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BYD Introduces 2026 Qin L DM-i with 2,148km of Driving Range!

BYD has unveiled the 2026 Qin L DM-i, its latest plug-in hybrid sedan that brings a series of updates to interior controls, digital connectivity, and fuel efficiency. The new model delivers a pure-electric range of 128 km and achieves a remarkable NEDC-rated fuel consumption of 2.79 L/100 km, with a total driving range of 2,148 km. Two variants are available, priced between 92,800 yuan (around RM60,700) and 102,800 yuan (around RM67,200) during the launch period.

The 2026 Qin L DM-i continues to express BYD’s “New National Trend Dragon Face” design philosophy. The front fascia has been refined with a wide lower grille and sleek headlights connected by upward “dragon whisker” LED elements, adding visual width and a distinct character. The overall design maintains the sedan’s aerodynamic balance while giving it a more polished, modern appearance.

Inside, the cabin adopts a cleaner and more practical layout. The traditional gear lever has been replaced with a column-mounted selector, freeing up space on the centre console. The new DiLink100 infotainment system introduces an enhanced interface with features such as a pet-themed display mode and an integrated karaoke system that functions without a microphone. Navigation is now more intuitive—drivers can sync destinations from their smartphones using a long-press drag or even a shake gesture. Music subscriptions can also be shared seamlessly between the car’s system and the user’s mobile device, creating a connected digital environment.’

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Xpeng Unveils Extended-Range X9 MPV with 1,602km Driving Range

Xpeng has introduced the extended-range version of its X9, a seven-seater mid-to-large MPV that combines long-distance capability with modern electric performance. While maintaining the familiar form of the fully electric X9, the new version features minor design updates and adds a range-extending powertrain that significantly boosts total driving distance. The new model will officially launch in the fourth quarter of 2025.

At the core of the new X9 is Xpeng’s Kunpeng super-extended-range system, which pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged range extender (DAM15NTE) producing 148hp with a high-capacity 63.3kWh battery pack. The vehicle operates on an 800V high-voltage platform and supports 5C ultra-fast charging.

Under CLTC testing, it offers 452km of pure electric range and an impressive combined range of 1,602km. Official figures list combined fuel consumption at 0.15L/100km, or 6.4L/100km under certain conditions, highlighting its efficiency.

The exterior design largely mirrors the electric X9, with a few refinements. It adopts a split headlight layout complemented by three-stage LED daytime running lights and a closed front grille flanked by vertical air intakes. A new Aurora Blue exterior colour joins the range, while the front bumper incorporates an active dual-stage cooling system for improved aerodynamics.

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Government Tightens Speed Limiter Enforcement for Heavy Vehicles

The Ministry of Transport has intensified its efforts to improve road safety, issuing 4,295 notices to heavy vehicle owners to verify the installation of Speed Limiter Devices (SLD). The initiative forms part of the government’s ongoing campaign to curb accidents involving commercial and heavy vehicles caused by excessive speeding.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the verification process is crucial in ensuring that all affected vehicles meet mandatory safety requirements. Vehicle owners who receive a notice are required to confirm that their SLD has been installed and return to the Road Transport Department (JPJ) within 14 days for inspection and approval. Those who comply within the given timeframe will not face any penalties.

He explained that enforcement activities have already produced positive results, with more heavy vehicle operators now adhering to the installation requirement. The government’s continued oversight, he said, has encouraged stronger compliance across the industry.

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Proton Expands After-Sales Network in Sabah as X50 Retains Its Lead

Proton continues to dominate Malaysia’s SUV market, with the all-new Proton X50 maintaining its position at the top in September with 2,994 units sold, despite the extended holiday period. The strong demand reinforces the model’s popularity nationwide and highlights Proton’s need to strengthen its customer support infrastructure, particularly in East Malaysia.

To meet the growing ownership base, Proton is expanding its after-sales network in Sabah by enhancing the operations of its Regional Parts Centre (RPC) in Kota Kinabalu. The facility plays a key role as the brand’s main logistics and distribution hub for East Malaysia, ensuring that spare parts reach dealers and service centres quickly and efficiently. Urgent orders can now be fulfilled within 24 hours, while regular stock replenishments take just two days — a clear step forward in supporting the increasing number of Proton vehicles on the road.

