Weekly wrap-up: Proton X50 Sport Edition, 2025 BMW i4 launched, Isuzu D-Max Low-Ride 4x2 bookings open and more

This week, we saw a busy momentum in the Malaysian automotive industry with a series of launches and exciting announcements. BMW introduced the four new products and detailed its plans for the year ahead, followed by Proton launching the X50 Sport Edition and Honda bringing in new 650cc models. In the meantime, the global market also witnessed a bunch of exciting debuts along with snippets of the upcoming models. Here’s a quick recap of all the top auto news of the week - 

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Proton X50 Sport Edition launched

Proton has launched the Sport Edition package for the beloved X50. Available only for the 1.5T Premium trim, the package comprises - a sporty body kit, black finishing, 18-inch black alloy wheels, side skirts, Sport Edition badges, and a wireless charger. The Proton X50 Sport Edition is priced at RM 98,300 with a special rebate of RM 7,000. It is offered in a limited quantity of 1000 units.

2025 BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport facelift launched

BMW Group Malaysia has launched the all-new BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport at RM 315,600 (including the BMW Service & Repair package). For the model year 2025, the electric sedan gets a redesigned kidney grille, redesigned Adaptive LED headlights, 19-inch aerodynamic M wheels, new upholstery, BMW Curved Display, and more. It is powered by the same 70.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, offering a WLTP range of 500 km.

2025 BMW 530i M Sport CKD previewed ahead of launch

The German automaker also previewed the new BMW 530i M Sport this week. It is the second ICE-powered variant of the 5 Series sedan in Malaysia, which will be offered as a CKD model with an estimated price of RM 400,000. In terms of appearance, the new variant remains identical to the 520i M Sport with bigger 20-inch wheels as the only distinction. It is powered by a mild-hybrid engine comprising a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid system.

BMW R 12 cruiser bike up for grabs

The next BMW model that made its way to Malaysia this week is the R 12 cruiser bike. Priced at RM 123,000, the motorcycle features retro-inspired aesthetics and cutting-edge technology. It is powered by a 1,170-cc R boxer engine producing a maximum power of 95 hp at 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 110 Nm at 6000 rpm. Features list - Adaptive Headlight Pro system, Rock and Roll drive modes, BMW Motorrad’s Dynamic Traction Control, Gear Shift Assistant Pro, Cruise Control, Hillstart Control, Heated Grips, Keyless Ride system, BMW Motorrad ABS Pro, and USB charging port.

2025 Honda CB650R and CBR650R launched

The all-new 2025 Honda CB650R and CBR650R have been launched in the Malaysian market. Priced at RM 47,999, the new CB650R is offered in three colours - Mate Gunpowder Black, Matte Laurel Green. and Candy Chromosphere Red. The new Honda CBR650R costs RM 49,999 and can be bought in Grand Prix Red or Matte Gunpowder Metallic shade. Both motorcycles are powered by a 649-cc liquid-cooled, inline-four cylinder dishing out 93.8 hp at 12,000 rpm and 64 Nm of torque at 8,500 rpm. New for 2025 is a 5-inch instrument cluster supporting Honda Roadsync connectivity.

Isuzu D-Max Low-Ride 4x2 MT bookings open 

Isuzu Malaysia has started accepting bookings for the new D-Max Low-Ride 4×2 MT. It is a low-riding, 2WD iteration of the pickup truck, targeting business owners. The latest model is powered by a 1.9-litre turbodiesel engine tuned to deliver 150 PS of maximum power and 350 Nm of peak torque. Equipment kit comprises - 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. The estimated price tag reads RM 92,199. 

Proton X70 facelift now supports Android Auto

After Apple CarPlay, Proton has now added the Android Auto functionality in the X70, making it the first Proton car to support both systems. Available via over-the-air updates, it supports wired as well as wireless connectivity for features like Google Maps on the 12.3-inch touchscreen. Unfortunately, the owners of older X70 models can’t enjoy this update due to certification requirements. 

Leapmotor Malaysia announces Lunar New Year promo

Leapmotor Malaysia has rolled out a special Lunar New Year promotion for its electric SUV, the C10. Originally priced at RM 159,000, the EV is offered at an exciting rebate of RM 10,000 for a limited only. Customers can either choose a cash rebate of RM 10k or a pack of goodies valued at RM 10,000. The offer is valid from now till 28 February 2025. 

Peugeot Malaysia CNY promo 2025 rolled out 

Peugeot Malaysia is also celebrating the Year of the Snake with the “PEUGEOT Drive into Prosperity” campaign, which offers the following incredible rebates on 2025 and 2024 models. The offer is valid until 28 February 2025 and applies to Peugeot 3008, 5008, 2008, LandTrek, and 408.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Mazda 6e electric saloon revealed in Europe

Unveiled in China last year, the Mazda EZ-6 BEV has made its debut in the European market as the Mazda 6e. Rivaling the likes of the Tesla Model 3, the EV boasts a sleek profile with a liftback rear end and a premium cabin design. It will come equipped with a rear-mounted motor in two power tunes - 244 PS or 258 PS, both with a peak torque of 320 Nm. The motor is fed by either a 68.8kWh LFP or 80kWh NCM battery pack, offering a driving range of 479 km and 552 km, respectively. 

Hyundai Staria EV in the works

The electric version of the Hyundai Staria MPV is under development in Korea. The EV was recently spotted in the prototype form without camouflage, which strongly resembles the existing ICE and hybrid iterations of the MPV. Expected to debut later this year, the EV is likely to share its powertrain with the brand’s ST-1 electric van, offering 217 PS of maximum power and a 289 km driving range. 

Xpeng G7 SUV breaks covers

Xpeng has unveiled the all-new G7 in the Chinese market. Larger than the G6, the latest Xpeng model looks modern in design with a sporty couple-like profile, sleek LED headlights and aerodynamic lines. Set to hit the Chinese roads in the first half of the year, the Xpeng G7 will come powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries sourced from CALB. If we talk about pricing, the latest Xpeng EV is expected to cost around CNY 200,000 (approx RM 127k).

Aston Martin introduces the new Vantage Roadster facelift

Aston Martin has unveiled the Vantage Roadster facelift ahead of the launch slated to happen in April this year. The latest model benefits from a retuned 665-hp 4.0-litre V8 engine, offering better performance than its predecessor. Other key upgrades include a stiffer chassis, adaptive dampers, 21-inch Michelin tyres, new 10.25-inch screens, and advanced features. The new Vantage Roadster is equipped with the fastest folding roof in its class, operating in just 6.8 seconds. 

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

Also read: Top 7 fastest cars launched in 2024