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BMW Group Malaysia has introduced the All-New BMW X3, which will be locally-assembled (CKD) for the first time in the country, allowing its price to be RM320,000. This demonstrates BMW Group Malaysia’s commitment to growing its investments here in Malaysia, a move that further emphasises Malaysia as the hub for the BMW Group in South East Asia.

Mr. Harald Hoelzl, (above) Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia said, “Today, we celebrate a new generation of the BMW X3, which in the history of the premium automotive industry, is the creator of the mid-sized premium SAV segment in 2003. This is a perfect example on the BMW belief that the best way to predict the future is to create it. With over two generations of the BMW X3, we have delivered more than 1.5 million vehicles to lead the segment all over the world. Today, the All-New BMW X3 is set to continue to write the next chapter in BMW’s success story in the premium segment.”

 

Hoelzl added that with over 1,000 units already delivered in 2018, the BMW X Family is enjoying a significant 39% growth in Malaysia, compared to the same period last year. Driving this performance is The Boss – the BMW X5, and the First-Ever BMW X2. Now, with the All-New BMW X3, BMW Group Malaysia looks forward to pushing the BMW X Family further this year.

 

“For the very first time, the independent and passionate BMW X3 is made available from launch as a locally assembled vehicle to offer our customers here a wider choice and availability of products as well as a differentiation, option and a mix from our offering of fully imported models in the premium sports activity vehicle segment,” Hoelzl said.

Overall, BMW Group Malaysia delivered 3,000 BMW, MINI and Motorrad vehicles in the first quarter of 2018, charting an impressive 15% growth compared to the same period last year with 2,600 vehicles delivered. In the details, the BMW brand saw an 18% growth in deliveries with over 2,500 new vehicles in the first quarter of 2018 (Q12017: 2,100 vehicles).

MINI, meanwhile, grew by 6% – delivering over 220 vehicles compared to the same period in 2017 where 200 vehicles were delivered. While BMW Motorrad grew by 2% in the first quarter of 2018 with close to 260 motorcycles delivered to customers.

The new locally-assembled BMW X3 is priced at RM320,000 (OTR w/o insurance)

More on the new BMW X3…

The All-New BMW X3 now sports an even more striking and dynamic design language, boasting class leading driving systems and dynamics – all of which attribute to All-New BMW X3’s independent spirit. “It is only fair that the All-New BMW X3 is called The Independent in the BMW X Family,” Hoelzl said.

The All-New BMW X3 is introduced in the variant of the BMW X3 xDrive30i Luxury. The dynamic handling qualities of the All-New BMW X3 are rooted in its ideal 50:50 weight distribution, its meticulously honed chassis and the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, which made its debut in 2003 when the first generation of the BMW X3 was launched.

Sharper Design with Distinctive Looks.

The All-New BMW X3 elevates the already bold dynamic design language of its predecessor to new, even more eye-catching territory. The third generation of the pioneering premium mid-sized Sports Activity Vehicle treads a familiar BMW X family path in combining rugged off-road looks with sporting presence. The exterior dimensions of the All-New BMW X3 may be largely unchanged, but its five-centimetre-longer wheelbase, long bonnet and short front overhang with even more finely balanced proportions – which emphasise the perfect 50:50 distribution of weight between the front and rear axle – give it the edge over its predecessor.

At the front end, the “three-dimensional” kidney grille treatment and foglamps featuring a hexagonal design for the very first time on a BMW X model, underline the confident character of the All-New BMW X3. The SAV features LED headlights with low-beam and high-beam, side lights and cornering lights. The All-New BMW X3 also features high-beam assistant which switches head lights to high beam automatically when needed. The underbody protection in Frozen Grey and high-gloss Chrome. The All-New BMW X3 sits on 19” light alloy wheels Double Spoke bicolour Ferric Grey.

Moving to the rear, the light clusters (whose three-dimensional look in full-LED guise give them significant visual impact), markedly downward-sloping roof spoiler and twin exhaust tailpipes bring matters to a suitably muscular conclusion. The cargo space offers versatility as it can be expanded from 550 litres to 1,600 litres when the seats are folded down. The Comfort Access with contactless boot operation allows for added user-convenience with keyless access to the vehicle, including contactless access to the tailgate.

