BMW had recently launched the XM, the first standalone M car since the M1. Whether you love it or hate it, the BMW XM is a crucial model for the performance section of the German manufacturer.
The “regular” XM already seemed impressive to us but for a car that was made to celebrate 50 years of the M division, it was actually slower than the gas-powered X6M.
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Although volume matters in local assembly to justify the investment in jigs at the plant, the premium manufacturers like BMW have still chosen to assemble their flagship models locally even though the volume may not be large. Local assembly, with the incentives provided by the government, allows them to price their models more competitively than if they were brought in as completely built-up (CBU) models so it is essential to do so in order to grow volumes.
The X7, which is the flagship SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) of the BMW range, has been assembled since early 2021 (on sale since May of the same year) at the BMW facility in the Inokom plant in Kedah. For 2023, the model – named ‘The President’ by BMW – has received updates which include cosmetic changes as well as more enhanced digitalisation capabilities.
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Following the launch of the updated 3-Series recently, BMW Malaysia now has another new model to kickstart 2023 and it’s the new M2 which had its global debut last October during BMW M’s 50th anniversary.
Two versions of the M2 are available – the standard version priced at RM598,800 (without insurance) and a sportier upscale version with a Pro Package priced at RM642,800. The pricing for both versions includes a 5-year extended warranty and service. Online pre-booking can be done at shop.bmw.com.my.
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2022 being the 50th anniversary year of BMW M, celebrations have been held in various ways. In Malaysia, there has been a huge convoy of BMW M models travelling through the city and BMW Malaysia also launched 5 new models as well as searched for the oldest M model in the country.
More recently, six owners established new listings in the Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) during the M4NTAP Track Day at the Sepang International Circuit. The event, organised by local car club M4NTAP, had 50 BMW vehicles, largely consisting of BMW M models, with 700 members of the public present to observe the activities.
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Over 120 BMW M cars travelled in a convoy today to celebrate the 50th anniversary of BMW’s performance brand. The convoy had started from Ingress Auto’s BMW Damansara dealership and made its way to LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre where the cars filled Gourmet Walk, the roar of their exhausts reverberating along the ‘canyon’ of buildings.
The number of cars was the largest at a gathering of BMW M cars in Malaysia and BMW Group Malaysia MD, Hans de Visser, believes it might also be the largest in Southeast Asia. It was organised by the M Owner Malaysia community with the support of BMW Group Malaysia.
After some 4 years in the market, the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe has received updates as the MY Edition. Besides cosmetic changes on the exterior as well as interior, the list of standard equipment has also been expanded.
Beginning with the front profile, the new coupe has been given the ‘Iconic Glow’ lighting feature for the kidney grille, with LEDs within that provide a waterfall-like illumination which cascades down the grille slats. It seems a bit gimmicky and illuminates when opening the doors, starting and switching off the ignition, and finally locking the car.
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In mass production, a car model will be produced in thousands of units looking the same way. The most common form of ‘personalisation’ would be in the colour which usually has a number of choices. Many companies also offer accessories that can be added on when ordering the new car, and these too add another level of personalisation.
Then there are also limited editions where a company may prepare a certain number of units with a selection of additional equipment or features. This has been done with the locally-assembled BMW 320i M Sport Limited Edition and 330i M Sport Limited Edition announced by BMW Malaysia today. Prices (without insurance but with BMW Service and Repair Inclusive) for the two limited edition models are RM262,800 and RM304,800, respectively.
The 320i M Sport Limited Edition comes with the M Sport Package which gives an even sportier look to the popular sedan. This is complemented by new 18-inch M light alloy wheels in Double-Spoke Style 790 M. Inside, the limited edition offering is equipped with variable sports steering and M leather steering wheel, along with Individual Roof-Lining in Anthracite.
For the 330i M Sport Limited Edition, there’s an electrically-operated glass roof which brings the sky into the cabin for a brighter and more airy ambience. Motoring journeys will also be more enjoyable with the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System that’s included in the package. Also enhancing the sporting appeal are the 19-inch M light allow wheels in Double-Spoke Style 791 M.
Customers can choose from four body colours for the limited edition models – Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey as well as the M Portimao Blue. The Vernasca leather upholstery is offered only in black.
From RM2,663 a month
For those who require financing for the 320i M Sport and 330i M Sport limit editions, BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia has plans that start with monthly instalments from RM2,663 and RM3,237, respectively (terms and conditions apply).
As with every vehicle sold by authorised BMW dealers in Malaysia, owners of the limited edition models will enjoy a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty with a free scheduled service programme, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card, and BMW Service Online.
‘The Boss’ BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport gets extra safety features, priced from RM457,498.37
The electrified version of BMW’s first SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) – the X5 xDrive45e M Sport – has received new features for improved safety after being in the Malaysian market since mid-2020. The model is assembled locally at the BMW assembly facility in the Inokom plant in Kedah.
Retail pricing for the new X5 xDrive45e M Sport with BMW Service and Repair Inclusive is RM457,498.37 (without insurance). The price given does not include Sales and Service Tax but unless you make your purchase before the end of the month, you would have to pay the tax as the exemption ends on June 30, 2022. The indications are that there won’t be any extension, but it is believed that those who complete their transactions before the expiry date may have up till next year to register their vehicle and still enjoy the exemption. This is probably in recognition of the delays in supplies which have caused a backlog in deliveries.
The new X5 xDrive45e M Sport now has BMW Laserlight headlights which give better illumination with a wider spread. The Adaptive Headlights with BMW Selective Beam are equipped with laser high beam modules that have increased intensity compared to bi-LED lights.
Safety enhancements
Additional enhancements in safety include two more side airbags added to the second row of the vehicle. This brings the total number of airbags around the spacious cabin to eight. The Active Protection system also prepares passengers for a collision, should an accident be imminent. For example, if the windows and sunroof are open, they will automatically be shut to ensure the highest level of safety for all passengers.
