Weekly wrap-up: 2024 Proton X50 RC, Lamborghini Urus SE, BMW X3 Final Edition launched, new EV road tax structure, and more

KUALA LUMPUR: The past week was quite busy in the Malaysian automotive industry with a slew of launches and a couple of important announcements that will significantly impact car owners in the near future. Meanwhile, the global market also witnessed a few noteworthy reveals and enjoyed snippets of upcoming models. Here’s a quick recap of all the top auto news of the week, starting with the local market.

Local news

2024 Proton X50 RC (Running Change) launched

Launched in 2020, the Proton X50 finally received an update this week. The upgrades include new features and equipment that have been requested by the customers, according to Proton. These include - better and faster infotainment, improved Noise, Vibration, and Harshness levels, a new High-Definition 360 camera, and a powered tailgate. With the updated equipment kit, there comes no change in variants and pricing, which means, the automaker continues to retail the SUV in four trims - Standard, Executive, Premium, and Flagship, priced between RM 86,300 and RM 113,300.

2024 Lamborghini Urus SE launched 

Globally revealed earlier this year, the Lamborghini Urus SE PHEV also made its way to the local market this week. It is the brand’s first plug-in hybrid that comes equipped with a combination of a 620 PS/800 Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and a 192 PS/483 Nm electric motor. The combined system output is rated at 800 PS and 950 Nm, enabling the super SUV to hit the century sprint in just 3.4 seconds and clock a max speed of 312 kmph. Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur retails the new Urus SE at RM 1,028,000 (before taxes, duties, and customization).

2024 BMW X3 Final Edition models up for grabs

BMW launched two new final edition models of the X3 SUV in Malaysia. These are - X3 sDrive20i Final Edition and X3 xDrive30e Final Edition, priced at RM 338,500 and RM384,500, respectively. The special models feature cosmetic enhancements and a better equipment kit, offering exceptional value for money to buyers. The powertrain setup remains the same as their standard iterations.

2024 BMW 218i Gran Coupe Final Edition launched

Alongside introducing special X3 models, BMW Malaysia also launched the 218i Gran Coupe Final Edition. This swansong model is locally assembled in Malaysia and carries a price tag of RM 244,400 (on the road, without insurance). Its unique identity is marked with an M high-gloss Shadowline package, 18-inch Y spoke style 553 M bi-colour light alloy wheels, and a couple of tech goodies like an additional wireless charging pad and a 10-speaker HiFi sound system.

GWM Ora 07 Performance launching this month

Back in April, Great Wall Motors Malaysia introduced the Ora 07 in two variants - Long Range and Performance. Following the successful delivery of the first batch of the Long Range model, the brand is now gearing up to bring the Performance version onto local roads by the end of this month. Priced at RM 189,800, the Ora 07 Performance is powered by a dual-motor setup churning out a maximum power of 408 PS and a peak torque of 680 Nm. Feeding the motor is an 83.5 kWh battery that offers a WLTP-claimed range of 483 km.

New EV Road Tax Structure 2026 announced

Although EVs are currently exempt from road tax until 2025, buyers will have to pay taxes from 2026 under the newly-revealed "Road Tax Plan 2026." The new tax plan is based on the electric motor kilowatt output as earlier, however, the tax rates are much cheaper than before, with some dropping by as much as 89%. Not only that, the new road tax on EVs will also be lower than the internal combustion engine cars.

New Lemon Law likely to be implemented next year

As reported earlier this year, the Malaysian government is mulling over the implementation of a "Lemon Law" to protect consumers against defective vehicles. The recent update reveals that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living may introduce a "lemon law" or amend existing legislation as soon as March 2025. Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali announced that a team of legal experts has been appointed to find out the best practices from various countries. 

2024 IAM-MME event happening this weekend

The 2024 IAM-MME (International Automodified and Malaysia Motor Expo) is going to be held from June 8 to June 9 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The event will feature over 300 modified cars competing in 100 categories for awards, including the coveted King of IAM KL title. Attendees will also get an opportunity to win a modified Honda N-Box worth RM 80,000. 

