Weekly wrap-up: Xpeng X9 MPV, JAC T9 pickup truck launched, Two Volvo EVs arriving soon, and more

The past week was exciting for the Malaysian automotive industry as Xpeng launched its second electric car, causing a stir in the MPV segment. It was followed by the arrival of the JAC T9 pickup truck in two radically different versions that appeal to both traditional pickup users and eco-conscious buyers. In the meantime, the global auto space witnessed a few big reveals. Here’s a recap of all the major happenings from last week that you could have missed out on - 

Malaysia automotive market: Key updates

Xpeng X9 launched in Malaysia

The Chinese EV maker Xpeng has expanded its lineup in Malaysia with the launch of the X9. It is an all-electric premium MPV that rivals the likes of the Denza D9 and Zeekr 009. The X9 is offered in three variants locally - Standard Range 2WD Pro, Long Range 2WD Pro, and Long Range 2WD Pro Plus. The EV features a futuristic yet practical design, inspired by a starship. The cabin exudes a luxurious aura with tech-powered comfort and versatile space. Pricing begins at RM 270,708 and goes up to RM 300,708.

JAC T9 arrives in Malaysia in two versions

The all-new JAC T9 made its way to the Malaysian market this week as the country’s first pickup that comes in both internal combustion engine (ICE) and EV options. The T9 Diesel variant is priced at RM 119,888 while for the BEV trim, you need to shell out an amount of RM 199,888. The former is powered by a 2.0-litre inline-four turbodiesel engine tuned to deliver 170 PS and 410 Nm. The T9 EV, on the other hand, comes equipped with a  299 hp/516 Nm electric motor and an 88.0 kWh CATL LFP battery pack, offering a driving range of 340 km.

Proton’s Buka Lembaran Baharu promo announced

With the beginning of Ramadan, Proton has rolled out exciting offers for this festive season. Applicable to all Proton cars, the Buka Lembaran Baharu Promo offers new car buyers “Duit Raya” cash rebates worth up to RM 10,000. Additional overtrade support from Proton’s used car division is also available.

Model	Rebate	Overtrade support	Total savings
Proton X50	Up to RM 9,000	RM 2,000	Up to RM 11,000
Proton X70	Up to RM 9,000	RM 2,000	Up to RM 11,000
Proton X90	Up to RM 10,000	Up to RM 5,000	Up to RM 15,000
Proton S70	Up to RM 8,000	Up to RM 2,000	Up to RM 13,000 (with a free Aerokit worth RM 3,130)
Proton Saga	Up to RM 1,000	Up to RM 800 - RM 1,000	Up to RM 2,000
Proton Iriz	Up to RM 1,000	Up to RM 800 - RM 1,000	Up to RM 2,000
Proton Persona	Up to RM 1,000	Up to RM 800 - RM 1,000	Up to RM 2,000

Proton e.MAS 7 EV crosses 1000 deliveries 

Proton’s first-ever electric car, the e.MAS 7 clocked a significant sales milestone this week. Pro-Net, the official distributor of e.MAS cars, has delivered a total of 1,000 units of the EV, highlighting the love and attention it has been gaining from buyers. Key reasons behind its surging popularity are - Best-in-class features like Live Integrated Charging Map, spaciousness and practicality, and value-for-money proposition. The e.MAS 7 is offered in two variants - Prime and Premium; the price ranges from RM 105,800 to RM 119,800 (with the RM 4000 launch rebate offer).

Volvo EX90 EV & XC90 facelift coming soon

Volvo Car Malaysia has confirmed the soon arrival of not one, but two new exciting models for this year. The first is the brand’s new electric SUV, the EX90, which is based on the automaker’s next-gen, born-electric EV technology and designed as the safest Volvo ever made, with active safety technologies both inside and outside the car. The second Volvo car set to hit Malaysian shores in 2025 is the XC90 facelift. It boasts a new look and user interface redefined for a new electric age.

