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BMW Malaysia made a commanding statement at the MY BMW World 2025 exhibition with the unveiling of the New BMW M5, marking a significant milestone for the iconic performance sedan as it embraces electrified power for the first time. Alongside the M5, the New BMW M3 Competition M xDrive, New BMW M2, and the New BMW M4 Competition Coupé M xDrive were also presented, showcasing the latest in high-performance engineering and design from BMW M.

The New BMW M5 introduces a bold evolution of the M legacy, combining motorsport heritage with an advanced hybrid powertrain. Visually, it asserts dominance with a low-slung silhouette, pronounced wheel arches, and chiselled bodywork. The front fascia is defined by large angular air intakes, a central M divider, and Adaptive LED Headlights with M Lights Shadowline, while the high-gloss black kidney grille is accentuated by the BMW Iconic Glow package.

Subtle details such as the embossed M5 logo on the Hofmeister kink and the extended M High-Gloss Shadowline trim along the windows reinforce the sedan’s exclusive identity. At the rear, a sleek Gurney lip spoiler, vertical reflectors, and the signature M twin tailpipes embedded in a black two-piece diffuser underscore its motorsport pedigree. The athletic stance is completed by staggered 20” and 21” M light alloy wheels in double-spoke style 951 M Bicolour Midnight Grey, with the optional M Carbon Exterior Package further enhancing the car’s dynamic persona.

Inside, the M5 combines motorsport function with premium materials and design. The cabin is dominated by the BMW Curved Display, integrating a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen — both delivering M-specific graphics and operated via BMW Live Cockpit Professional. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and a dedicated M Controller in the centre console enhance driver engagement. A newly designed M steering wheel features a flattened bottom, red 12 o’clock marker, M shift paddles, and direct access to M1/M2 driving profiles, M Hybrid modes, and the Start/Stop ignition button, now in M’s signature red.

Ambient lighting and the BMW Interaction Bar respond to driving modes — Road, Sport, or Track — further immersing occupants in the performance experience. Two-tone Merino leather, carbon fibre trim inlaid with high-gloss silver thread, M seat belts, and an Alcantara anthracite headliner offer an interior that is both luxurious and assertively sporty.

Electrically adjustable M multifunction seats with lumbar support, memory function, and heating, along with generous rear seating and a cleverly packaged high-voltage battery that preserves 466 litres of boot space, provide everyday comfort. A 4-zone climate control system, Comfort Access, a wireless charging tray, and a 655W Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system with 18 speakers complete the premium environment.

Beneath its sculpted bonnet, the New BMW M5 debuts an all-new M Hybrid powertrain. It combines a 585hp M TwinPower Turbo V8 engine with a fifth-generation BMW eDrive electric motor producing 197hp, resulting in a total system output of 727hp and a colossal 1,000Nm of torque. Paired with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission, the sedan sprints from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds, with 200km/h arriving in 10.9 seconds.

The hybrid system’s responsiveness is amplified by “Boost Control”, which delivers instant peak torque on demand between 30 and 150 km/h via the left shift paddle in M Track mode. With the electric motor complementing the V8 during full-throttle acceleration, mid-range sprints such as 80–120km/h are completed in just 2.9 seconds, faster than its predecessor. Acoustically, the M Sport exhaust system and BMW IconicSounds Electric soundtrack fuse to produce an exhilarating auditory experience.

The lithium-ion battery, integrated flat within the underbody to preserve interior space and vehicle dynamics, offers a net capacity of 18.6 kWh — enabling up to 69km of electric-only driving (WLTP). Charging is efficient, with AC charging up to 11 kW, completing a full recharge in just over three hours.

Engineered on the G60 5 Series platform, the New M5 features a double wishbone front axle and a five-link rear axle, both with M-specific tuning. Adaptive M suspension allows the driver to select Comfort, Sport or Sport Plus settings, adapting instantly to road conditions. Integral Active Steering, now standard on the M5, enables rear-wheel steering up to 1.5 degrees, significantly improving agility in tight spaces and stability at higher speeds.

