Q1 2023: Top local car launches 

A lot of major car launches took place in Malaysia during Q1 2023. The list includes both conventional and electric cars from mass-market and luxurious carmakers. Here’s a complete list of cars that landed on our shores during the first three months of the year, so that you don’t miss out on any of the new beauties.

Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition

The most track-focused Vantage to date is here in Malaysia! Called the Aston Martin Vantage F1® Edition it is based on Vantage and is the ‘Official Safety Car of Formula 1”. Carrying a recommended retail price of RM 978,000 (excluding taxes, duties, and other options), the car is available in both Coupe and Roadster body-type.

2023 Audi RS3 Sedan

After opening the ordering books in October last year, Audi has finally launched the all-new RS3 Sedan in Malaysia. An ultimate blend of luxury, performance, and bold styling that comes at a whopping price of RM 646,990 (inclusive of duties and sales tax). However, the one who opts for the Audi Assurance Package has to shell out RM 655,990.

Jaguar I-Pace EV

Jaguar Malaysia has finally introduced the I-Pace EV on the local shores. Offered in two variants - Black LE and HSE, the EV priced at RM 460,800 and RM 498,800, respectively. It is duty-free in accordance with the local government initiatives to promote EV adoption and achieve low-carbon mobility.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

VW Malaysia has updated this premium hot hatchback with advanced driver assistance technologies and a few other modifications inside and out. The car now retails for RM 246,012 and come with Travel Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control, Side Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front Assist (Autonomous Emergency Braking), Lane Assist function along with new front fog lights, electrically heated and adjustable folding mirrors, an additional center airbag (total 7 airbags now), new wireless charging pad, and new ‘GTI’ embroidery on the front seats.

2023 Toyota Vios 

After opening the ordering bookings for the fourth-gen Vios a month ago, UMW Toyota has finally launched the revamped sedan in Malaysia. The new Vios is locally assembled at the Toyota Assembly Services plant in Bukit Raja, Klang, and comes in two variants - E and G, priced at RM 89,600 and RM 96,000, respectively. 

2023 Peugeot Landtrek 

The official distributor of Peugeot cars in Malaysia, Bermaz Auto, launched a brand new model in the country. Called the Landtrek, the pickup is offered in a sole 1.9D Allure variant which retails for RM 120,072 (on the road without insurance). Note, every purchase is accompanied by a 5-year, 100,000 km manufacturer warranty.

2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence 

BMW has launched the facelifted version of its luxurious six-seater SUV, the X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence, in Malaysia. The facelifted iteration features a host of a number of cosmetic and tech updates and a new mild-hybrid powertrain, ensuring it remains one of the most sought-after luxury SUVs on the market. It retails for RM 654,800 (on the road, without insurance) which includes a five-year unlimited mileage warranty and a complimentary scheduled service programme package. 

2023 BMW 330 Li M Sport 

BMW Malaysia has now added the new 330Li M Sport into the local line-up. Priced at RM325,800 on-the-road, without insurance, and inclusive of the extended five-year warranty and service package. The car sports the new BMW Curved Display (two 12.3-inch displays running the BMW Operating System 8 software), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Remote Services, a head-up display for the driver, a panoramic glass roof, M leather steering wheel, three-zone automatic climate control, and much more.

2023 BMW M340i xDrive 

BMW introduced the 2023 BMW 330 Li M Sport facelift in Q1 followed by the 2023 BMW 330i facelift with adaptive M suspension, and not to forget the opening of the upcoming BMW i5 ROI page. Offered in two variant options in the country, the Standard version and the M Sport Pro version, they are priced at RM 391,800 and RM 396,800 respectively.

Bentley Bentayga Azure EWB

Bentley Kuala Lumpur has added a new model to its lineup. Called the Bentayga Azure EWB (Extended Wheelbase) it is essentially a longer version of the Bentayga. It is priced at a whopping RM 1,091,000 (excluding duties, taxes, registration, and options) and is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 mill making a maximum power output of 550 hp along with a peak torque of 770 Nm.

2023 Nissan Leaf

Edaran Tan Chong Motor (ETCM), the official distributor of Nissan cars in Malaysia, offers the new Leaf in a sole variant, priced at RM 168,888 (with tax exemptions and FOC road tax, excluding insurance). Like the predecessor, the latest EV is also fully imported from Japan, but it is almost RM 7k cheaper than before. 

2023 Mazda CX-30 

Bermaz Motor, the official distributor of Mazda cars in Malaysia, has just replaced the fully imported version of the CX-30 with the locally assembled model. It is produced at Mazda’s Inokom assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah, and is offered in four variant options.

2023 Kia Sorento 

Kia Malaysia finally launched the new Sorento in the local market in March 2023. The all-new Sorento is available in three variants with prices starting from RM 211,498. Every purchase is accompanied by a five-year/100,000 km manufacturer warranty as standard, alongside a five-year/100,000 km free scheduled maintenance package.

Entry-level 2.5L 2WD 7-seater	RM 211,498
Mid-range 2.5L AWD 6-seater	RM 235,498
Range-topping 2.2L Diesel AWD 6-seater	RM 255,229

2023 Maserati Grecale GT 

Naza Italia, the official distributor of Maserati cars in Malaysia, has finally launched the new Grecale GT in the country. The local spec GT guise is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cyl turbo petrol engine generating a maximum power output of 300 PS at 5,750 rpm along with a peak torque of 450 Nm from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm.

2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport 

Based on the 2.8 Rogue trim, the 2023 Toyota Hilux GR Sport is priced at RM 159,880 (on the road without insurance). The pickup  boasts meaner looks, suspension enhancements, and aluminum sports pedals, and GR branding inside and out.