Supreme Driving Pleasure, Exceptional Efficiency.

The cutting-edge BMW TwinPower Turbo 2.0 in-line four-cylinder petrol engine sits at the heart of the All-New BMW X3, which comprises of TwinScroll turbocharging, High Precision Injection, Double-VANOS variable camshaft control and Valvetronic fully variable valve timing. With an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, the All-New BMW X3 is capable of sprinting from 0-100km in 6.3 seconds at a top speed of 240 km/h. The All-New BMW X3 is capable of generating a maximum output of 252hp and 350Nm of torque, offering supreme driving pleasure with exceptional efficiency. For the full spec sheet, click here: BMW X3 Spec Sheet_Peninsular Malaysia

With the intelligent lightweight construction, the All-New BMW X3 is up to 55kg lighter than its predecessor, which translates to superior dynamic performance and outstanding efficiency. With that in mind, the All-New BMW X3 also has the lowest aerodynamics with a Cd factor of 0.29. The lower the factor, the less drag the body will induce. As a result, a balance between a dynamic yet efficient design is achieved.

Furthermore, the standard Driving Experience Control switch allows the driver choose between various configurations – i.e. ECO PRO, COMFORT, SPORT and SPORT+ modes, all of which are designed to make the vehicle more dynamic, more comfortable or more efficient to drive.

Perfect Off-Road Prowess.

The dynamic handling qualities of the All-New BMW X3 are rooted in its ideal 50:50 weight distribution, its meticulously honed chassis and the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Not only has the system been offering superior grip on slippery surfaces ever since, it has had a beneficial effect on driving dynamics, too. It is interlinked with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) meaning that the power split between all four wheels can be constantly varied to always produce the handling characteristics for which BMW is renowned, even when the driver is pressing on. Complementing the off-road capabilities of the All-New BMW X3 is Hill Descent Control which helps maintain the SAV at a steady pace when driving down a steep incline.

 

Comfort-Oriented Interior with a Luxurious Ambience.

The interior of the All-New BMW X3 follows BMW tradition with its driver-focused and ergonomically optimised cockpit layout and carries over many aspects of the car’s exterior design. For instance, hexagonal forms and precise, bevelled edges play a central role in the interior. The interior displays exceptional material quality, fit and finishing, and impresses functionality-wise. One example here is the well-thought-out storage concept, which offers more storage space than ever before and ensures it is easier to access as well as galvanised plating on the air conditioning, audio and steering controls which is luxury to the sight and touch within the premium vehicle.

Evidence of the attention to detail lavished by the designers on the interior of the All-New BMW X3 includes the exclusive BMW X embossing which is highly visible on the B-pillar, enter console and rear door trim. Partially hidden BMW X embossing can also be spotted between the front door and dashboard end.

Upon entering the All-New BMW X3, the driver will be welcomed into the Leather Vernasca with contrast stitching sports seat, with padded side bolsters and eye-catching shoulder section. The dashboard is also set low to offer the distinctive “Command Position”, leaving the driver with a feeling of being in control with a good all-round vision.

With the Luxury Line, the All-New BMW X3 offers leather upholstery, a Sensatec-covered instrument panel with contrast stitching and Dark Oak fine wood interior trim strips with accent strip in Pearl Chrome. The All-New BMW X3 also comes with 6 ambient light colours tones (orange, lilac, mint, bronze, blue and white) with selectable contour and mood lighting.

The All-New BMW X3 also features a rear camera, with Park Distance Control which provides an acoustic and visual (distance only) warning of the obstacle behind the vehicle. To assist the driver further, the Parking Assistant aids with automatic parking into parallel and lateral parking spaces.

Technology and Communication.

In the All-New BMW X3, the new Multifunctional instrument display with Black Panel technology replaces the traditional gauge cluster which has been a common fixture in the page. Besides displaying a breadth of information such as navigation, the three different driving modes – ECO PRO, COMFORT, and SPORT – and their specific displays have their own colour scheme and graphic style.