The M xDrive all-wheel drive system is reengineered to handle the hybrid’s immense torque, offering selectable driving modes — 4WD, 4WD SPORT, and pure rear-wheel-drive 2WD. Drivers can further customise dynamics using the M1 and M2 buttons, adjusting drivetrain, suspension, steering, braking, DSC settings, and energy recuperation characteristics.

Beyond raw performance, the M5 features a suite of cutting-edge digital and driver assistance technologies. Driving Assistant and Parking Assistant come standard, including drive-off monitoring, a Reversing Assist Camera, and the intuitive Reversing Assistant. For greater support, Parking Assistant Plus offers additional camera views with 3D Surround View.

Driving Assistant Plus brings semi-autonomous capabilities such as lane-keeping, active steering, adaptive cruise control, and automatic speed limit monitoring, offering particular benefit during long-distance motorway travel. The system is integrated with the latest BMW Operating System 8.5 and supported by Augmented View and the Head-Up Display, enhancing driver awareness and safety in dynamic or complex driving environments.

The New BMW M5 is available in a selection of striking exterior colours designed to accentuate its performance design, including Alpine White, Sophisto Grey, Fire Red, Brooklyn Grey, Carbon Black, Isle of Man Green, Marina Bay Blue, and Storm Bay. Inside, customers can choose from four premium Merino leather upholstery colours — Black, Silverstone, Red, and Kyalami Orange — all complemented by M-specific stitching and high-grade trim materials. Each configuration allows owners to tailor the M5 to reflect their individual style, whether they prefer understated elegance or expressive flair.

The New BMW M5 stands as a pinnacle of M engineering — a bold fusion of tradition and innovation, merging unrelenting power with everyday usability and forward-thinking electrification. With its public debut at MY BMW World 2025, BMW reaffirms its commitment to performance, design, and sustainability in equal measure.

The new M5 comes with a recommended retail price of RM1,188,800. Additionally, the BMW Service & Repair Inclusive (BSRI) programme ensures peace of mind with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, along with 5 years / 100,000km of service coverage. For Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), service coverage extends to 6 years with unlimited mileage, while an 8-year high-voltage battery warranty. With BMW Roadside Assistance, customers can receive 24/7 emergency support – including towing, courtesy cars, and hotel accommodation in the event of an unprecedented emergency. 

BMW Group Malaysia has inaugurated its MY BMW World 2025 showcase under the banner “Driven by Legacy, Defined by Progress,” marking a significant occasion with the launch of four new locally assembled models. Among these, the New BMW 218 Gran Coupé Sport emerges as a bold evolution in the brand’s premium compact lineup, combining established heritage with future-forward engineering and design.

Having first debuted in 2020, the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé now enters a new generation, redefining what drivers can expect in terms of performance, technology, and style. The latest iteration of the 218 Gran Coupé Sport presents a compelling statement of individuality, blending expressive aesthetics with digital sophistication and agile dynamics. Purposefully crafted for a new wave of drivers who prioritise self-expression and dynamic engagement behind the wheel, this model asserts itself as a benchmark in the compact premium class.

The vehicle’s exterior reflects a confident and contemporary character, beginning with a redesigned BMW kidney grille featuring vertical and diagonal bars, flanked by Adaptive LED headlights with vertical daytime running lights and anti-glare high beams incorporating a cornering function. These features reinterpret the brand’s iconic four-eyed look in a fresh and modern way. M-inspired design elements continue with vertical air intakes and a split lower air intake that reinforces its broad stance.

Along the side, the car maintains its classic Gran Coupé silhouette, now updated with a revised Hofmeister kink embossed with the number “2,” honouring the model’s lineage. At the rear, the newly contoured sport diffuser and vertical LED taillights create an assertive, grounded aesthetic. Exterior Line Satin Aluminium detailing, high-gloss black mirror caps, and 18-inch Bicolour light alloy wheels complete the vehicle’s athletic profile.