The 28,000-square-foot centre, located in Inanam, was set up last year to streamline Proton’s parts distribution network in the region. It processes up to 20 containers each month and can handle six containers simultaneously. With an inventory capable of sustaining three to three-and-a-half months of supply, the RPC maintains healthy stock levels to keep pace with service demands. Its ability to receive direct imports further strengthens Proton’s logistics chain, particularly for Sabah and northern Sarawak.

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Porsche Working on New W18 Engine Design

Porsche has filed a new patent for a W18 engine — an engine with 18 cylinders, which is more than any engine currently in production. The patent, discovered by CarBuzz, was filed with the World Intellectual Property Organization and shows Porsche’s latest effort to make engines that are powerful but still efficient.

This new W18 engine is different from older “W” engines used by brands like Bentley and Bugatti under the Volkswagen Group. Those older designs were basically two V-shaped engines combined. Porsche’s new idea uses three separate cylinder banks, each with six cylinders, forming a real W shape.

The design could be changed easily. Porsche says it could also be built as a W12 (12 cylinders), W9 (9 cylinders), or even a W15 (15 cylinders) depending on what’s needed for different cars — from luxury SUVs to supercars.

Each cylinder bank has its own air intake system on top, which helps the engine breathe better and stay cooler. The air flows straight down into the engine, reducing resistance and improving performance. The exhaust system is designed to keep the intake air cool, which also increases power and efficiency.

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Proton e.MAS 7 Launched in Mauritius – Priced From RM157,153!

Big news from Proton International Corporation (PICSB)! They’ve officially rolled out the Proton e.MAS 7 in Mauritius.

This is kind of a big deal, as it makes Mauritius the fourth international spot to get Proton’s very first electric vehicle (EV). It’s only been about ten months since the car first launched in Malaysia, and it just recently helped Proton get back into the Singapore market, too. Clearly, the e.MAS 7 is already a hit—it’s now Proton’s third best-selling export model, right behind the classic Saga and the popular X50.

A Big Step for Proton’s EV Plan:
Launching the e.MAS 7 in new countries is a huge move for Proton. It really shows they’re serious about growing internationally and leading the charge in New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). PROTON is quickly becoming a major EV player in the region, and the demand proves it! They’ve delivered over 6,500 units both at home and abroad since the car debuted.

This whole expansion plan is powered by Proton’s smart investments in electrification. They built a brand-new EV plant in Malaysia that can pump out up to 45,000 EVs a year. That facility is key to Proton’s goal of hitting 250,000 export units over the next few years and helping the world move toward sustainable driving.

Partnership and Power
PROTON’s been working with their trusted partner, Autonexx, for over 35 years in Mauritius, and this EV launch is just the latest success story. They both share the same goal: making electric mobility the future in Mauritius.

So, what about the car itself? The e.MAS 7 is offered in two variants in Mauritius—Prime and Premium. It’s offered with the same 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating and shares the same specifications too.

It can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.1 seconds. The electric drive unit packs a punch with 214hp of power and 320 Nm of torque.

It runs on advanced AEGIS Short Blade battery cells, and its 60.22 kWh battery gives you a WLTP-rated range of 410 km.

To make going electric worry-free, PROTON is offering a comprehensive warranty of 6 years or 150,000 km for the car, and an 8-year or 160,000 km warranty for the high-voltage battery and components.

To celebrate the arrival, Proton Mauritius is offering an awesome early-bird promotion for the first 30 customers!

• The e.MAS 7 Prime is priced at Rs 1,690,000 (on the road, excluding insurance) (RM157,153) and comes with a free wallbox charger and a free e.motion card.
• The Premium version is Rs 1,850,000 (on the road, excluding insurance) (RM172,031) and includes the free wallbox charger and e.motion card, plus five years of free servicing (or up to 150,000 km).

If you are wondering why the Proton e.MAS 7 is much more expensive in Mauritius than in Malaysia, well that is because of the heavy taxation and excise duties that the government imposes on imported cars, something like what they Malaysian government does. Up to 100% in certain cases. On top of that, there is also a further 15% value added tax imposed.