The 10.25-inch Central Information Display is located above the instrument panel of the All-New BMW X3 with touch control functionality, providing a quick overview of the most pertinent information and offers users intuitive access. With the BMW ConnectedDrive, owners will have seamless connectivity to their car and the world outside. To further enhance driver experience, the All-New BMW X3 also comes with the Welcome Light Carpet, creating a sophisticated atmosphere when approaching the vehicle.

In terms of external colour offering, the All-New BMW X3 offers new and bold colours of Terra Brown, Black Sapphire, Glacier Silver and Alpine White. On the interior, the Leather Vernasca Black is best paired with Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Glacier Silver and Terra Brown; whereas the Leather Vernasca Mokka is best paired with Alpine White and Black Sapphire. The All-New BMW X3 will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from Wednesday, 25th April 2018*, with deliveries commencing in July 2018*.

 

Complete Premium Ownership Experience.

Customers of the All-New BMW X3 can also experience the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

  • BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program.
  • BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Program for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services.
  • BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline.
  • The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card.
  • BMW Service Online.

Full BMW X3 Press Release in Bahasa Malaysia & Chinese here:

Siaran Akhbar – BMW Group Malaysia Perkenalkan BMW X3 Terbaharu

媒体资讯 – 大马BMW集团推出全新BMW X3

 

New BMW X3 Photo Gallery…

Auto Trader, one of the UK’s biggest online marketplaces for new and used cars, has published a list of the top 10 most searched vehicles of this past year. The results were based on users who searched through Auto Trader’s online portal for their desired vehicles in 2017.

The results portray a very interesting story, and despite the unstable economic situation, Brexit and the dieselgate saga, premium vehicles are still in high demand. At the top of the list is the BMW 3 Series, thanks to youthful styling, peppy turbocharged engines and a slew of tech features, it was the most desired car of the year.

Finishing second, was the Volkswagen Golf. The Mack Daddy of family hatchbacks was very popular among visitors but not enough to be crowned king of the hill. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class came in a respectable third place, just edging out another stalwart, the Ford Focus.

Following is the top ten list of most searched vehicles:

1. BMW 3 SERIES

2. VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

3. MERCEDES-BENZ C CLASS

4. FORD FOCUS

5. BMW 1 SERIES

6. BMW 5 SERIES

7. FORD FIESTA

8. AUDI A3

9. MERCEDES-BENZ E CLASS

10. VAUXHALL ASTRA

Ivan Aistrop, Road Test Editor at Auto Trader, said, “In fact, if you look at the list of most searched-for diesel cars, you’ll see it contains more premium products than for any other fuel type, suggesting that diesel cars are still desirable for buyers despite recent negative press coverage.”

Apart from this, Auto Trader also came out with a list of the most searched for electric cars. Dominating the list was Nissan’s Leaf due in part to its sensible styling, conventional knobs and switchgear as well as its ‘down to earth’ method of operation. Tesla’s Model S was placed much lower than expected, finishing in 9th place, just ahead of the Vauxhall Ampera.

The influx of efficient and advanced electric cars in the next few years, could mean that an EV, not a petrol or diesel car, will take the No.1 spot for next year’s Top 10. Overwhelming demand for vehicles like the newly launched Tesla Model 3 may relegate today’s most wanted petrol cars to the bottom section of the 2018 list.

A trip to the workshop has become a little less cumbersome for BMW owners in the UK. The reason for this is rather revolutionary, because BMW Group UK has launched a new digital shop, allowing customers to purchase BMW and MINI Parts, accessories and lifestyle products online.

Those wanting a certain part for their vehicle, need only select their vehicle model or enter their VIN number online, to browse the automaker’s online parts’ inventory. This can be done with any web browser on a computer or mobile device.

BMW and MINI customers with a myBMW account can access this service easily by using the same login credentials as other BMW services such as ConnectedDrive. Once the desired product/part/accessory has been selected, customers can choose their preferred collection point as well (BMW retailer).