2023 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport

Based on the non-hybrid Corolla Cross, the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross GR Sport is priced at RM 142,000 (on the road without insurance). The car features a few chassis upgrades, a sportier front grille, restyled bumpers, GR Sport alloy wheels, dual-tone colors, and exclusive cabin highlights.

Toyota GR Supra 

UMW Toyota launched the all-new GR Supra with manual transmission in FEb 2023. The car comes equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six found on the automatic model. The power is transferred to the wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission, enabling the car to run from 0 to 100 kmph in 4.4 seconds. 

2023 Toyota GR86 

The Toyota GR86 has finally landed on Malaysian shores as a fully imported (CBU) model from Japan. The sports car is a replacement model for the GT86. It is offered in two versions - Manual and Automatic, priced at RM 295,000 and RM 305,000, respectively. 

2023 Toyota GR Corolla

UMW Toyota launched three new GR86 cars one of which is the 2023 GR Corolla. Priced at RM 355,000 (on the road before insurance), the car is powered by a 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which is good for making 300 PS of maximum power and 370 Nm of peak torque.

2023 Maserati Levante GT Hybrid

Naza Italia, the official distributor of Maserati cars in the country, recently welcomed the new model. In the article, we will dive into the full details of the 2023 Levante GT Hybrid. Price in Malaysia starts at RM 738,000 (inclusive of local duties and taxes, before customization options, and insurance), it is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder internal combustion engine mated to a 48-volt hybrid system.

Mercedes-Benz EQS 500 4MATIC 

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia unveiled its first locally-assembled EQ model, the EQS, in Feb 2023.Replacing the fully-imported EQS 450+, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS500 4Matic CKD is priced at RM 648,888 i.e. almost RM 50k cheaper than the CBU model.

2023 Perodua Axia

The new Perodua Axia is offered in four trim options namely, G, X, SE, and AV, with prices starting from RM 38,600. Powering all the trims is a  1.0-liter engine paired with a  new D-CVT unit which will offer a smooth and precise feel through gear changes.

2023 Range Rover L460

The Range Rover L460 which is now available in Malaysia with a tax-, duty-, and option-free price of RM1,268,000. It is powered by a  P530 powertrain which is essentially a BM-sourced 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo engine. 

BMW XM V8 Hybrid 

BMW Malaysia offers the BMW XM in two versions - Shadow Line and Night Gold Line, priced at RM 1,316,450 (with a standard two-year warranty). However, if you want an extended five-year warranty & service package, the XM price will increase up to RM 1,398,800.

2023 BMW M2

The latest version of the two-door BMW M2 coupe is officially here in two variants -  Standard and Pro Package, priced at RM 573,040 and RM 617,040, respectively.

2023 Mini Electric 

MINI Malaysia has launched the updated 2023 MINI Electric in Q1of 2023. Prices start from RM193,834 on-the-road, inclusive of a two-year warranty. 

2023 BMW 330e M Sport 

The latest version of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) BMW 330e M Sport is offered for RM 298,800 and is powered by a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine (184 hp/300 Nm) and an electric motor (109 hp/265 Nm). 

2023 BMW 330i M Sport 

BMW Malaysia  unveiled the updated 2023 330i M Sport facelift in Feb this year. It  is priced at RM 317,800, and will be locally assembled here at the company’s assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah.

2023 BMW 320i M Sport 

The BMW 320i M Sport variant is here in Malaysia and retails for RM283,800. The price tag includes BMW Warranty and Repair package which extends the vehicle’s warranty to five years (unlimited mileage), alongside five years of free scheduled maintenance. 

BMW iX xDrive50 Sport 

The iX line-up has been updated in Malaysia with the  addition of the new xDrive50 Sport variant.  With a price tag of RM546,800 (Service and Repair Inclusive), the new variant is some RM99k more expensive than the previously range-topping xDrive40 Sport, and RM143k over the base xDrive40 variant.

The April debutants - 

2023 Lotus Eletre 

Lotus Cars Malaysia, the sole distributor of the British sports car brand in the country, has finally launched the highly-anticipated electric SUV, the Eletre. The car comes loaded with performance-focused technology offering exceptional driving dynamics and outstanding comfort. It is also the most ‘connected’ Lotus ever. 

Variants	Price
Eletre	RM 578,000
Eletre S	RM 648,000
Eletre R	RM 789,000

2023 Peugeot 2008 SE 

Peugeot Malaysia has introduced a new special edition model in its lineup, called the Peugeot 2008 Special Edition (SE). It costs RM 2,900 more than the Peugeot 2008 Allure, it is essentially a cosmetic package that customers opt for at the time of purchase. Its accessories package, on the other hand, also includes black front, side, and rear bumper garnish, piano black rims, SE badges, and vehicle decals. Also, part of the kit is a splash of red and black decals on the hood and side.

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC 

 The highly-anticipated, all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC is finally here on Malaysian soil. The latest SUV by Merc is offered in the sole GLC300 4Matic AMG Line trim which is priced at RM 429,888 (on the road without insurance). The price includes the standard 4-year warranty.

2023 Bentley Continental GT Speed 

Bentley Kuala Lumpur retails the new Continental GT Speed at a whooping price of RM 1,135,000 (before taxes, duties, registration, customized options). Powering it is a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine that churns out a maximum power of 659 PS at 5000 - 6000 rpm and a peak torque of 900 Nm at 1500-5000 rpm. The transmission duties are taken care of by an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission paired with an all-wheel-drive system. 

Also Read: 2023 Peugeot Landtrek vs. Ford Ranger: Fight between Italian & American pickup