in Malaysia - Two variants, price begins at RM 189,890

Volkswagen launched a new 7-seater SUV in Malaysia this week, the Tayron. As a replacement for the Tiguan Allspace, the Tayron is offered in two variants - Elegance and R-Line, with a price starting at RM 189,890. Notably, the Tayron R-Line is currently open for preview only and carries an estimated price of RM 259,000. The Elegance is powered by a 1.5-litre eTSI mild hybrid with 150 PS and 250 Nm, while the R-Line uses a 2.0-litre TSI turbo with 265 PS and 400 Nm and a 4MOTION AWD setup. Key highlights include - IQ.LIGHT HD Matrix Headlights (R-Line), 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit instrument display, 12.9-inch infotainment unit, Preloaded Malaysian Navigation, and IQ.DRIVE ADAS suite. 

BMW Clubhouse opens - 3 New models, exclusive offers and more

BMW Group Malaysia has opened the 2026 BMW Clubhouse, a three-day brand showcase at Factory 19, Petaling Jaya, running from 17 to 19 July 2026 and open to the public. The event brings together exciting new models, exclusive offers, and immersive brand experiences. Key highlights include - 

• Three exciting debuts: BMW M2 CS (RM 950,800), BMW M3 Touring Competition M xDrive (RM 898,800) and the locally assembled BMW 218 Gran Coupé M Sport (RM 192,800)
• Rebates of up to RM 12,000 on selected BMW models
• 17 models across BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad are on display

Porsche Cayenne Turbo Electric confirmed for Malaysia

Porsche Malaysia has officially confirmed that the all-new Cayenne Turbo Electric will launch in Malaysia later this year as a fully-imported model. The automaker has revealed the key specifications of the upcoming electric SUV, confirming the Cayenne Turbo EV will produce a maximum power of 857 PS in normal driving, and 1,156 PS when the Launch Control feature is engaged, making it the most powerful Cayenne ever built. The EV will hit the century sprint in 2.5 seconds and offer an ECE-rated driving range of up to 669 km.

Omoda C7 PHEV previewed in Malaysia, launch expected this year

Omoda Jaecoo previewed the Omoda C7 plug-in hybrid SUV in Malaysia this week, ahead of presenting the model at the 2026 Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week. Positioned between the Omoda 5 and the Omoda C9, the C7 is a C-segment SUV, featuring a bold and futuristic design and an upmarket cabin. In terms of drivetrain, it is expected to borrow the plug-in hybrid setup from Jaecoo J7, which combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to produce a combined 360 PS and 530 Nm of torque. Also part of the kit is an 18.3-kWh LFP Blade battery, offering an all-electric range of 95 km.

Next-gen Lexus ES teased for Malaysia, est. price announced

Lexus teased the all-new eighth-generation ES for the Malaysian market this week, along with the preliminary specifications and an estimated price tag of RM 366,888. Built on a new “multi-pathway” platform, the new Lexus ES is a bigger and more modern, technology-packed luxury sedan that features a bold new look, an upgraded interior, and electrified drivetrain options. The Malaysia-spec ES model will come powered by the brand’s sixth-generation hybrid system, which is likely to feature a 143-PS 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and a 204-PS electric motor, delivering a combined output of 196 PS. 

Zeekr Malaysia signs 3 new dealers, targeting 18 outlets by end-2026

Zeekr is all set to expand its physical footprint in Malaysia. The brand signed three new authorised dealer partners this week, reaffirming its long-term commitment to the Malaysian market. Three new authorised dealer partners are Quantum Motors Sdn. Bhd. (IOI Putrajaya Mall, Seremban and KL North), Wheelcorp Premium Sdn. Bhd. (Setia Alam) and Ghee Hua Co. Sdn. Bhd. (Kuching). Zeekr currently operates 11 outlets in Malaysia and plans to expand to 18 nationwide by the end of 2026. 