Adding to this impressive service, customers will also be able to track their items while in transit to the desired location. Payments for items that are purchased online can be made using PayPal, 3D Secure credit and debit cards.

The BMW Group and its subsidiary brands have a slew of products on offer ranging from lifestyle apparel to Motorsport memorabilia. MINI has one of the most extensive product portfolios of the lot with a collection that spans articles of clothing to bags, cases and other items.

Unlike many automakers, BMW believes that the relationship between it and a customer doesn’t end once the keys are handed over. Instead, they believe that its a lifelong bond that is cultivated by allowing customers to own more than just a set of wheels.

As useful as this service is, it seems to only be available for customers in the UK. But we are sure that many Malaysians would appreciate having such a service in our country as well. It would require a lot less effort to source for parts if BMW Malaysia is able lend us a helping hand.

BMW’s latest Z4 will be showcased in concept form at the upcoming Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach, which will take place soon. This is a sports car that is of significant importance to the brand. And compared to the previous Z4, this one is bound to turn heads.

It still has the same traits of its predecessor but this time, BMW has broken convention in terms of design. The new Z4 has an angular headlight design that stretches towards the car’s fenders. The twin kidney grilles are larger and are more pronounced than before as well as feature more complicated fin design.

This low-slung look give the front fascia more depth. As a result, the car’s silhouette seems to make an arc as it stretches towards the windscreen. The front splitter takes on a racing-like design with the centre carbon bit forming a v pattern that integrates with the front fascia’s side pods.

Based on the side profile, the Z4 has a simpler and more angular shape reminiscent of the Lexus LFA, which is a good thing. The creases at the top that stretch from the front fender and tapers towards the rear, they provide the illusion of a continuous single stroke design.

Then there’s the double bubble roll over guards that are both aesthetically pleasing and should offer a good amount of protection in the event of an accident. The colour complements that of the 20-inch alloy wheels which still retain BMW’s unique fork pattern.

As for the rear, it’s as minimalist as things can get. Long and narrow LED taillights flank both sides of the boot lid which also has an integrate boot spoiler. The rear bumper is quite large though and we doubt that this will actually be used for the production version.

As a whole, BMW says that it took various design elements from several of its more notable models including the Z8 and 328 Mille Miglia. And as such, the Z4’s design is a culmination of all the best lines and curves that have been penned by the automaker’s best designers.

On the inside, the cockpit incorporates the same basic design of current BMW sports cars but feature a more minimalist look thanks to an LCD meter panel and consolidated instrument panel that also houses the iDrive infotainment system.

No exact specifications have been revealed especially when it comes to the powertrain. But we won’t be surprised if BMW choose to include some form of electrification to help boost power yet retaining respectable fuel consumption figures.

The BMW Group, which is comprised of the BMW, BMW Motorrad, MINI and Rolls Royce brands, has announced its recent sales figures. And based on these numbers, we can say that the Bavarian automaker has had a decent run so far.

Compared to the same period last year, the company has managed to sell 1,401,551 vehicles in the first seven months of 2017. This is a 4.3% increase compared to the previous year and in July’17 alone, sales increased by 0.4%.

Speaking of the achievement, Dr Ian Robertson, Management Board Member for Sales and Brand BMW, said, “Following a record first half-year, our sales in July remain at a very high level, with profitability our primary focus.”

He added, “Despite continuing headwinds in the USA, as well as the model changeover of the BMW X3 and the BMW 5 Series in China, we were still able to achieve last year’s high sales levels, due to our policy of balanced global sales growth.”

July also happens to be a great month for the sales of BMW’s electrified vehicles. And since the beginning of the year the company was able to deliver more than 50,000 BMW i, BMW iPerformance and electrified MINI vehicles. This is a 74.8% increase compared to the same period last year.

Currently, there are total of nine electrified vehicles that are made by BMW. This product portfolio and the fact that it has sold a record number of such vehicle this year has made the automaker the 3rd biggest BEV/PHEV manufacturer in the world.

