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BMW Group Malaysia has officially introduced two major additions to its premium vehicle line-up – the all-electric BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport Pro and the locally assembled BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport – as part of an exclusive presentation at The Art of Driving 2025, held in conjunction with one of Malaysia’s premier golf events.

Positioned at the crossroads of innovation and performance, these models reaffirm BMW’s commitment to the principles of Technology Openness and the Power of Choice, enabling customers to select from both petrol and electric mobility solutions. Starting 25 July 2025, the new BMW iX xDrive60 M Sport Pro, BMW iX xDrive45 Sport, and BMW X5 xDrive40i M Sport will be available at authorised BMW dealerships nationwide.

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Two of China’s prominent electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, Neta and Zeekr, are facing increasing scrutiny over allegations of artificially inflating their sales figures, a tactic industry insiders claim distorts market data and misleads consumers.

According to a report by Free Malaysia Today (FMT) citing Reuters, internal documents and dealer testimonies revealed that both automakers engaged in premature vehicle registration by insuring cars before they were sold to actual buyers. This allowed the companies to classify these vehicles as sold under Chinese industry standards, even though they had yet to be delivered.

Between January 2023 and March 2024, Neta reportedly booked 64,719 early vehicle sales using this method, representing more than half of the 117,000 units it claimed to have sold during that period. Zeekr, a premium EV brand under Geely, allegedly employed a similar strategy in late 2024, particularly in the city of Xiamen, working with state-owned Xiamen C&D Automobile.

Though not technically illegal, this practice, known as “zero-mileage used car” sales, has sparked outrage. Vehicles are marked as used due to insurance and registration, but have never been driven by real customers. The practice has emerged in the context of a fierce price war and an overcapacity crisis in the Chinese EV market.

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Subaru Corporation has officially introduced the 2026 Subaru Uncharted, its latest addition to the global battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup. Unveiled in New York City, the Uncharted becomes the third electric model in Subaru’s expanding zero-emissions portfolio, following the Solterra and Trailseeker.

Positioned as a compact crossover, the Uncharted has been engineered to deliver exceptional versatility, seamless driveability, and high-performance attributes distinct to electric vehicles. With this model, Subaru is aiming to cater to a broad spectrum of lifestyles while embracing a forward-looking spirit. The name “Uncharted” underscores the vehicle’s adventurous identity, symbolising its capacity to take drivers and passengers beyond the familiar and into new journeys.

The Uncharted’s exterior design presents a bold, streamlined front fascia, while its compact silhouette is contrasted with rugged and sporty detailing, creating a dynamic and adventurous aesthetic. Inside the cabin, the vehicle features distinctive orange accents and an instrument panel dominated by sharp horizontal lines. The interior layout has been carefully designed to maximise comfort and spaciousness, reinforcing the crossover’s practical and inviting atmosphere.

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Officially established in 1924, Morris Garages, better known as MG, quickly gained a reputation for producing affordable, lightweight sports cars. Iconic models such as the MG TC, MGB, and MG Midget made the brand a household name, particularly in post-war Britain, and helped define the image of the affordable British sports car worldwide.

Over the decades, MG changed hands multiple times. It became part of the Morris Motor Company in 1935, merged into the British Motor Corporation (BMC) in 1952, and later joined British Leyland in 1968, a group that struggled financially for years. 

MG car production ceased in 1980, although the brand was occasionally revived throughout the 1990s and early 2000s under various ownerships, including the Rover Group and MG Rover. However, in 2005, MG Rover collapsed, leaving the brand’s future uncertain.

Following the bankruptcy, two major Chinese carmakers, Nanjing Automobile Group and SAIC Motor Corporation, expressed interest in acquiring MG’s assets. That same year, Nanjing Automobile successfully purchased MG Rover’s assets, including the MG brand and the historic Longbridge factory in Birmingham, England. 

In 2007, SAIC Motor, China’s largest automaker, merged with Nanjing Automobile, effectively taking full control of MG and its legacy. SAIC maintained a British presence by continuing limited research and development at the Longbridge site.

Under SAIC’s leadership, MG underwent a complete transformation. The brand moved away from its classic roadsters and adopted a modern product lineup focused on SUVs, family cars, and electric vehicles. 