Stellantis teams up with TFM to uplift underserved communities

Stellantis has joined hands with Teach For Malaysia on the “EduPower for Quality Education” initiative. Under this initiative, the world’s fourth largest automaker aims to uplift underserved and indigenous communities, including B40 families, Orang Asli and Orang Asal groups in Selangor, Perak and Sarawak by providing access to quality education. It will focus on building quality teaching capacity through TFM’s 2-year Fellowship Programme and these TFM Fellows will be deployed in schools across the mentioned regions. The initiative will support 19,950 students over two years.

Global automotive market: Key international launches and updates

Volvo ES90 EV revealed globally

Volvo has pulled the wraps off its first-ever electric sedan, the ES90. Set to compete against the BMW i5 and Mercedes-Benz EQE, the Volvo ES90 features a low-slung, sophisticated design language. It is based on the brand’s modular SPA2 platform and equipped with a 92 kWh or 106 kWh battery pack, offering a maximum range of up to 700 km. The minimalistic cabin promises a lounge-like comfort with tons of premium features, while the driving assistance is taken care of by seven cameras, five radars, twelve ultrasonic sensors, and a lidar from Luminar Technologies.

Chery Tiggo 4 Pro secures a 5-star safety rating

Malaysia-bound Chery Tiggo 4 Pro has passed the ANCAP crash tests with flying colours. This pint-size SUV grabbed a perfect 5-star rating with 88% score in Adult Occupant Protection and 87% in Child Occupant Protection. While the results are based on the Tiggo 7 Pro crash testing held in late 2023, ANCAP performed some additional tests, such as autonomous emergency braking and lane support, to confirm that the test results of the two SUVs match.

China gets the all-new Xpeng G6 EV facelift

 The Xpeng G6 has received an upgrade in the Chinese market. The upgraded electric SUV features 81 improvements, including -

• New trapezoidal grille mated to full-width "galaxy light wing" light bar
• New petal-style black alloy wheels
• New interior colour, improved materials
• Refreshed dashboard layout incorporating a 15.6-inch floating infotainment unit and a 10.25-inch digital cluster
• Advanced AI Turing system for improved autonomous driving

The China-spec Xpeng G6 is powered by a 296 hp electric motor paired with 800V architecture for ultra-fast charging.

All-new Audi A6 Avant breaks cover

Audi has introduced the next-gen A6 Avant in the global market. The latest version features a bold new design, an upmarket cabin, and multiple powertrain options including petrol and mild-hybrid diesel. In terms of design, the new A6 Avant gets a larger front grille along with new matrix LED headlamps and OLED tail lamps. The cabin features hi-tech elements such as a 14.5-inch infotainment unit, an 11.9-inch digital driver display, Bang & Olufsen sound system and an optional 10.9-inch touchscreen unit for the front passenger. Pricing ranges between EUR 58,000 (approx RM 274k) and EUR 61,700 (approx RM291k).

2025 BYD Dolphin facelift launched in China

After the new Atto 3 facelift, BYD has launched the new Dolphin facelift in China. For the 2025 model year, the electric hatchback benefits from cosmetic enhancements and the brand’s new ‘God’s Eye C’ ADAS pack, just like its elder sibling. Based on the brand’s Xuanji AI architecture, this new driving-assistance suite comes integrated with DeepSeek AI, 5G connectivity, satellite networks, and multiple data chains for enhanced AI-assisted driving. The China-spec Dolphin is offered in three variants - Base, Fashion and Knight.

Volkswagen ID Every1 concept unveiled

After a long teaser campaign, Volkswagen has finally revealed its new EV concept, called the ID Every1. It is the automaker’s most affordable EV to date and will succeed the Volkswagen Up in Europe. The production-spec model of the German EV will underpin a modified version of the new MEB FWD Entry platform. Set to hit the European market in 2027, the Volkswagen ID Every1 is expected to offer a driving range of at least 250 km. 

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

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