Supporting this notion is the fact that the i3 has been the company’s best selling compact battery-electric vehicle in the premium segment since 2014. These figures are expected to improve even further as car buyers around the world begin to embrace electrified vehicles as the future of personal mobility.

That said, we shall have to wait and see if these sales figures are affected in anyway by the introduction of Tesla’s affordable family sedan – the Model 3. Touted as the affordable Model S, Tesla hopes to reach a much larger customer base with this relatively inexpensive yet premium EV.

The Thermal Club has announced that it will display the only street-legal BMW M1 Procar in existence for viewing at the 26th Annual McCall’s Motorworks Revival. Taking the experience a step further, it is also offering a virtual reality track experience during the same period, giving visitors a glimpse into what the car’s like on the track.

In case you hadn’t heard, the Thermal Club is a premier private motorsports country club that offers exceptional driving experience programmes to its exclusive membership. It operates on a 344 acre facility in the California desert.

It’s home to luxurious villas, three different tracks, a club house, fuel station as well as a tuning shop for repair and maintenance. Basically, its a motorsports enthusiast’s dream getaway. and if you would like to know more, click on the following link: The Thermal Club

Guests of the Motorworks Revival event will get to experience an immersive 360-degree virtual reality ride-along offering a lap around two of the club’s Alan Wilson-designed tracks. Apart from that, they will also get a virtual tour of the race shop, driver lounge, clubhouse, restaurant and a track-side villa.

“We look forward to bringing a piece of racing history and a state-of-the-art virtual tour of our club to this exclusive event,” said The Thermal Club Founder Tim Rogers. “Enthusiasts from around the globe head to Monterey Car Week to celebrate automotive history and enjoy the incredible amenities around the Peninsula.”

https://youtu.be/0otaFEBoAQk

https://youtu.be/bclWQp7jUH0

BMW produced a total of 40 of these M1 Procars, which competed in a championship support series during the 1979 and 1980 Formula One seasons. The 1979 car that is on display was restored by Bruce Canepa, a renowned racing driver.

The event is said to also feature an amazing display of rare cars, coveted racers, private jets, vintage airplanes, live music and fine cuisine. The Motorworks Revival proceeds benefit the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation.

BMW has revealed that alongside the development of the new 8 Series, the automaker’s engineers are also working on the M version of the car. The fully camouflaged prototype will make an appearance as a driving presentation, which is part of the support programme for the Nürburgring 24-hour race.

“The conception and development of the standard BMW 8 Series and the M model run in parallel,” explains Frank van Meel, President BMW M Division. The future BMW M8 will build on the genes of the 8 Series and augment its DNA with added track ability and generous extra portions of dynamic sharpness, precision and agility. It all flows into a driving experience that bears the familiar BMW M hallmarks and satisfies our customers’ most exacting requirements.”

The car is said to feature classic M design features which include large air intakes, modified brakes and a sports exhaust with four tailpipes. The M8 will also be the base on which BMW will build their M8 GTE race car that will spearhead the German automaker’s charge for the Le Mans title.

Development has already begun with the hopes of a debut sometime this year, but the car will only enter competitive racing next year beginning with the Daytona 24 Hours.

Take a look at the picture gallery below for a basic idea of what the M8 might eventually look like. We know its not much to go on, but something is better than nothing.

During BMW’s annual general meeting, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Harald Krüger, announced that the automaker would be introducing a new concept car. Considered to be a design study, it will be unveiled at this year’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on 26 May 2017.

The concept car will provide a glimpse into what the new BMW 8 Series Coupe would look like when it eventually is revealed in 2018. According to the Munich based automaker, the new car “embodies uncompromising dynamics and contemporary luxury – the essence of a modern BMW coupe”.

Speaking of the new concept car, Krüger said, “The BMW 8 Series Coupe will build on our tradition of luxurious sports coupes and add a genuine dream car to our line-up – a slice of pure automotive fascination. The 8 Series Coupe will underpin our claim to leadership in the luxury segment. I can tell you today that this will be a true luxury sports coupe.”

