The first week of July was full of excitement for the Malaysian automotive market. Alongside the arrival of a thrilling trio of high-performance Mercedes-AMG models, we finally received the launch date for the highly anticipated smart #3 EV. Additionally, the registration of interest (ROI) for the power-packed Land Rover Defender Octa is now open in Malaysia. 

In the meantime, some important reveals were also held in the international market. In case you missed out on any of that, here's the weekly wrap-up of top auto news of the week. So let’s get started.

Local news

Mercedes-Benz World 2024 event begins 

Mercedes-Benz has kicked off the three-day “Mercedes-Benz World 2024” event at KL Base, Sungai Besi. This event is one of the largest Mercedes-Benz shows in the country, showcasing the brand's extensive portfolio. It is open to the public from July 5 to 7, from 10 am to 6 pm daily. Attendees can not only view the luxury cars but also take advantage of exclusive discounts on booking a brand-new Mercedes and participate in various activities.

Three new Mercedes-AMG models launched

At the Mercedes-Benz World 2024 event, the automaker introduced an exciting trio of Mercedes-AMG cars, including the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S E PERFORMANCE F1 Edition, Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ and the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4MATIC. 

The all-new 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLB35 4MATIC facelift is offered as a fully imported model, priced at RM 418,888. This performance-oriented SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an Integrated Starter Generator. The setup combinedly produces 306 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, enabling the SUV to hit the century sprint in 5.2 seconds.

The 2024 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance F1 Edition is the most powerful C-Class, which now comes powered by a 2.0-litre turbo inline-four PHEV engine, good for making 680 hp and 1,020 Nm. This performance sedan runs from zero to 100 kmph in just 3.4 seconds. The price tag reads RM 958,888.

The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S 4MATIC+ joins the GLA lineup as the hottest member. Priced at RM 539,888, the SUV comes equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 engine tuned to generate 421 hp and 500 Nm. It completes the century sprint in 4.3 seconds.

Smart #3 gets a launch date

After a long wait, smart Malaysia has finally announced the launch date of its second electric car, the #3. The much-anticipated EV will be launched on July 10, 2024. It is offered in three variants - Pro, Premium, and Brabus. The top-spec Brabus comes packed with a dual-motor intelligent AWD powertrain, kicking out 428 PS and 543 Nm of torque. The motor is fed by a 66 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery offering a range of 415 km. Equipment kit comprises - CyberSparksLED + headlights, Panoramic Halo Roof, 19-inch ‘Flux’ wheels, 9.2-inch digital instrument panel, a 12.8-inch infotainment unit, a 13-speaker Beats sound system, Automatic Parking Assistant, and advanced driver assistance systems.

Proton e.MAS EV sub-brand to be managed by Pro-Net

Proton has confirmed that its electric sub-brand, e.MAS, will be managed by its Pro-Net subsidiary. Notably, the latter also handles the distribution of smart EVs in Malaysia. The company has signed a total of 18 dealerships across the country, with a target of having 30 dealerships nationwide by 2025. The Proton e.MAS dealerships are located in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Perak, Kedah, and other regions.

New Mercedes-Benz Autohaus 2S centre open in Penang 

In conjunction with its 125th anniversary, Cycle & Carriage opened a new Mercedes-Benz Autohaus centre in Sungai Penang last week. The new facility is a 2S centre offering body and paint services with 21 service and repair bays. It is based on the brand’s retail concept and houses five floors of service workshops, a relaxing lounge area, personalised services, and the Star Assistant. The centre also holds a gold-rated green building certification.

Proton June 2024 sales numbers revealed

Proton made a total of 10,999 deliveries (domestic and export) last month, which is 12.1% less than May 2024. The reason for this decline was a planned one-week plant shutdown for scheduled operational improvement activities. The company's total year-to-date sales stand at 73,696 units, representing a 4.9% dip compared to the 77,321 units sold in the first six months of 2023.

