Weekly wrap-up: Jaecoo J7 PHEV, Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 launched, Perodua EV Dec arrival confirmed and more

The past week was full of excitement for the Malaysian automotive market. It kicked off with the introduction of the all-new Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680, followed by exciting updates like the confirmation of the Perodua EV launch, the renaming of the Volvo C40 Recharge, the opening of the new EV Next used EV dealership, and the most-awaited Jaecoo J7 PHEV launch and Honda's future plans announcement. 

In case you missed out on any of that, we've got you covered in this quick recap of all the major auto news of the week from local as well as global space.

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV lands in Malaysia

The all-new Mercedes-Maybach EQS 689 SUV made its way to the Malaysian market this week as the first all-electric model from Maybach. Priced at RM 1,088,888, the EV sets itself apart from the standard EQS with an even more luxurious exterior and interior and lower NVH levels. This high-end, ultra-luxurious vehicle is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel drive setup churning out a total output of 658 PS and 950 Nm of torque. Also part of the kit is a 118 kWh battery pack yielding a 560-608 km WLTP range. Impressive performance figures include - 0-100 kmph in 4.4 seconds and 210 kmph top speed.

Jaecoo J7 PHEV arrives in Malaysia

After much teasing and previewing, Jaecoo Malaysia has finally brought the J7 PHEV to our shores. Local-assembled at the brand’s Shah Alam facility, the SUV is available in a sole high-spec variant, priced at RM 158,800. With the design and feature kit remaining the same as the pure ICE model, the latest J7 PHEV distinguishes itself with a different setup under the hood. Here’s a quick rundown of its key specs -

Drivetrain	1.5TGDI dedicated hybrid engine producing 142 PS, 215 Nm Electric motor producing 204 PS, 310 Nm
Combined output	347 PS, 525 Nm
Transmission	Single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission
0-100 kmph acceleration	8.5 seconds
Battery	18.3kW high-performance pack sourced from BYD
Range	1,200 km on a single tank and charge  80 km on a single charge
Fuel efficiency	5.99 litres per 100 km
Charging	6.6kW AC - 80% SoC in 3 hours 40kW DC - 30% to 80% SoC in 20 minutes

Perodua EV set to launch in December 2025 

While Proton’s first-ever electric car e.MAS 7 has already disrupted the local EV space, Perodua is also catching up with its electrification plans. In a recent interview with the New Straits Times, Sime Group’s CEO Datuk Jeffri Salim Davidson confirmed that Perodua’s first EV will launch in December this year. The testing will begin in June. Expected to be priced at less than RM 100,000, the Perodua EV will be an affordable and practical option in the crowded market.

Volvo C40 Recharge now called as EC40

Volvo Car Malaysia has introduced the C40 Recharge EV with a new name and a new exterior shade. Now called the EC40, it aligns with Volvo's global strategy of simplifying its EV naming, ditching the “Recharge” moniker. Along with the name, the automaker also introduced a new blue exterior colour option and slightly increased the driving range by 4 km. The price tag remains the same at RM 288,888, however, it now comes with a complimentary RM 5,000 wall box voucher; the offer is valid till March 31, 2025.

Isuzu D-Max Low Ride 4x2 MT launched in Malaysia

Isuzu Malaysia has rolled out a new low-riding, 2WD iteration of its pickup truck, the D-Max Low-Ride 4×2 MT. Specifically designed for business owners, the utility vehicle is affordably priced at RM 92,199. It is powered by a 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine producing 150 PS of maximum power and 350 Nm of peak torque. Key feature highlights include - Low Ride’s loading deck, a one-DIN Bluetooth stereo, power-adjustable wing mirrors, fabric seats, two airbags, reverse sensors, traction and stability control, hill start assist and hill descent control. 

Honda Malaysia to launch two more new models in 2025

Honda Malaysia launched the all-new Civic facelift in January this year. Well, the Japanese automaker now confirmed that two more new models are earmarked to hit the local market in 2025. Of these two, one is the e:N1 electric vehicle previewed at the 2024 KLIMS event, while the other is expected to be the HR-V facelift. Apart from that, Honda Malaysia made a few other important announcements -

• Aiming to roll out 3 new EVs by 2027 after the e:N1 launch.
• 2025 sales target set at 83,000 units with a projected market share of 10.6% 

Malaysia’s first used EV dealership now opens

Sime Motors has introduced the first ever used EV dealership in Malaysia, designed to cater to diverse lifestyles. It is a one-stop centre for used EV sales, trade-ins, and aftersales services. Being an extension of Auto Selection, EV Next offers a wide range of EV brands, including BMW, BYD, MINI, Hyundai, Volvo, Jaguar, Porsche, and more. Currently, the EV NEXT showrooms are located in Glenmarie, Chan Sow Lin, and TREC with new planned locations in Penang, Tebrau, and Johor Bahru.