Notable models include the MG ZS and ZS EV, the MG HS, the all-electric MG4 hatchback, and the Cyberster roadster, reviving MG’s sporty heritage in electrified form. 

With this new direction, MG has expanded into multiple global markets, including the UK, Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

In May 2025, MG Malaysia formally announced the retail price of its all-electric MGS5 EV, setting it at RM115,900 for the COM variant, RM125,900 for the COM Long Range, and RM135,900 for the LUX Long Range. 

This came shortly after its public debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025, where the company initially hinted at a starting price of RM115,000 and offered exclusive incentives to early adopters.

Fast Charging at Its Finest

The MGS5 EV is available in three trim levels: COM, COM Long Range, and LUX Long Range. The LUX variant comes with a 62 kWh battery and delivers a claimed range of up to 430 km. On paper, these are impressive numbers, but we wanted to put them to the test in the real world.

We set out on a drive from Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan, Pahang, a journey of around 263km, typically taking three hours. When we started the trip, the battery was at over 90%, and the system indicated a 400km range. This led us to believe that with a full charge, it could indeed achieve the stated 430km.

What we didn’t account for, however, were our unscheduled stops, including lunch and a visit to GLO Durian Farm, which made a quick charging session necessary. 

Fortunately, the MGS5 EV supports DC fast charging, capable of going from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes. When we stopped to charge at around 30% battery, it took only 15 minutes to reach 80%, more than enough to shoot us to our final destination (no pun intended).

For those looking to maximise range, the car offers adjustable regenerative braking settings. This proved incredibly helpful on our return journey to Kuala Lumpur, where energy conservation was critical.

Power and Precision

Our route to GLO Durian Farm took us through steep, off-road terrain riddled with mud, gravel, and uneven surfaces. Initially, we were skeptical of the MGS5 EV’s ability to handle such conditions. Despite being a rear-wheel drive SUV, the vehicle surprised us by climbing the hill with remarkable ease and stability.

The MGS5 EV features a rear-wheel drive layout with a five-link independent rear suspension, providing confident and composed handling. Its DP-EPS electronic steering system and XDS cornering dynamic control further contribute to agile maneuverability. The 47:53 front-to-rear weight distribution enhances overall balance, making it surprisingly capable on challenging surfaces.

Performance-wise, the MGS5 EV delivers 170PS and 250Nm of torque, with a 0-100km/h time of 8.0 seconds, more than adequate for a family SUV. On the highway, the car feels far from sluggish. It does not have the instant torque jolt of more aggressive EVs, it delivers a smooth power curve and reaches a top speed of 175km/h, which is impressive for its segment.

Stability and Safety

Even at high speeds, the MGS5 EV maintains impressive stability and comfort. It is engineered to meet Euro NCAP five-star safety standards, with a cage-like structure made from 77% high-strength steel and up to 47% ultra-high-strength steel. 

Reinforced crash beams and a hot-formed cross beam provide additional protection for both occupants and the battery.

In terms of active safety, the MGS5 EV is equipped with 16 ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) sub-functions, covering a wide range of driving scenarios. These include Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Intelligent Headlamp Control (IHC), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), and various lane-keeping and driver-monitoring systems.

For passive safety, the vehicle includes seven airbags as standard, including a centre airbag that enhances occupant protection in the event of a side impact.

Physical Controls in a Digital Age

While most modern EVs rely solely on touchscreen controls, even for basic functions like adjusting air-conditioning, the MGS5 EV stands out by including physical buttons and switches. This not only improves ease of use but also reduces driver distraction.

The interior features a 12.8-inch central touchscreen, a layered dashboard design, and a clearly laid-out physical control panel. 

It is equipped with a flat-top-and-bottom 3-spoke steering wheel, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a rotary gear knob, and a wireless charging pad.

The Voice You’ll Never Forget

Not everything is perfect. The wireless charging pad was somewhat slow and tended to overheat the phone. Using the USB ports located under the armrest proved more efficient.

But the most frustrating thing with the car during our journey was the speed limit warning chime. This audible alert triggered every two minutes, and there was no way to disable it. MG has since confirmed that an upcoming software update will allow users to mute this feature, something we look forward to, as the repeated warnings became quite bothersome over a long trip.

Worth the Extra Ringgit?

