Weekly wrapup: 2023 Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0L bi-turbo diesel, 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ & EQS 53 4MATIC+, 2023 Kawasaki Z900 and Z900 SE launch

The past seven days were pretty busy for both the national and international auto industry. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia was pretty busy launching two EVs in the local market, namely the 2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ & EQS 53 4MATIC+. Accompanying the German maker was Kawasaki with the launch of the 2023 Z900 and Z900 SE. The international market saw the unveiling of the stunning Ducati Panigale V2 “Black on Black” edition, fully-electric Volvo EX30, Chery Tiggo 9 flagship SUV, and much more.

Local auto news

2023 Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0L bi-turbo diesel variant launch

The all-new 2.0L bi-turbo diesel version of the performance-oriented pick-up truck has been launched in Malaysia. The new  Ford Ranger Raptor 2.0L biturbo variant joins the existing 3.0L bi-turbo V6 petrol trim and is priced at RM 248,888 (on the road without insurance). The mentioned prices include a five-year, 160,000 km warranty against manufacturing defects. Powering it is a 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-four-cylinder diesel engine making a maximum power of 210 PS at 3,750 rpm and a peak torque of 500 Nm from 1,750 rpm to 2,000 rpm.

2023 Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+ launch

Mercedes-Benz has expanded its electric lineup in Malaysia with the launch of the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+. Offered in a sole CBU variant, it is priced at RM 649,888 (on the road without insurance). Powering it are two electric motors, together generating a maximum power of 625 hp and a peak torque of 950 Nm. The motors are paired with a 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) system, allowing EV to hit the 100 kmph mark in 3.5 seconds and attain a top speed of 220 kmph.

2023 Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ launch

Alongside the Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 4MATIC+, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also launched the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+. The pure electric sedan is offered in a sole variant which retails for RM 798,888 (on the road without insurance), thus making it RM 150,000 pricier than the non-AMG version.

Powering it is a dual-motor setup that kicks out a maximum power of 658 hp and a peak torque of 950 Nm. Hooked to an all-wheel drive system, the setup enables the EV to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 3.8 seconds in standard setting and 3.4 seconds in AMG Dynamic Plus Package tuning. The former setting has a top speed of 220 kmph while the latter can help the EV to clock 250 kmph.

2023 Kawasaki Z900 and Z900 SE launch

Edaran Modenas Sdn Bhd, has introduced two new motorcycles in the local market, the all-new 2023 Kawasaki Z900 and Z900 SE in Malaysia. While the standard Z900 is offered in two new color schemes - Metallic Matte Graphene Steel Gray and Metallic Spark Black, the higher-spec SE model is exclusively available in Candy Lime Green hue only. They are priced at RM 44,900, RM 43,900, and RM 55,900 respectively. Both Z900 and Z900 derive power from a 948-cc inline four-cylinder engine that kicks out a maximum power of 123.6 bhp and a peak torque of 98.6 Nm. The power is transferred to the wheels via a six-speed transmission.

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV ROI open

Globally revealed in October last year, the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV will soon enter the Malaysian market. The automaker has opened the new EVs registration of interest at its official website, making it the next EQ model on the local shores. The EQE SUV underpins the brand's dedicated new EV platform and measures 4,863 mm long, 1,940 mm wide, 1,686 mm tall, and carries a wheelbase of 3,030 mm. No details are available on the Malaysia-spec EQE SUV powertrain setup. Globally, it comes in three versions - 350+ RWD Single electric motor, 350 4MATIC AWD dual-motor, and 500 4MATIC AWD dual-motor.

Proton shows growth in sales in May

The national automaker sold a total of 13,268 units (including export) in May, representing a growth of 40.9% over April 2023. Compared to May 2022, a hike of 35.5% was recorded.

Modified Mitsubishi Triton and Xpander at Tokyo Auto Salon, KL

Tokyo Auto Salon is set to commence in Malaysia on June 9 and will showcase several tuned and modified cars. Mitsubishi for instance will be displaying two modified models - a Triton pickup truck and Xpander MPV, as well as two customers’ cars modified with a lifestyle element.

International auto news

Volvo EX30 debut

Expanding the brand’s all-electric offering to four models, Volvo has finally revealed the new fully-electric EX30 SUV globally in Milan, Italy. The automaker claims it to have the smallest CO2 footprint ever offered by a Volvo. It also packs several cutting-edge techs and has an attractive Scandinavian design that will turn several heads. The new EX30 is offered in three powertrain options and two battery types which include - Single Motor, Single Motor Extended Range, and Twin Motor Performance.

Next-gen Toyota Wigo launch in Vietnam

Vietnam has become the first left-hand-drive market to welcome the next-gen Wigo hatchback. Offered in two trim options; E MT and G CVT; they are priced at VND 360 million (~RM 70.5k) and VND 405 million (~RM 79k) respectively. Powering the new Toyota Wigo is a 1.2-liter twin-cam, 12-valve inline-3 petrol engine generating a maximum power of 88 PS along with a peak torque of 113 Nm. The drive is sent to the wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission (in the E variant) and Daihatsu's Dual-Mode Continuously Variable Transmission (in the top-spec G variant).

Ducati Panigale V2 “Black on Black” edition revealed

Once again Ducati is ready to captivate enthusiasts with the Panigale V2 special edition model, called “Black on Black”. The bike showcases a truly captivating sight, thanks to the eye-catching red accents, Dark Matt Grey bodywork, and glossy black elements encompassing the LED headlights and air intakes. It is powered by a Euro 5 compliant 955 cc Superquadro twin-cylinder engine making a maximum power output of 155 hp at 10,750 rpm along with a peak torque of 104 Nm at 9,000 rpm.

Upcoming Peugeot 3008 cabin design teased

The all-new Peugeot 3008 is scheduled for September 2023 launch and prior to its arrival, the automaker is sharing images of the car’s cabin design. The vehicle’s cabin showcases Peugeot i-Cockpit interior layout with a panoramic design, thus making it the first Peugeot model to benefit from it. Other striking inclusions are - a 21-inch high-definition curved panoramic screen acting as both an instrument cluster and an infotainment system, a Peugeot i-Toggles touch-sensitive panel with up to 10 shortcut keys, wireless smartphone charging, and a compact steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons.

BMW M 1000 XR Prototype unveiled

A slight glimpse of the highly-anticipated M 1000 XR prototype has been shared by BMW Motorrad. It is designed to meet riders' demand for a high-performance, long-distance capabilities motorcycle (both on the road and race track). Powering the all-new M 1000 XR is an inline four-cylinder mill shared with the S 1000 RR superbike. The unit delivers over 200 hp, thanks to BMW’s innovative ShiftCam technology.

Chery Tiggo 9 flagship SUV launched in China

After updating the Tiggo 3X, Chery has now introduced the all-new Tiggo 9 SUV. Offered in two seating configurations - 5- and 7-seater. The two are priced at CNY 152,900 (~RM 99k) and CNY 203,900 (~RM 132k) respectively. Tagged as the brand’s most expensive model, it is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder GDI turbocharged petrol engine generating a maximum power of 261 PS along with a peak torque of 400 Nm.

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