New Kawasaki Z650RS up for grabs in Malaysia

MODENAS, a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Berhad, has opened a new 4S Kawasaki dealership in Puncak Alam and launched the all-new locally assembled Kawasaki Z650RS. The bike features retro styling and a lightweight chassis with an upright riding position. It is powered by a 649-cc parallel-twin DOHC engine tuned to deliver a maximum power of 68 PS at 8,000 rpm and a peak torque of 64 Nm at 6,700 rpm. Priced at RM 37,200, the new Z650RS comes in Ebony/Wheel Gold colour.

2025 BYD Atto 3 teased

Malaysia’s best-selling EV, the Atto 3, is ready for an upgrade. BYD Cars Malaysia has released the first official teaser of the upgraded EV on its social media with a caption titled - “An electrifying new take is on the way for our best-seller SUV”. While no further clue has been given in the post, it is pretty evident that this is not the facelifted model that was revealed in the global market just last week.

GWM Malaysia delivers the 500th Tank 300

Great Wall Motors has marked a new milestone in the Malaysian market. The Chinese automaker has officially delivered the 500th unit of the Tank 300, highlighting the growing popularity of this capable and distinctive SUV. Designed for both off-road adventures and urban commuting, the Tank 300 is offered as a fully-imported CBU model, priced at RM 250,000. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine producing 220 PS at 5,500 rpm and 380 Nm from 1,800 to 3,600 rpm. Also parts of the mechanical setup are -  an eight-speed automatic, a part-time four-wheel drive with 2H, 4H, 4L modes, and electronically-controlled front and rear differential locks.

Inaugural Ford Raptor Rev event held at Sepang Circuit

SDAC-Ford organised the exciting “Ford Raptor Rev” event last weekend at Sepang Circuit’s Bay 13. Specifically created for the owners of the Ford Ranger Raptor and off-road enthusiasts, the event provided workshops and training sessions that focused on jumping, drifting, tackling 4x4 obstacle trails, and Baja lap training. 

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

2025 BYD Atto 3 launching soon in China

The all-new BYD Atto 3 (aka Yuan Plus) has reached Chinese dealerships ahead of the imminent launch, as reported by CarNews China. The upgraded electric SUV boasts a sportier and more dynamic appearance with several design enhancements inside and out. However, the most notable update is the inclusion of BYD ‘God’s Eye C’ ADAS pack. Based on the automaker’s Xuanji AI architecture, the new package is integrated with DeepSeek AI, 5G, satellite networks, and multiple data chains, offering enhanced AI-assisted driving. 

Upcoming Mini EVs may ditch FWD platform

According to market reports, the next-gen Mini EVs will underpin BMW’s new Neue Klasse platform. Notably, the said architecture supports only rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, which indicates that Mini cars will have to ditch their signature front-wheel drive platforms. The first Mini EV prototype based on the Neue Klasse platform is expected to come by 2027, while the full transition may happen by the end of the decade.

Tesla Cybertruck receives Mansory’s Elongation package

 Mansory, the German’s renowned tuner, has launched an exciting Elongation package for the Tesla Cybertruck, including 

• Carbon-fibre bumpers, fender flares, rear wings
• Roof-mounted light bar
• 26-inch forged ‘FD.15’ wheels with 315/40 tyres.
• Full-leather upholstery with high-gloss or carbon-fibre trim
• Mansory-branded seats, belts, and floor mats

Notably, Mansory’s Elongation customization package solely focuses on aesthetics, with no upgrades under the skin.

Kia EV2 concept revealed globally

Kia has pulled the wrap off the EV2 concept at its 2025 EV Day event, recently held in Spain. The EV2 is the brand’s smallest electric car ever, which is set to go on sale in 2026. It features a radical exterior design with claw-like headlamps and square-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, we can find some unique appointments like LED animations on the dashboard and windows, bench-type seat in the front row, and folding bench-styled seating in the second row. In terms of drivetrain, the production-spec EV is expected to get the 400V iteration of Hyundai’s E-GMP platform, which also underpins the EV3and EV4. 

That's a wrap for now. For all the latest updates on the automotive industry, stay tuned with us.

Also read: Breaking down Malaysia’s automotive trends: Top cars, brands, and EVs