Inside, the 218 Gran Coupé Sport exemplifies BMW’s commitment to luxurious innovation. A three-spoke Sport steering wheel with multifunctional controls anchors the driver-focused cockpit, while the BMW Curved Display—combining a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch control display—dominates the dashboard with sleek precision. Diagonal aluminium trim and ambient lighting amplify the interior’s dynamic flow, supported by “Illuminated” Aluminium Graphite accents and Veganza perforated upholstery.

The updated centre console enhances utility with integrated cup holders, a wireless charging tray, and practical storage compartments, while rear passengers enjoy matching quilted seating and ample comfort. Boot space remains generous at 430 litres, mirroring the previous model’s versatility.

At the heart of the new 218 Gran Coupé Sport lies a thoroughly re-engineered 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine, now operating on the thermodynamically efficient Miller cycle. This updated powertrain delivers a peak output of 156hp and 230Nm of torque, achieving a 0–100 km/h sprint in just 8.6 seconds and a top speed of 230km/h. Coupled with a smooth seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission, the engine not only offers dynamic performance but also improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

The underpinnings of the car have been comprehensively enhanced, featuring a single-joint MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a three-link rear axle. These are joined by highly prestressed stabilisers and optimised axle kinematics to improve steering accuracy, cornering stability, and overall ride comfort. The vehicle also incorporates BMW’s ARB (actuator-related wheel slip limitation) technology, allowing millisecond responses for superior traction under challenging driving conditions. These refinements ensure the 218 Gran Coupé Sport maintains the sharp, responsive dynamics synonymous with BMW’s driving DNA.

Driver assistance features are abundant and come standard. The Driving Assistant suite comprises Lane Change Warning, Speed Limit Info, Rear Crossing Traffic Alert with brake intervention, and Exit Warning. Additional support is offered via Reverse Emergency Braking and Predictive Forward Collision Warning, while low-speed manoeuvres are effortlessly handled by the Parking Assistant, which includes a Reversing Assistant that memorises routes up to 50 metres and a Rear-View Camera.

Technological innovation is deeply integrated throughout the vehicle. BMW Live Cockpit Plus, powered by BMW Operating System 9, provides a smartphone-like interface with real-time widgets, intuitive navigation, and natural voice recognition through the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. With BMW Digital Premium, drivers and passengers can enjoy streaming services and multimedia entertainment directly from the vehicle. BMW Remote Software Upgrades ensure access to the latest system improvements, while BMW Digital Key Plus transforms smartphones into digital keys, providing seamless entry and ignition.

The New BMW 218 Gran Coupé Sport is offered in three exterior colours—Alpine White, Black Sapphire, and Cape York Green—complemented by a refined interior available exclusively in black Veganza Perforated upholstery.

With its forward-thinking design, advanced technology, and dynamic performance, the New BMW 218 Gran Coupé Sport reflects BMW Group Malaysia’s vision for the future of premium mobility, delivering a compelling blend of heritage and innovation at the MY BMW World 2025 showcase.

The BMW 218 Sport has a starting price of RM241,000 (on the road without insurance). Additionally, the BMW Service & Repair Inclusive (BSRI) programme ensures peace of mind with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, along with 5 years / 100,000km of service coverage. For Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), service coverage extends to 6 years with unlimited mileage, while an 8-year high-voltage battery warranty. With BMW Roadside Assistance, customers can receive 24/7 emergency support – including towing, courtesy cars, and hotel accommodation in the event of an unprecedented emergency.

The latest sales figures for the month of May are out and we can now talk about the most and least popular EV models in Malaysia for that month.

Though the top 10 are not surprising, the bottom three are what caught our attention.

The fact that the Leapmotor C10 is right at the bottom with only 13 cars registered comes as no real surprise.