At the moment, all we have is an outline of the car. It isn’t much to go on but based on the silhouette, the car may incorporate design cues from the 6 Series Coupe albeit with wider dimensions. Both front headlights and rear taillights should be of the LED kind at the very least and the car in general, should be loaded with the latest safety tech and BMW’s latest iDrive system.

We will bring you more once the car is unveiled next week, so stay tuned for more updates.

BMW Group Malaysia has officially opened its state-of-the-art logistics warehouse and parts distribution centre in Senai, Johor. This facility will function as the parts distribution hub for 23 countries in the region.

The 775,000 square feet facility is located at the Free Industrial Zone of the Senai International Airport in Johor Bharu. More than RM130 million was invested in the facility which is considered one of its kind and the first in the Asia Pacific region. It will not only function as the logistics warehouse and parts distribution centre for vehicle parts but for lifestyle merchandise of brands under the BMW umbrella, which include BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad.

Regarding the launch, Mr. Hendrik von Kuenheim, Senior Vice President Region Asia, Pacific and South Africa, BMW Group, meanwhile, said, “The record sales performance we achieved in Asia last year and in the first quarter of 2017 is a testament to the strength of the BMW Group in the region. In that, we believe Malaysia to be a key market that supports our strategic business direction in expanding our footprint in the region. The opening of the new BMW Group Regional Parts Distribution Centre here will help the BMW Group to continue driving our vision to deliver the best in automotive innovation and value to customers in the region.”

According to the German automaker, the launching of this facility proves its commitment to serving customers in the region and ensuring that the parts supply chain is in check with BMW standards and to ensure customer satisfaction.

It was completed at the end of last year and marks the first phase of the construction of the entire facility. Situated in a strategic area with good access to the sea port and airport in the Free Industrial Zone, BMW’s new centre should improve parts supply even further. Besides Malaysia, other countries that will benefit from the launching of this facility include Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Philippines, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Tahiti, New Caledonia, Fiji, and Guam.

The opening of this new centre is expected to create 120 new job opportunities in the country, which is good news for us Malaysians.

Fresh after the reveal of the 2 Series bimmer, BMW has spilled the beans on the new 1 Series that should be launched at the same time as its bigger brethren. The compact premium car will come in 3-door and 5-door form and will be offered in three new editions which are Edition Sport Line Shadow, Edition M Sport Shadow and M140i Edition Shadow.

Subtle design changes help differentiate these variants from the rest of the line-up. They include black kidney grille, black inserts in the LED headlights and darkened LED rear lights. There are also 5 new light-alloy wheels to choose from but they will only be made available in 17 and 18-inch form. Inside, the new 1 Series features a newly designed instrument panel and various design tweaks to improve drivers’ attention and provide for a better feeling of spaciousness.

The addition of new materials and premium leather upholstery help give the car a more elegant apperance, which is a welcomed feature for vehicles in it’s category and price point. BMW’s famous iDrive system governs the 8.8-inch touchscreen and various other functions including voice control, Navigation and touch-sensitive interface.

Those wanting a little more sophisticated will not go empty handed because the 1 Series comes with the BMW Connected Drive services that ensure that the car is connected with systems that enable Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) with hazard preview, On-Street Parking Information, vehicle access via Remote Services and the integrated Microsoft Exchange function for sharing and editing emails, calendar entries and contact details. Smartphone integration for Apple CarPlay, inductive charging and a WiFi hotspot for up to ten devices are all features that are available with BMW’s latest infotainment system.

Petrol Engine options for the 1 Series are similar to that of the 2 Series BMW. they include three, four and six cylinder petrol engines as well as three and four cylinder diesel ones. Power output range from 109bhp for the basic 116i to 340bhp for the fire-breathing M140i. Touted as the only compact hatch with rear-wheel-drive, the new 1 Series has also been made available with the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system as an option.

If you are interested in the car, you would be happy to know that BMW has added two new exterior colours for the bodywork, which are Sunset Orange and Seaside Blue. Expect more from BMW in the months leading up to the official launch, but we will do our part to ensure you get the latest news.

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