The year 2020 has been a slightly different year for everyone as the movement control restrictions forced people to stay at their homes, which badly impacted the economy. The automotive industry is also one of the worst-hit sectors by the COVID-19, however, the unprecedented challenges did not dampen the spirit of the automakers who went ahead with their plans undeterred; whether through online premiers or rolling out the models straight in the market. The awful year witnessed an array of new car launches, and the luxury car segment is no exception in this context. In today’s story, we have brought a list of top luxury car launches that happened in Malaysia in 2020, have a look.

2020 BMW 320i Sport 

Touted as the world’s best-selling premium sports sedan, the much-awaited BMW 320i Sport made its Malaysian debut in early January. The new version underpins a lightweight framework that weighs 1,460 kg, which means 30 kg less than its predecessor, and according to BMW, it is a more rigid vehicle than ever before. Powering the 320i Sport is a 2.0-litre TwinPower turbocharged gasoline unit pumping out 187 PS of maximum power and 300 Nm of peak torque. To buy the new BMW 320i Sport, customers need to shell out an amount of RM 243,800.

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Jaguar Land Rover introduced its premium compact SUV, the Discovery Sport in Malaysia in March just before the pandemic; at a starting price of RM 379,800. The new iteration features the most significant upgrade under the skin i.e. the brand’s latest Premium Transverse Architecture (PTA). The new platform offers a 13 percent increase in structural rigidity, with a few minor design tweaks. At the heart of the new Discovery Sport lies a 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium petrol engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. 

Land Rover Range Rover Evoque 

The second-generation of the gorgeous Range Rover Evoque SUV entered the local market in June 2020. It brings on board sophisticated exterior and interior cosmetic tweaks, a smart AI system along with an array of premium tech goodies. The SUV is available in two versions - Evoque base and Evoque R-Dynamic, priced at RM 426,828 and RM 475,398, respectively. Both variants are powered by an identical 2.0-litre Ingenium turbocharged four-pot petrol engine mated to a nine-speed automatic gearbox.

Mercedes-Benz GLB

Mercedes’s latest mid-size SUV, the GLB made its Malaysian debut back in September with an out of the box style and an impressive package of tech and luxury features. The SUV is built on the Modular Front Architecture platform and slots between the GLA and GLC models in the brand’s SUV line-up. It is available in three trims - GLB 200 Progressive Line, GLB 250 4Matic AMG Line, and AMG GLB 35 4Matic. The different variants come with distinguishing exterior and interior highlights along with different powertrains on board. The price for the base version starts at RM 269,118.

Jaguar XE

The facelifted version of the XE sedan arrives in the Malay market in August with a redefined sporty exterior and a new luxurious interior featuring artificial intelligence technology. Under the bonnet lies a 2.0-litre Ingenium engine generating 300 PS of maximum power at 5,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque between 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. It is available in a single R-Dynamic variant at a price tag of RM 395,831.

Porsche Taycan

The brand’s all-electric Porsche Taycan went on sale in the country back in September in three forms - Taycan 4S, Taycan Turbo, and Taycan Turbo S. All variants feature an all-wheel-drive setup with an electric motor for each axle. These underpin a high-tech 800-volt architecture for quicker acceleration and are fitted with a two-speed transmission at the rear axle for shorter recharge times. With the higher-capacity 93.4-kWh battery pack, the Taycan Turbo offers a range of up to 452 km; the highest in the lineup. Prices for all-electric Taycan starts at RM 725,000.

Ferrari Roma

Seven months after its global reveal, Ferrari’s new 2+2 fastback coupe, the Roma hit the local market in June 2020. The elegant model draws plenty of style inspiration from Maranello’s illustrious back catalog, and the Monza SP1 and SP2 speedsters. Powering this luxurious coupe is a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 borrowed from the Portofino convertible, which delivers 620 PS of max power and 760 Nm of peak torque. In the local market, the Ferrari Roma is priced at RM 968,000, however, its first local deliveries are scheduled to take place in Q1 next year.

2021 Mercedes-Benz GLA 

Earlier this month, the second generation of Mercedes’s GLA crossover SUV hit the Malaysian shores almost a year after its global premiere. In terms of design, the updated version boasts an aggressive styling and a more crossover appearance with an increased height of 104 mm. Inside, the customers get tons of creature comforts for a luxury feel. The GLA 200 Progressive Line is priced at RM 252,888, while the higher-spec GLA 250 AMG Line retails for RM 295,888. Under the bonnet, the trims are fitted with a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine and a 2.0-litre turbo mill respectively.

So, these were some of the top luxury cars that banged the country’s shores in the pandemic year. Hopefully, we will be enjoying the debuts of more premium ones in the upcoming year and seeing the end of the unprecedented pandemic.

Also read: 2021 Perodua Cars: What to expect?