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smart #5 Previewed in Malaysia – 636hp and 710Nm of Torque!

Smart Malaysia has given a first look at its new flagship electric SUV, the smart #5, ahead of its expected market launch. Positioned above the #1 and #3 models, the new SUV promises more space, stronger performance, and long-range capability, placing it directly in competition with established premium EVs.

The smart #5 will be offered in three versions: Pro, Premium and BRABUS.

The entry-level Pro comes with a 76 kWh battery and a single rear motor producing 335hp and 373Nm. It does the 0–100 km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 200 km/h, while range is claimed at 465 km (WLTP). Features include PU leather seats, a powered tailgate, 9-speaker audio system and 256-colour ambient lighting. Boot space is 630L, expandable to 1,530L with the rear seats folded.

The Premium raises the bar with a 100 kWh battery for up to 590 km of range. Output is 358hp, 373Nm of torque, and it accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. Inside, there’s Nappa leather upholstery, a 20-speaker Sennheiser system with Dolby Atmos, and an augmented reality head-up display. The variant also gains illuminated concealed door handles, dual wireless chargers and faster 22 kW AC charging.

At the top of the range, the BRABUS edition delivers true performance credentials. Dual motors provide 636hp and 710Nm, cutting the 0–100 km/h time down to 3.8 seconds and pushing top speed to 210 km/h. It also comes with sport suspension, larger 21-inch alloys, red brake callipers and simulated engine sound. The BRABUS uses an 800V charging setup, allowing a 10–80% charge in just 15 minutes with a 400 kW DC charger.

The smart #5 is equipped with 26 sensors, including cameras, radars and ultrasonic units, powered by Nvidia OrinX chips. This supports L2+ advanced driver assistance systems, including Smart Pilot Assist, Auto Lane Change Assist and autonomous parking.

Safety has also been prioritised, with the model designed to meet both European and Chinese 5-star NCAP standards. The body uses 82% high-strength steel and achieves a torsional rigidity of 42,300 Nm/deg, well above segment norms.

A long 2,900 mm wheelbase ensures generous cabin space. The rear seats offer reclining functions and modes that can transform the cabin into nap or bed layouts. Luggage capacity extends up to 1,530L, complemented by a 72L frunk.

Premium materials such as real wood trims, laminated soundproof glass and Nappa leather feature throughout, while a panoramic glass roof with a powered sunshade adds to the sense of space.

In Malaysia, the smart #5 will compete with models such as the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7, Zeekr 7X and Xpeng G6, while the BRABUS edition will target buyers looking at performance EVs like the BMW iX3 and MINI Countryman SE.

With three variants on offer, ranging from practical to high-performance, the smart #5 is shaping up to be one of the most versatile premium EV SUVs entering the Malaysian market.

PREMIUM

BRABUS

BYD Uses Thai Hub to Sidestep EU Tariffs

China’s BYD has marked another milestone in its global expansion, with the first shipment of Thai-assembled Dolphin electric vehicles bound for Europe. Over 900 units have been dispatched to Germany, Belgium and the United Kingdom, signalling a new chapter in the company’s international strategy.

The consignment set sail aboard BYD’s own carrier vessel, the BYD Zhengzhou, which for the first time has operated a route from Thailand to Europe. The vehicles were produced at the company’s Rayong plant, a facility that went into operation in July 2024 and stands as BYD’s first wholly owned passenger car manufacturing site outside of China.

Built with an annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles, the Rayong factory serves both the domestic Thai market and export destinations. Within just a year of starting operations, the plant had already achieved 90,000 deliveries by July this year, underscoring its role as a crucial hub for BYD’s regional and global supply network.

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Yangwang U9 Breaks Global EV Speed Record With 472.41km/h Run

BYD has once again pushed the boundaries of electric performance, with its Yangwang U9 engineering prototype clocking an astonishing 472.41km/h, setting a new world record for an electric vehicle.

The achievement not only cements the U9 as China’s fastest car but also elevates it into the exclusive realm of the world’s top hypercars. This latest milestone follows its earlier success last November, when the U9 became the fastest car in China by registering 391.94km/h during a speed trial. The new figure represents a staggering 20.53% leap in performance.