Upgraded Honda Insurance Plus (HiP) launched

Honda Malaysia has introduced the upgraded Honda Insurance Plus (HiP), an enhanced insurance plan exclusively for Honda owners. The new package offers comprehensive protection, including unlimited mileage towing, a 100% payout for vehicles up to 15 years old, and 100% coverage on accidental repairs with no betterment for up to 13 years.

New MINI family launch event to be held on July 13

MINI Malaysia is set to organise an exclusive event for MINI enthusiasts at JioSpace in Petaling Jaya on Saturday, July 13th, 2024. It will showcase the new generation MINI cars, including the new MINI 3 Door and Countryman. Attendees can also test drive the latest MINI models and enjoy games, immersive experiences, and customised merchandise.

Land Rover Defender Octa ROI opens 

Land Rover has introduced the all-new Defender Octa in the international market, and the exciting part is that the registration of interest (ROI) for this new Defender is also open in Malaysia. The new Defender Octa is the most powerful Defended ever created thanks to the 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine sourced from BMW. It delivers a maximum power of 635 PS and a peak torque of 750 Nm, enough to propel the SUV from zero to 100 kmph in 4 seconds. It also boasts hydraulically-interlinked 6D Dynamics suspension technology, promising comfortable off-road driving. The Defender Octa carries a starting price of £145,300 (RM 870,266).

International news

2025 Zeekr X launched in China 

Earmarked to launch in Malaysia later this year, the Zeekr X received an upgrade in the home market. The Zeekr X is an electric SUV that received a new "Miami Orange'' exterior colour and a few tech upgrades for 2025. It is offered in two drivetrain setups - a single-motor RWD producing 268 PS and 343 Nm of torque and a dual-motor AWD good for making 428 PS and 543 Nm. Feeding the motors is a 66-kWh battery offering a range of up to 560 km (on the CLTC cycle). The price ranges between CNY 200,000 (RM 129,579) and CNY 220,000 (RM 142,530).

Leapmotor C16 debuts in China

Backed by Stellantis, Leapmotor has introduced the C16 electric SUV in the Chinese market. It underpins the brand’s 3.0 architecture and CTC (cell-to-chassis) 2.0 design. The EV is offered in two versions - pure-electric and extended range; the former features a powerful motor paired with a 67.7 kWh battery pack, providing a range of 520 km. However, the latter boasts a combination of a 1.5-litre mill and an e-motor, offering a combined range of 1,095 km. The price begins at $21,450 RM 101,247) and goes up to $25,600 (RM 120,832).

Geely Riddara RD6 electric pickup teased in Thailand

Geely teased its electric pickup truck, the Riddara RD6, in the Thai market this week. It is a unibody pickup truck based on the Sustainable Experience Architecture, the same platform that also underpins the Zeekr 001 and smart #1. In China, the RD6 is offered in three battery capacities: 63 kWh, 73 kWh, or 86 kWh, offering a range between 415 km and 560 km on a single charge. The Geely Riddara RD6 price in the Chinese domestic market ranges from CNY 151,800 to CNY 221,800, which is approximately equal to RM 98,000 to RM 144,000.

Toyota Yaris Cross gets an upgrade in Europe

The Toyota Yaris Cross has received updates in the European market. It is now offered with two drivetrains - the base-spec features a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated inline-three petrol engine mated to two motor-generators, delivering a total system output of 116 PS. The new, more powerful variant uses the same engine with enhanced motor-generators, increasing output to 130 PS. Additional enhancements include better NVH levels and an enhanced Toyota Safety Sense suite with new features like Adaptive High-beam System and Emergency Driving Stop System.

Suzuki plans to bid farewell to four ICE-powered cars 

Suzuki has planned to axe a bunch of ICE-powered cars in Europe to make way for its first electric SUV. The cars that are going to be discontinued include - Swift Sport, Jimny LCV, Ignis, and Swace. This decision is in response to the UK government’s ZEV mandate, which aims to achieve 100% electric vehicle sales by 2035 and imposes penalties on automakers for each ICE-powered vehicle sold above the allowed proportion. Suzuki UK will launch its first electric SUV, based on the eVX concept, next year.

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

Also read: SUV face-off: Can Chery Tiggo 7 Pro outshine Proton X70?