Proton 2026 East Malaysia Day campaign launched

To strengthen its connection with customers in East Malaysia, Proton has launched the 2026 East Malaysia Day Campaign in celebration of East Malaysia Day. Running from 8 July until 7 August 2026, the promo offers a free 40-point vehicle safety inspection and a free neck pillow on the purchase of a genuine Proton wiper set, promoting safer driving and rewarding customer loyalty. It is available at all Proton authorised service centres across Sabah and Sarawak, including 2S outlets, and is open to owners of all Proton vehicles.

Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 Mana Black Edition launched in Malaysia

Royal Enfield Malaysia has launched a special version of the Himalayan 450, called the Himalayan 450 Mana Black Edition. Inspired by Mana Pass, one of India’s highest motorable mountain passes, the bike features a black-out appearance and factory-fitted accessories, aimed at adventure touring. At the core lies the same 452 cc liquid-cooled Sherpa engine producing 40 hp at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 40 Nm at 5,500 rpm. The Himalayan 450 Mana Black Edition is priced at RM 32,700 (excluding road tax, insurance and registration) with a three-year unlimited-mileage warranty and three years of roadside assistance.

Honda ADV160 Spider-Man Edition up for grabs in Malaysia

Boon Siew Honda also rolled out a special ADV160 edition this week, perfect for Spiderman fans. The Honda ADV160 Spider-Man Edition features Spider-Man livery, iconic logo, and special stripe design, bringing the signature Marvel Spider-Man element to the road. Limited to only 300 units, the ADV160 Spider-Man Edition is priced at RM 14,149. With each purchase comes a Spider-Man premium gift set, including an LED thermos flask, a special edition fuel tank cap, an edition-specific emblem, and an owner’s certificate with edition number. 

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

iCAUR V25 SUV unveiled in China ahead of official debut

Chery’s sub-brand iCaur is set to launch the new V25 rugged SUV in China this year. But ahead of the official debut, images and preliminary specifications of the model have surfaced online, thanks to MIIT (the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology). According to the MIIT filing, the iCaur V25 is a range-extender hybrid electric vehicle (REEV) that combines a 156 PS 1.5 litre turbocharged engine, two electric motors, and a 33.68-kWh battery pack and offers a combined output of 445 PS and a pure-electric range of approx 150 km. The V25 is longer and wider than the V23 and features a distinctive boxy design and a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor for advanced driver-assistance functions.

Range Rover Sport Electric makes its official debut in the UK

Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled the Range Rover Sport Electric at the recently concluded Goodwood Festival of Speed event in the UK. While the EV looks almost identical to its ICE-powered counterpart inside and out, the drivetrain setup makes it different. Built on JLR's MLA platform, the Range Rover Sport Electric is powered by a dual-motor setup generating a combined output of 550 hp. The EV is paired with a 118.5kWh battery that offers a driving range of over 500 km. Notably, it is the brand’s second pure electric model and will be sold alongside petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid variants. 

Volkswagen ID Cross electric crossover breaks cover

The all-new Volkswagen ID Cross has made its official debut as the brand’s first compact electric crossover. Underpinning the same MEB+ platform as the ID Polo, the ID Cross is now available to order in some global markets, with a starting price of EUR 27,995 (approx RM 139k). The EV features 'Pure Positive' design language and a well-equipped cabin, with a 12.9-inch infotainment unit and a 10.25-inch digital driver display. It is powered by a front-mounted electric motor (output ranges from 116 hp to 211 hp) and a 37kWh or 52kWh NMC battery pack, offering a range between 306 km and 427, depending on the variant. 

Denza Z9S electric sedan revealed in China 

BYD’s premium sub-brand Denza has yet another striking model on the horizon, called the Z9S. According to a CarNewsChina report, the automaker has officially unveiled the Z9S, which can be seen as the sportier sibling of the Z9. It boasts a refreshed design and a tri-motor AWD setup that delivers a maximum power of 1,194 hp and 0-100 kmph acceleration in approx 3 seconds. Riding on BYD's e³ platform, the Denza Z9S is equipped with BYD's 102.3-kWh Blade Battery that provides a cruising range of up to 920 km (CLTC). 

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

Also read: GWM Ora 5 coming to Malaysia - Here are 5 things you should know