Chery opens new outlet in Negeri Sembilan

Chery has expanded its footprint in Malaysia with the launch of a new showroom in Negeri Sembilan in association with SS Mobile Sdn Bhd. The new outlet spans 310 square metres housing a display area that can showcase the full lineup of Chery vehicles, a service centre with multiple service bays, and a comfortable customer lounge.

Proton May 2024 sales revealed

Proton sold a total of 12,422 units (including both local and export markets) in the month of May, taking the YTD sales total to 62,697 units. These numbers represent a growth of 13.6% compared to April 2024 and a slight dip of 6.4% compared to May 2023. The Saga remains Proton’s best-selling model with 6,119 deliveries during the month. The second spot is grabbed by the S70 with 2,011 units.

International news

2025 BMW 1 Series made an official debut

BMW has finally revealed the all-new fourth-generation 1 Series. The generational upgrade brings a number of enhancements to the design, technology, and comfort. The exterior benefits from a new and wider double kidney grille with new sharp-looking LED headlights, a new LED DRL signature, and new 17- and 18-inch wheels. The cabin is now completely vegan and boasts the latest BMW iDrive 9 infotainment system with dual floating screens and newly designed seats. The automaker offers the new BMW 1 Series in four powertrain options - two petrol and two diesel. 

Volvo EX90 production begins in the US

After a delay of almost two years, Volvo has finally started manufacturing its safest car ever, the EX90. The production is carried out at the brand’s South Carolina in the US, which recently received a state-of-the-art battery pack production line, a renewed body shop, and a paint shop. According to the company’s head, Jim Rowan, the fully-electric EX90 begins “a new era for Volvo Cars – a new era for safety, sustainability, and human-centric technology.” The deliveries of the EV will start in the States later this year.

Toyota, Mazda, Honda, and Suzuki certification scandal

Back in January, the MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism) instructed Toyota, Mazda, Honda, and Suzuki to investigate their model certification applications. As a result, these Japanese automakers were found to have procedural irregularities. Toyota reported certification issues involving inadequate data in pedestrian and occupant protection tests for three models. Honda conducted improper noise and output testing of petrol engines and hybrid powertrains while Mazda admitted improper modification of vehicles and rewriting engine tunes.

2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport breaks cover

Volkswagen introduced the all-new Golf GTI Clubsport at the Nürburgring track. The latest model comes with sharper looks, an upmarket cabin, and impressive performance. Key changes include - an illuminated Volkswagen logo, new LED Plus headlights and LED tail light clusters, aggressive bumpers, new 19-inch Queenstown alloy wheels, new leather sports steering wheel, and a 12.9-inch infotainment system mated to a new IDA voice assistant with ChatGPT integration. Powering the 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine tuned to deliver 295 hp and 400 Nm of torque.

New Bugatti V16 hypercar teased ahead of debut

Bugatti is set to unveil its next hypercar on June 20, 2024. Ahead of that, the French luxury sports car manufacturer teased the upcoming model and confirmed that it will come powered by a naturally aspirated hybrid V16. Bugatti does not reveal much about the said engine; however, reports suggest that it has been developed by Cosworth and would have a capacity of 8.3 litres.

2025 Isuzu MU-X facelift teased

After the Isuzu D-Max pickup truck, the MU-X SUV is up for receiving a facelift in the global market. The automaker recently teased the upcoming seven-seater model on its social media handles in Thailand. The teaser video previews the revamped front fascia of the SUV boasting a larger grille, new headlight, and air intakes. Alongside cosmetic tweaks, the new Isuzu MU-X is likely to get the new interior features and updated safety tech. As for the debut date, Isuzu simply stated that it's "coming soon."

That’s all for the week. Stay tuned with us for all the important updates on the automotive industry.

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