At RM135,900 for the top-spec LUX Long Range, the MGS5 EV is slightly more expensive than some competitors. However, considering the well-rounded feature set, thoughtful design, and impressive performance, the added cost feels justified. 

You’re not just paying for an electric vehicle; you’re paying for comfort, usability, and peace of mind on the road.

Specifications:

MGS5 EV LUX Long Range

Price: RM135,900

Motors: Single Rear Motor

Power: 170PS and 250Nm

Battery: 62 kWh Blade LFP

Range: 430km (WLTP)

Charging: 150kW DC / 7kW AC

We like: Physical controls

We don’t like: Speed limit warning

Jaecoo Malaysia has launched its latest model, the Jaecoo J8, strengthening its position as a rising contender in the SUV segment. As the fourth addition to the brand’s local portfolio, the new flagship model is engineered to deliver a blend of luxury and off-road capability.

The Jaecoo J8 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection inline-four engine, generating 246hp and 385Nm of torque. Mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and twin exhaust outlets, the powertrain promises both responsiveness and efficiency, underscoring the vehicle’s dual-purpose design for both city driving and more demanding terrains.

Buyers will have the choice between two distinct variants. The Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) version, configured with five seats, offers ample boot space at 738 litres, catering to families and individuals seeking everyday practicality. The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) variant, on the other hand, introduces a more rugged six-seater configuration, enhanced by Jaecoo’s Continuous Damping Control (CDC) suspension system, which adapts to changing road conditions for improved ride quality. The AWD version is also capable of handling harsher environments, with a wading depth of up to 450mm, highlighting its off-road credentials.

Inside, the Jaecoo J8 is equipped with advanced technology and comfort-focused features that elevate the driving experience. Both variants come equipped with a 12.3-inch media display and a 540-degree panoramic camera system, providing superior visibility and convenience. The 2WD model is furnished with a 12-speaker Sony audio system, ambient interior lighting, and faux leather upholstery, in addition to six airbags to ensure occupant safety.

The AWD variant takes the luxury offering further with a 14-speaker Sony system that includes headrest speakers, as well as 10 airbags for heightened safety assurance. It also adds premium touches such as genuine leather seats, suede interior panels, powered door operations, and an integrated automatic fragrance system.

Convenience is enhanced across the board with features such as Near Field Communication (NFC) for contactless vehicle access, ventilated front seats, a built-in digital video recorder (DVR), and automatic parking assistance. Passenger comfort receives a further boost through electronically adjustable front and second-row seats, which come with built-in massage functions and privacy-enhancing curtain shades, particularly in the AWD model.

Jaecoo Malaysia has priced the J8 competitively, with the 2WD variant retailing at RM178,800 and the AWD six-seater version at RM198,800. The 2WD version is available in understated single-tone finishes, including Carbon Crystal Black, Khaki White, and Olive Grey. In contrast, the AWD variant offers a bolder appearance through dual-tone colour schemes of the same hues.

It comes with seven years vehicle warranty or 150,000km, or whichever comes first. For bookings placed up to 21 July 2025, you get one year free insurance coverage, 10 years engine warranty or unlimited kilometres, whichever comes first.

With the introduction of the J8, Jaecoo aims to attract discerning buyers seeking a premium SUV that does not compromise on performance, comfort, or versatility. The model’s launch reflects Jaecoo Malaysia’s continued commitment to delivering high-value vehicles that meet the evolving demands of the local market.

The All-New Proton X50 has captured the attention of Malaysians nationwide, with 5,000 bookings recorded within just 10 days of opening its order books on 5 July. The overwhelming response follows a highly successful nationwide prelaunch tour that brought the new SUV to major city attractions, where eager onlookers turned up in droves for a glimpse of Proton’s latest B-segment contender.

According to Proton, one booking for the All-New X50 is received every three minutes. This impressive rate reflects a 50 per cent take-up of the early bird promotion, which offers a RM1,000 cash rebate, a special edition Touch ‘n Go card, and an exclusive GEMPAK! Deal. These incentives are reserved for the first 10,000 customers, with only half of that number still available.

The full pricing structure of the All-New X50 will be disclosed during its official launch event, scheduled for the evening of 24 July. Ahead of that, Proton has announced that public test drives will commence at showrooms nationwide from 19 July, giving potential buyers the opportunity to experience the vehicle’s performance and features first-hand.

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