Of all the Chinese brands in Malaysia, Leapmotor is probably the least aggressive when it comes to marketing and the fact that the company is still yet to fix the key card access feature means that more potential buyers will be attracted to other brands that seem to have their products better sorted.

Leapmotor can continue to harp on the ‘Maserati-tuned-handling’ and we admit that it does handle well, but the fact of the matter is, most buyers won’t care about that and will mostly focus on what the car has to offer in terms of features, battery and range. And that key card system is simply put, annoying and needs an urgent fix.

We hear the team is working on it and can’t wait to see what they come up with.

Will the Leapmotor C10 finally be a force to be reckoned with? If they manage to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, then sure it will be considering they just dropped the price of the car to one that is more competitive.

However, the second and third least registered cars for the month of May is what caught our attention. BMW only managed to register 13 iX models and 14 BMW i4’s.

That is quite surprising because there was a time when the iX was really popular if not the most popular premium EV in Malaysia. Are people getting tired of the iX and looking elsewhere? It surely seems like it.

The i4 is another surprise. For its price point, features and range, it should be doing better. But, the car is small with little to no space around the back seats, this limits the type of people who will be attracted to the i4.

Have the mighty really fallen? We don’t think so because 72 units of the BMW iX2 were registered making it the 12th most popular model while 39 units of the BMW i5 (15th place) were registered and 37 units of the BMW iX1 (17th place) found new owners.

BMW’s sub-brand Mini sold 30 units of the JCW EV (18th spot) and the Aceman found 26 homes and captured the 21st spot in the 30 most popular EV’s in Malaysia.

We just have to say that despite its age and global slowdown in demand for its models, the fact that Porsche Malaysia were still able to shift 39 units of the Taycan is commendable.

And the Macan EV is in the list as well with 29 units sold but we just can’t help but wonder what is happening to Mercedes-Benz? The company only sold 23 units of the EQE and it is the only Mercedes model in the list.

So which were the most popular? It comes as no surprise that the Tesla Model Y took top spot as the Juniper model was just recently launched with 985 units registered.

The Juniper stopped the Proton e.MAS 7 run as the most popular EV in Malaysia which was on a charge since January. The e.MAS 7 now sits in second spot.

The BYD Atto 3, Sealion 7 and M6 sealed the 3rd, 4th and 5th spot, which comes as no real surprise either.

The Denza D9 comes in 6th place with 129 units sold, and that is quite surprising since many thought the Zeekr 009 may be the better buy. We don’t think it’s a better buy though and we explain why in this review.

In 7th spot is the Omoda E5 followed by the BYD Seal in 8th then the Zeekr 009 in 9th and the Tesla Model 3 rounds up the 10 most popular EV’s.

Before ending this though, we do have to tip our hats to MG Malaysia for managing to shift 14 units of the Cyberster. That’s no small feat considering the price of the car.

Below is the complete list of the 30 most popular EV’s in Malaysia:

1. Tesla Model Y – 985 units registered
2. Proton e.MAS 7 – 862
3. BYD Atto 3 – 505
4. BYD Sealion 7 – 406
5. BYD M6 – 136
6. Denza D9 – 129
7. Chery Omoda E5 – 116
8. BYD Seal – 94
9. Zeekr 009 – 90
10. Tesla Model 3 – 90
11. XPeng X9 – 77
12. BMW iX2 – 72
13. XPeng G6 – 48
14. Volvo EX90 – 41
15. BMW i5 – 39
16. Porsche Taycan – 39
17. BMW iX1 – 37
18. Mini John Cooper Works – 30
19. Porsche Macan – 29
20. GWM Ora Good Cat 07 – 28
21. Mini Aceman – 26
22. Mercedes Benz EQE – 23
23. MG MG4 – 18
24. Smart #1 and #1 – 16
25. Dong Feng Box E3 – 15
26. Volvo EX30 – 15
27. Zeekr X – 15
28. MG Cyberster – 14
29. BMW i4 – 14
30. BMW iX – 13
31. Leapmotor C10 – 13

The all-electric Leapmotor C10 has arrived in Malaysia with a host of significant upgrades for its 2025 model year, reinforcing its position as one of the most compelling EV options in its segment. Priced at RM125,000, the refreshed model now offers even greater value, coinciding with the brand’s recognition as China’s fastest-growing electric vehicle marque and in celebration of Father’s Day.

