The last week started with the launch of the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLB, followed by the price confirmation of the performance-focused electric sedan, the BMW i5 M60. The Chinese automakers also remained in the spotlight with BYD and Jaecoo opening their new 3S centres. Enthusiasts were further captivated by a few big debuts in the international market.

Here’s a quick recap of the top auto news of the week -

Local news

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLB facelift launched 

After introducing three locally-assembled AMG models earlier this month, Mercedes-Benz launched the all-new GLB this week. The latest model features a revised appearance with a new radiator grille, new LED lights, refreshed front and rear bumpers, and an upmarket cabin incorporating dual 10.25-inch displays, a new MBUX system, new comfort seats, and a redesigned centre console. It is offered in two variants - GLB 200 and GLB 250 4MATIC, powered by a 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine and a 2.0-litre turbo mild-hybrid mill, respectively. The price ranges between RM 290,888 and RM 341,888.

2024 BMW i5 M60 xDrive price announced

BMW Malaysia has revealed the price tag of the i5 M60 xDrive, which reads RM 499,100 (on the road, without insurance). The i5 M60 is the “M” of the all-electric i5 sedan and comes powered by a dual-motor AWD setup producing 601 horsepower and 795 Nm of torque. Feeding the motor is an 81.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which offers a range of 516 km (on the WLTP cycle). Visually, the M variant sets itself apart from the standard model with a distinctive BMW Kidney Grille, the M Sport Pro Package, 21-inch Style 954M wheels, the M Rear Spoiler, and the M High Gloss Shadow Line.

2024 Honda CB350RS up for grabs 

This week, the Boon Siew Honda family welcomed the CB350RS as its newest member. It is the scrambler version of the CB350, powered by a 348-cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine which makes 20.8 hp of maximum power at 5,500 rpm and 30 Nm of peak torque at 3,000 rpm. Among the key highlights are a five-speed gearbox, assist and slipper clutch system, all-around LED lighting,15-litre fuel tank, a digital-analog instrument console, 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel, two-channel ABS and Honda Selectable Torque Control system. The colour palette includes two options -  Mat Massive Gray Metallic and Athletic Blue Metallic.

First Jaecoo 3S centre opens in Glenmarie 

As the Chinese luxury brand Jaecoo (owned by Chery) gears up to launch its first SUV, the J7, in Malaysia, it has opened the doors of its first 3S centre. Located in Glenmarie, Shah Alam, this is the first of 35 stores the brand aims to open nationwide. It is managed by ES Premium Holdings and has a built-up area of 23,000 sq ft with a spacious Super Walkway, interactive LED displays, a specially designed delivery lounge, a cosy customer lounge, and fully equipped service bays (including an EV bay).

New BYD centre opens in Hartamas 

BYD has expanded its reach in Malaysia with the opening of a new outlet in Hartamas Shopping Centre. It is managed by Harmony Auto, a renowned automobile dealership group from China. The facility spans an area of 8,000 sq ft, featuring a spacious showroom, four charging stations, and six parking spaces. While it currently operates as a showroom only, it will be transformed into a 3S outlet soon. The Service and Spare Parts Centre is expected to be ready in Q4 this year.

Sime Darby launches Drivecare centres 

Sime Darby Motors has launched a multi-franchise service centre concept in Malaysia called "Drivecare." It offers after-sales service for all the car brands the company retails across the country. Two Drivecare service centres are now operational (Glenmarie and Jalan Chan Sow Lin), with a third one set to open soon. These service centres are manned by highly trained technicians and feature state-of-the-art facilities and equipment.

GWM Malaysia tests Ora 07 Performance at Sepang Circuit

GWM Malaysia tested the Ora 07 Performance variant at the Sepang International Circuit this week. The automaker organised three types of activities to assess the capabilities of the EV, which include a slalom test, a 0-100 kmph acceleration test, and an emergency braking manoeuvre test. In the first test, the EV showcased sharper and more responsive handling in Sport+ mode while in the second test, it achieved an average 0-100 kmph time of around 4.4 seconds, which closely matched the brand’s claimed time of 4.3 seconds. In the emergency braking test, the Ora 07 Performance demonstrated excellent traction control and stability by effectively handling sudden stops. 

2024 Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur to be held in November

Following last year’s success, the bigger and better Tokyo Auto Salon Kuala Lumpur is set to be held this year from November 8 to November 10 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC). It will be organised by Element X Strategies and MUSE Group Asia, in collaboration with San Ei Corporation. The prices of early bird tickets are RM 50 per day and RM 60 on event days, with a three-day pass for RM 120. 

International news 

2025 Volkswagen Golf R debuts in Europe

The all-new Volkswagen Golf R has made its official debut in the European market. The upgraded model boasts a new look with the new LED Plus headlights, new illuminated badge, and the optional 19-inch “Warmenau'' forged wheels. Under the bonnet lies a more powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged engine tuned to generate 333 PS and 420 Nm. Inside, there is a bigger infotainment system integrated with ChatGPT. Volkswagen also introduced the “Golf R Black Edition,” loaded with several black elements for an aggressive look.

2025 BMW M5 breaks cover

BMW offered a glimpse of the all-new M5 ahead of its world premiere, which is slated to be held at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England next month. The most crucial upgrade the high-performance luxury sedan received is the plug-in hybrid engine combining a 600 PS/750 Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and a 197 PS electric motor. It also features an 8.6 kWh battery pack offering an all-electric range of 69 km and a heavily revised chassis with upgraded suspension, steering, and structural elements. 

Hyundai Inster mini EV debuts in South Korea

Hyundai introduced a new mini electric car, the Inster, at the 2024 Busan International Mobility Show this week. Based on the ICE-powered Casper, the new Hyundai EV boasts a youthful look with pixel-lighting signatures and a circuit board-style bumper. It is loaded with a long list of modern creature comforts such as dual 10.25-inch displays, automatic climate control, foldable seats (including the driver’s seat), a wireless charging dock, and advanced driver-assistance bits. The EV comes in two battery packs - 42kWh and 49kWh, providing a driving range of up to 350 km. It will be offered in Korea, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific regions, confirmed Hyundai.

New Bentley Continental GT and GTC models unveiled

The all-new Bentley Continental GT and its convertible version, the GTC, also made their official debuts last week. Based on the same MSB platform as earlier, the new Continental models boast some significant technical upgrades under the hood. They are now powered by a plug-in hybrid V8 engine, replacing the iconic W12 engine. The new setup comprises a 600 hp/800 Nm 4.0-litre engine and 190 hp/450 Nm electric motor to deliver a total system output of 782 hp and 1,000 Nm. Compared to the W12, the plug-in hybrid V8 provides an additional 100 hp and 100 Nm of torque. 

Aston Martin reveals the Valiant V12 road-legal supercar

Aston Martin pulled the wrap off the ultra-exclusive Valiant V12 supercar this week. Created by Aston Martin Q division, it is a track-focused version of the brand’s limited-run Valour supercar. This road-legal track monster packs a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine generating a whooping power of 735 hp and a peak torque of 753 Nm. Limited to just 38 units, the supercar was inspired by a bespoke commission from two-time F1 world champion Fernando Alonso. 

That's all for now. For the latest updates on the automotive industry, keep following Zigwheels Malaysia.

Also read: Review: 2024 GWM Ora 07 Long Range Ultra - This quirky EV is the alternative you didn't see coming