Weekly wrap-up: New Mercedes-AMG models introduced, BYD Sealion 7 EV, Omoda C9 launching soon, and more

The first week of November was quite exciting for Malaysian auto enthusiasts as a new bunch of power-packed Mercedes-AMG cars touched our shores. The excitement grew further with the confirmation of upcoming launches from BYD and Omoda this year. 

If you missed tuning into Zigwheels Malaysia, we’ve got you covered with our weekly wrap-up of the top auto news from local and global markets. So, let’s get started.

Malaysia automotive market: Key launches and updates

New Mercedes-Benz AMG models launched

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched a total of six new models this week, including Mercedes-AMG G 63, Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S, Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 S Coupé, Mercedes-Benz GLC 350 e, Mercedes-AMG GLC 43. These latest German masterpieces target drivers looking for high-end engineering and sophistication in their vehicles and reaffirm the brand’s dominance in the performance luxury segment. The pricing begins at RM 426k and goes all the way up to RM 1.95 Million.

BYD Sealion 7 EV launching on November 14

After launching the M6 electric MPV, Sime Darby Beyond Auto is ready to bring another BYD EV to our shores, called the Sealion 7. The bookings for this upcoming performance EV are now underway in Malaysia with the launch set to be held on November 14, 2024. Hailing from BYD Ocean range of cars, the Sealion 7 features a distinctive "OCEAN X" front styling with a powerful X-structure and a low-slung bonnet. It comes in two different Blade LFP battery options globally -  82.56-kWh and a 91.3 kWh battery, offering a driving range of up to 567 km under NEDC testing standards.

Omoda C9 SUV bookings open

Chery’s sub-brand Omoda is gearing up to introduce an off-road SUV coupe in Malaysia, the Omoda C9. The automaker has started accepting bookings for the SUV with the launch expected to happen next month. The Omoda C9 will be offered as a locally-assembled model in 2WD and AWD variants, estimatedly priced at RM 185,000 and RM 195,000, respectively. Both are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine generating a maximum power of 261 PS and a peak torque of 400 Nm.

2025 CFMoto 675 SR-R now in Malaysia

CFMoto has expanded its lineup in Malaysia with the launch of a new middleweight sports bike, the CFMoto 675SR-R. Priced at RM 37,888, the latest Chinese bike features a rugged design with classic sportbike aesthetics. It comes powered by a 675-cc inline three-cylinder, liquid-cooled DOHC engine producing 94 hp of maximum power at 11,000 rpm and 70 Nm of peak torque at 8,250 rpm. Two colour choices available for the CFMoto 675 SR-R are - Nebula White and Nebula Black.  

Malaysia gets the all-new 2024 Aprilia RS 457 

Didi Group introduced the all-new Aprilia RS 457 on our shores this week. It is a sports bike powered by a 457cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin cylinder engine that kicks out 48 PS at 9,400 rpm and a peak torque of 43.5 Nm at 6,700 rpm. The bike is ergonomically designed with a narrow seat height and clip-on handlebars and features MotoGP-inspired aerodynamics for a race-ready look. The 2024 Aprilia RS 457 is offered in three colour tones - Racing Stripes (black, red, and violet), Prismatic Dark, and Opalescent Light with prices ranging from RM 33,900 to RM 35,900 (excluding road tax and insurance).

Modenas introduces Kawasaki Eliminator 500 and Ninja ZX-6R 

This week Modenas introduced two new Kawasaki motorcycles in Malaysia - the Eliminator and the Ninja ZX-6R. Priced at RM 30,100, the Kawasaki Eliminator is a stylish and versatile cruiser loaded with advanced tech features. It runs on a 451-cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin, DOHC mill, which is good for making 45.4 PS at 9,000 rpm and 42.6 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. The Ninja ZX-6R, on the other hand, carries a higher price tag of RM 59,900. It is a well-equipped high-performance supersport motorcycle, powered by a 636-cc inline four-cylinder Euro 5-compliant DOHC engine churning out 124 PS of max power at 13,000 rpm and 69 Nm of peak torque at 10,800 rpm.