At its peak velocity, the Yangwang U9 is now just a breath away from the world’s most celebrated combustion-engine hypercars. To put it into perspective, the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut has a maximum speed of 531km/h, the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ touches 490km/h, and the SSC Tuatara is recognised at 474.8km/h. The U9, an electric contender, is edging dangerously close to these long-revered giants of speed.

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Farewell to a Legend: Nissan R35 GT-R Production Ends After 18 Years

After nearly two decades, Nissan has officially brought an end to production of the R35 GT-R, marking the close of an era for one of the most iconic performance cars of modern times. The final assembly for the Japanese domestic market, the last region where the model remained on sale, has now concluded, drawing the curtain on a remarkable 18-year run.

Since its global debut in 2007, the R35 GT-R has stood as a symbol of cutting-edge engineering and relentless performance, capturing the imagination of enthusiasts and setting new benchmarks in the supercar world. Over its lifespan, approximately 48,000 units were produced, with the very last car, a Premium Edition T-Spec finished in the famed Midnight Purple, destined for a customer in Japan.

The final send-off took place at Nissan’s Tochigi plant, where workers gathered to celebrate the GT-R’s enduring legacy as the last example rolled off the line. The R35’s history, however, is far from a conventional one. Instead of following the industry’s typical model lifecycle, Nissan opted for continuous evolution, with year-on-year refinements that sharpened performance, comfort, and technology. Whether in standard form, the luxurious variants, or the ferocious NISMO editions, every update aimed to push the envelope a little further.

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iCAUR Glenmarie: First Global Dealership Opens in Malaysia Ahead of iCAUR 03 Launch

iCAUR Malaysia has officially opened its first dealership, iCAUR Glenmarie, in Shah Alam, marking a major milestone for the young EV marque. More than just a local debut, this flagship facility is also the brand’s first dealership worldwide, underscoring Malaysia’s significance as a launchpad for iCAUR’s global journey.

The dealership is operated by Absolute Motor Sdn Bhd and represents a pivotal step as iCAUR moves closer to the introduction of its first model, the iCAUR 03, which will be launched on 9 September 2025.

Within just four months of its debut at the Malaysian Autoshow 2025, iCAUR has established itself as a brand that embodies individuality, playfulness, and modern mobility. The Glenmarie outlet reflects this spirit, setting the tone for a global network that aims to deliver vehicles defined by bold design, advanced technology and a lifestyle-focused ecosystem.

Absolute Motor’s commitment to the brand was clear from the outset, with the company positioning itself as the first in the world to establish an iCAUR dealership. The partnership is rooted in a shared belief in sustainable mobility and the growing demand for electric vehicles that complement contemporary lifestyles.

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New Peugeot 308 and 308 SW Debut with Striking New Design, Advanced Powertrains and Up to 450 km Electric Range

Peugeot has lifted the covers off the refreshed 308 and 308 SW, introducing a bold new chapter for one of its most successful models in the European C-segment. With a sharper design, a host of technological upgrades, and an expanded range of efficient powertrains, including the fully electric e-308 offering up to 450km of range, the new line-up is set to reinforce Peugeot’s reputation for French flair, driving pleasure and everyday practicality.

Both the hatchback and estate variants are the first in the brand’s history to carry an illuminated Peugeot emblem on the nose, a feature that now takes centre stage in the updated front fascia. The effect is amplified by a redesigned grille and a three-claw lighting signature, giving the car an unmistakable presence on the road. The illuminated strands integrated into the grille extend towards the headlamps, adding to the vehicle’s solid stance, while discreet radar systems are neatly hidden behind the badge to maintain a clean finish without compromising safety.

Peugeot has also refined aerodynamics, with redesigned bumpers and carefully sculpted air intakes channelling airflow into the wheel arches, improving efficiency and extending range for the hybrid and electric variants. The GT trim benefits further from the illuminated front design as standard, enhancing its dynamic character. At the rear, all versions adopt the brand’s latest light signature with three LED claws incorporated into a gloss-black strip across the boot lid, while new alloy wheel designs ranging from 17 to 18 inches bring added elegance and efficiency.

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