Additionally, reversible seatbelt pre-tensioning is also implemented where upon seatbelt fastening, an electric motor will automatically tighten the seatbelt to the ideal tension based on the passenger’s body.
Also with the X5 xDrive45e M Sport, which BMW Malaysia refers to as ‘The Boss’, are new 21-inch 741M Alloy Wheels in Orbit Grey. Other standard equipment that is maintained is the Live Cockpit Professional, Driving Assistant, Parking Assistant Plus, Rear Seat Entertainment, as well as Vernasca genuine leather upholstery.
Like many car companies these days, financing packages are also available. BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia offers Easy Drive Financing Plan with plans for the X5 xDrive45e M Sport having monthly instalments starting from RM 4,882 (terms and conditions apply).
Premium Ownership experience
For those who become owners, BMW Group Malaysia promises a Premium Ownership experience. This includes a 5-year warranty (unlimited mileage), free scheduled service programme for the same period, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card, and BMW Service Online.
5 new models introduced in Malaysia to celebrate BMW M’s 50th anniversary
In conjunction with the 50th anniversary of BMW M today, BMW subsidiaries around the world are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the BMW M, the sub-brand of the carmaker associated with high-performance models and motorsports.
In Malaysia, the event is celebrated with the arrival of 5 new models by BMW Group Malaysia – the new M3 Competition and M4 Competition Sedan and Coupe (both with the M xDrive for the first time), M5 and M5 Competition, and showing BMW M’s electric future, the i4 M50.
“In the 50 years of BMW M, we have presented a portfolio of iconic, powerful vehicles which have defined premium performance cars in their times. The sub-brand of the BMW Group has strengthened our experiences and achievements as a complete premium automaker, delivering our promise of ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ across the bookends of our product offering. M is an exemplification of our engineers’ passion for combining authentic motorsports functionality with the latest innovations in premium and luxurious vehicles. Today, we are thrilled to be celebrating five remarkable decades of M with the introduction of five new high-performance premium models for our loyal customers, fans, as well as premium motorsports enthusiasts in Malaysia,” said Hans de Visser, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
M3 Competition Sedan/M4 Competition Coupe
The new M3 models are powered by the same M TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder petrol engine which can produce up to 510 bhp/650 Nm, and an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic.
They are now equipped with M-specific xDrive which is a more advanced development of the BMW xDrive used in other models. It has so far been available for the M5 and M8 and now extends to these two models. Originally developed for BMW’s Sport Activity Vehicles (SAVs) that began with the X5 in the late 1980s, the system intelligently channels power to all four wheels, enhancing traction on wet surfaces and shortening acceleration times as grip is greater.
The system has rear-wheel bias and goes into all-wheel drive when traction levels are low. However, the driver also has control over its characteristics via three different driving modes – 4WD, 4WD Sport and 2WD mode. There’s also an Active M Differential at the rear axle that more efficiently splits engine power between the two rear wheels for better driving dynamics.
M5 Sedan/M5 Competition
As for the M5, these two models are of the latest sixth generation. Besides the newly redesigned kidney grille, M-specific double bars and an M badge, there’s also a ‘BMW M 50 Years Emblem’ in the units currently offered.
Both versions have various M-specific exterior features and equipment such as M rear spoilers as well as a new three-dimensional element on the LED rear lights. Exclusive to the M5 Competition is the M Sports exhaust system with a slim finish, and an exclusive M5 competition badge.
Inside, the latest M5s have a larger 12.3-inch Control Display with touchscreen functionality. This gives the driver greater readability to be aware of the status of the car’s systems. Also new is the two-button operating concept in the centre console.
Under the bonnet is the familiar 4.4‑litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, tuned to produce 600 bhp/750 Nm for the M5 Sedan, and 625 bhp/750 Nm for the M5 Competition. Power gets to all four wheels through an 8‑speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and M xDrive which also includes a 2WD setting for only rear-wheel drive.
While the M5 Sedan has a top speed limited to 250 km/h, the M5 Competition can reach 305 km/h with the standard inclusion of the M Driver’s Package. The M5 Competition also comes with new shock absorbers (similar to the M8 Gran Coupe) and a retuned chassis which is 7 mm lower than the sedan.
First M-badged battery electric vehicle
The i4 M50 is the first M-badged battery electric vehicle and shows that the brand’s future will still be able to claim to be ‘The Ultimate Driving Machine’ even if they don’t have big combustion and powerful engines. The two BMW M eDrive motors powering all four wheels generate a total system output of 400 kW (544 ps) with maximum torque of 795 Nm. This gives a claim 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.9 seconds with the top speed capped at 225 km/h.
Compatible with both AC and DC charging modes, the i4 M50 can be fully charged in 8 hours and 15 minutes with an 11-kW AC charger. With a higher powered 200 kW DC charger, the time is said to be 31 minutes (from 10% to 80%). The battery pack has its own warranty of 8 years or maximum of 160,000 kms.
The anniversary version imported to Malaysia has the M Aerodynamics package, M rear spoiler in body colour and black rear diffuser insert. Inside, M interior trim with carbonfibre trim finishers, M Anthracite Headliner, and M Sport seats are standard , along with M seatbelts, instrument panel in Sensatec, and electric glass roof.
Also included is the unique BMW IconicSounds Electric system which provides an ‘emotive experience’ by recreating the sporty ‘M’ engine sound (Click here to read more about this feature). Because it has low noise levels, BMW has included Acoustic Protection and Active Protection for Pedestrians, besides the other advanced active and passive safety systems.
BMW Group Malaysia looking for oldest M models in Malaysia for 50th anniversary
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