Proton reveals October 2024 sales report

Proton sold a total of 12,799 units (domestic + exports) in October 2024 representing a month-on-month growth of 13.6%. The company’s year-to-date total sales now stand at 125,557 units with an estimated market share of 18.9%. The Proton Saga continues to be the brand’s best-selling model with a total of 60,178 units sold so far this year. As the third-highest volume vehicle in the country, the sedan is on track to surpass the 70,000 mark for a second consecutive year.

Honda Malaysia issues proactive recall notice 

Honda Malaysia issued a proactive recall notice for the Civic, Civic Type R, and CR-V this week. The recall is due to a potential issue with the EPS gearbox, which may cause abnormal steering noise or sticky steering. The automaker will notify all affected owners via letter and cover all costs associated with inspection, repair, or replacement.

3,722 Perodua cars and Honda Motorcycle recalled

The Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ) has issued a recall notice for 3,722 vehicles, including the Perodua Alzaand Aruz, and the Honda CB350RS motorcycle. The recall is due to a headlight settings issue for Perodua SUVs, and an anti-lock braking system issue for the Honda CB350RS. Perodua and Boon Siew Honda are contacting owners to arrange inspections and will replace any faulty parts at no cost.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Suzuki e VITARA debuts as the first EV

Suzuki has introduced its first-ever electric car, the e VITARA, in the global market. It is based on the brand’s “HEARTECT-e” platform and comes in two lithium-iron-phosphate battery options —9 kWh and 61 kWh. The e VITARA features a “High-Tech & Adventure” design theme and is equipped with an “ALLGRIP-e” 4WD drive system with independent eAxles at the front and rear. With production set to begin in India soon, the Suzuki EV will balso e offered in Europe and Japan.

Malaysia-bound Denza D9 launched in Thailand

Ahead of Malaysia, the Denza D9 has made its way to the Thai market. It is an electric MPV offered in two variants -  Premium and Premium AWD models, priced at THB 1,999,900 (RM 267k) and THB 2,699,900 (RM 360k), respectively. The EV comes equipped with a 103.36-kWh Blade LFP battery pack, offering a driving range of 520 km (on the WLTP cycle). Denza is BYD’s premium sub-brand that will be taken care of by BYD Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. in the local market.

Jetour SUVs production begins in Indonesia

Chery’s sub-brand, Jetour, has started the local assembly of the Dashing and X70 Plus in Indonesia. These SUVs made their Indonesian debut in July of this year and are now geared up for launch, which is slated for later this month. The Jetour Dashing is a stylish 5-seater SUV specially designed for younger drivers while the Jetour X70 Plus is a smart and spacious 7-seater SUV ideal for long-distance travel. Both are equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine tuned to generate 156 PS at 5,500 rpm and 230 Nm of torque from 1,750 rpm to 4,000 rpm. The Jetour SUVs are expected to launch soon in Malaysia.

2025 Kia Sportage facelift arrives in South Korea

Still awaited in Malaysia, the Kia Sportage has received a significant upgrade in the home market. It now boasts a more rectangular vertically slotted grille and all-new vertical headlights, along with revised bumpers, and wheels. The interior also gets several notable tech upgrades while the under-the-hood configuration benefits from a new eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. 

Geely Galaxy Starship 7 revealed in China

Geely has launched the Galaxy Starship 7, a plug-in hybrid SUV in China. Built on the Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture, it is equipped with the advanced NordThor EM-i powertrain. This setup comprises a 1.5-litre hybrid engine delivering a combined output of 218 PS, enabling the SUV to hit the century sprint in 7.5 seconds. The vehicle comes with two Aegis battery choices offering an all-electric range of either 55 km or 120 km. 

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

Also read: What makes the Leapmotor C10 stand out? Let’s discover!