Beginning June 2025, the updated C10 is now available at Leapmotor showrooms nationwide. Among the key enhancements is the addition of a new 32-litre front trunk—or ‘frunk’—providing added storage for daily convenience. The vehicle also features a boot tonneau cover to help conceal and protect valuable items stored in the rear cargo area.

Charging capability has been significantly improved, thanks to the introduction of an upgraded 11 kW on-board charger (OBC). This new system replaces the previous 6.6 kW unit and results in a major reduction in AC charging time. Charging from 30% to 80% now takes just four hours, down from six, significantly boosting usability for urban drivers and long-distance commuters alike.

In terms of safety and usability, the C10 now benefits from a newly added Direct Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), offering real-time tyre condition monitoring to alert drivers of any inconsistencies. A motorised tyre inflator pump kit is also included as part of the vehicle’s standard convenience features.

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Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has unveiled a behind-the-scenes look at the development of its all-new LEAF electric vehicle through a newly released three-part video series. The short films highlight the vision and work of the teams behind the planning, design, and engineering of what is described as a truly third-generation electric vehicle.

Having sold nearly 700,000 units globally since the LEAF’s debut in 2010, Nissan has drawn heavily on over a decade of experience and customer feedback in shaping the latest model. Across those years, owners of the pioneering electric vehicle are estimated to have collectively driven close to 28 billion kilometres, providing a rich foundation of data and real-world usage that informed the creation of the next-generation LEAF.

Described by Nissan as one of its core “heartbeat models,” the LEAF remains a symbol of the company’s bold innovation strategy. Since its launch as the first mass-market electric vehicle, it has been a global ambassador of Nissan’s commitment to doing what others shy away from, combining technological innovation with practical design to redefine what an EV can be.

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Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in the country, is celebrating two decades of operations with the launch of an upgraded Triton Athlete. This latest iteration of the brand’s flagship pick-up truck combines refreshed styling with improved practicality, reinforcing its reputation for rugged reliability and dynamic performance.

The enhanced Triton Athlete arrives at a time when Mitsubishi Motors is marking 20 years of presence in the Malaysian market. As part of the celebrations, the company has rolled out a series of exclusive promotions and incentives for customers.

The Triton Athlete, now offered at a revised price of RM159,980 (on-the-road, without insurance, for Peninsular Malaysia), features several design and functional enhancements. These include a more aggressive front bumper garnish that accentuates its commanding presence, a new styling bar that adds to its muscular profile, and a tailgate assist function designed to make loading and unloading more effortless. A decorative body decal also gives the vehicle a distinctive and personalised appearance.

MMM has described the new Triton Athlete as a model that reflects its continued commitment to delivering high-quality, high-performance vehicles tailored to Malaysian drivers. The flagship pick-up has enjoyed sustained popularity in the market, with close to 120,000 units sold since its introduction. The model’s enduring appeal stems from its ability to combine SUV-like refinement with off-road capability and day-to-day usability.

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Chinese carmaker Chery has introduced its latest electric vehicle, the QQ Domi, a compact electric SUV aimed at budget-conscious consumers in China. With pricing starting from only ¥59,900 (around RM38,500), the new model enters the market at a time when competition in China’s electric vehicle (EV) segment continues to heat up.

The QQ Domi is available in two variants. The base version, available at a promotional launch price, offers a driving range of up to 305km on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) and is powered by a 28.5 kWh battery. The extended-range model, priced at ¥69,900 (around RM45,000), increases the driving distance to 405km with a larger 39.33 kWh battery.

With dimensions measuring 3,720mm in length, 1,700mm in width, and 1,608mm in height, the QQ Domi sits in the same class as BYD’s popular Seagull EV, a leading contender in the compact EV space. Despite its small footprint, Chery’s new model offers features typically seen in more premium offerings.

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Maxim E-Hailing has formally submitted its appeal documents to the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), reaffirming its full compliance with regulatory requirements. The company emphasised its dedication to fostering a competitive and fair e-hailing market in Malaysia.

Puan Masita Binti Mat Isa, Deputy Director General of APAD, stated that the agency had received the necessary documents from Maxim and would review the case promptly. She highlighted the importance of a balanced digital economy, noting that a competitive market ensures optimal e-hailing operations.

Maxim confirmed that only licensed drivers are permitted on its platform, ensuring safe, reliable, and comfortable rides for passengers. The company assists prospective drivers in obtaining Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and E-Hailing Vehicle Permit (EVP) licences through partnerships with over 25 driving schools.

Chowdhury Mushfique Ahmed, Head of Legal and Government Relations at Maxim, explained that the company is actively expanding its network of driving schools to expedite the legalisation process. Future plans include increasing driver quotas and offering compensation bonuses to support legal compliance.

To prioritise user safety, Maxim’s app includes an in-built chat function monitored by the service, alongside a real-time trip-tracking feature that allows passengers to share their journey details with family and friends.

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Sime Darby Auto ConneXion-Ford, the exclusive distributor of Ford vehicles in Malaysia, has unveiled a new initiative aimed at transforming the aftersales landscape. The newly launched Ford Mobile Service (FMS) offers customers the convenience of having professional maintenance and light repair services performed at their homes or offices, beginning with a pilot rollout at the Ford Ara Damansara dealership.

This latest offering is part of Auto ConneXion’s broader strategy to enhance customer convenience without compromising on service quality. By allowing Ford owners to book visits from trained technicians who carry out essential services at a location of their choice, FMS eliminates the need for time-consuming trips to the dealership.

Among the services offered are oil changes, battery replacements, filter and wiper changes, and multipoint inspections. Each procedure is carried out using genuine Ford parts and approved tools, ensuring consistency with the standards upheld at authorised service centres.

Auto ConneXion-Ford’s Managing Director, Turse Zuhair, highlighted that the Ford Mobile Service is an extension of the company’s ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction. He explained that the new platform provides owners with the same level of assurance and reliability they have come to expect from in-dealership services, now delivered directly to their doorsteps. The initiative reflects Auto ConneXion’s continuing emphasis on delivering practical and trusted solutions tailored to evolving customer expectations.

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Honda Malaysia has issued a safety recall affecting a total of 87,490 vehicles across multiple models due to two separate fuel pump-related issues. The move, taken as a precautionary measure, is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to customer safety and product reliability.

The majority of the affected vehicles — totalling 84,073 units — are being recalled to address a fault linked to the fuel pump impeller. According to the company, the impeller component may swell after extended exposure to fuel, potentially preventing the vehicle from starting or, in more severe cases, causing the engine to stall during operation. Affected models include several popular Honda vehicles such as the Jazz (2015–2020), Jazz Hybrid (2018), City (2014–2019), City Hybrid (2018–2019), Civic (2017–2018), Accord (2013–2017), BR-V (2017–2018), HR-V (2015–2018), CR-V (2018–2020), and Odyssey (2017–2019).

In a separate but related development, 3,417 additional vehicles — specifically the Civic (2023–2024) and CR-V (2024) — are being recalled to address a possible defect involving the high-pressure fuel pump. Prolonged usage under high stress may result in cracks within the pump, potentially leading to fuel leaks or the presence of fuel odour while the vehicle is either in motion or idling.

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