Top ultra-luxurious EVs to buy in Malaysia

During the Budget 2022 speech, Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz announced a tax rebate for electric vehicles in the country. The plans involve full (yes, 100 percent) exemption of import and export duties and zero road tax for CBU EVs till 31st December 2023 along with 100 percent duty exemption for CKD EVs till 31st December 2025.

And as we all know starting around mid-January automakers started revealing a new price list for 2022. For instance, the BMW iX EV became up to RM 65,000 cheaper, the iX3 up to RM 11k cheaper, MINI Cooper SE facelift retail price reduced by RM 35,200, and more.

The tax exemption without a doubt is responsible for the sudden influx of electric cars in the country that we are currently experiencing. In the mix are some luxurious models that not only are easy on the environment but cater to a class with zero tolerance for discomfort. The EVs discussed today are a treat for the eyes, packed with the most advanced technologies and features, all along with a performance and price tag to remember.

So, let’s get started -

Tesla Model X

Price: RM817,128 to RM950,328

It was only in December 2022, that the Malay Vehicle Importers and Traders Association of Malaysia (PEKEMA) announced that it had commenced taking orders for Tesla models on a much wider basis. As Tesla models are not officially sold in the country, PEKEMA imports the car directly via its network.

In its detailed listing of Tesla models, the most expensive is the Model X. Offered in two variants Basic and X Plaid, each goes for RM 817,128 and RM 950,328 respectively (indicative, with tax exemption).

The base model is a dual-motor AWD Long Range version that packs 670 hp and offers a range of 580km. The range-topping Plaid, on the other hand, has three motors in hand together generating 1,033 PS of power. It only takes the latter 2.5 seconds to hit the 96 kmph mark before attaining a top speed of 262 kmph. On a full charge, the new Plaid model provides up to 547 km of range.

Facelifted in 2021, the EV gets a new digital instrument panel, a massive 17-inch windscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth functionality for several devices. USB-C fast-charging ports, four wireless smartphone charging trays, and a 22-speaker, 960-watt premium audio sound system with sound-canceling tech. Rear passengers get a separate display mounted on the center tunnel to watch films and play games.

Customers can choose between three seating configurations, five, six, and seven. With the rear seat folded, the five-seater version offers a whopping 2,577-liter of boot space.

Porsche Macan GTS

Price: RM708,000

Porsche Malaysia kicked off 2022 with the launch of the Taycan GTS, the latest variant on board, and is positioned between the 4S and Turbo.

Like all the other Taycans around, the GTS comes with an all-wheel drivetrain, thanks to its twine motors that deliver a total power output of 517 PS along with a maximum torque of 850 Nm. Unlock the overboost for ten seconds and the power will bump by 81 PS (598 PS). Thus, allowing the Porsche EV to complete the century sprint in just 3.7 seconds and attain a top speed of 250 kmph. Also, the GTS is the first Taycan with more than 500 km WLTP-rated range.

The EV offers a sharp driving experience (better than its siblings) thanks to the Porsche Adaptive Suspension Management (PASM) dampers, Porsche Electric Sport Sound, specially-tuned air suspension, and ear-wheel-steer settings.

The Sport Design Package is a standard offering and helps distinguish GTS from the rest of the variants. As standard fitments come rear-wheel-steer settings, black Race-Tex microfiber upholstery, four-zone automatic climate control, a passenger-side touchscreen, power-folding door mirrors, and ParkAssist with a 360-degree camera system. It also comes with a Mobile Charger Connect with a five-inch touchscreen and WiFi connectivity, Home Energy Manager for controlling the charging power, and a Mode 3 (Type 2) charging cable.

The GTS comes equipped with what’s the world-first glass panel divided into nine segments that can be adjusted individually. It comes with four settings - Matt, Clear, Bold, and Semi.

BMW iX xDrive40 Sport

Price: RM 407,430

 

Powering the BMW iX xDrive40 are two electric motors, one on each axle providing all-wheel drive. Together they pump out a maximum power of 326 PS and 630 Nm of peak torque and it is good for a 0-100 kmph sprint time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 200 kmph. The 76.6 kWh lithium-ion battery offers a range of up to 425 km on a single charge.

In terms of looks, the iX puts forward a pretty sporty and handsome foot. It comes with a Sport guise, bright red paint, BMW Laserlight headlamps with high beam assistant, power tailgate, Comfort Access, and 22-inch aerodynamic wheels with blue calipers.

The cabin is super comforting and packs a Live Cockpit Professional system with a curved 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display, connected to a 14.9-inch central touchscreen display. The latter runs on BMW OS 8 which is far snappier and offers better graphics compared to the OS 7. Also, part of the kit is an 18-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, real crystal glass switches, anthracite headliner and pillar trims, and the Clear & Bold interior trim applications.

Mercedes-Benz EQA250 AMG Line

Price: RM278,201.25

It was only a few days back that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched the EQA 250 AMG 250 Line. It will arrive fully imported (CBU) from Germany and thanks to the sales tax exemption is only RM 7,036 dearer than the CKD GLA 250 AMG Line. Included in its RM 278,201 price tag is a four-year, unlimited mileage warranty and EV battery with 8-years/160,000 km warranty.

The EQA 250 is powered by a single asynchronous electric motor that sends drive to the front wheels via a single-speed gearbox. It makes a maximum power of 190 PS along with a peak torque of 375 Nm. The setup allows the 2,040 kg Mercedes-Benz EV to touch the 100 kmph mark in just 8.9 seconds and attain a top speed of 160 kmph.

The liquid-cooled, 420-volt lithium-ion battery can be recharged fully in 5 hours and 45 minutes via the 11 kW onboard AC charger or can go from 10-80 percent in just 32 minutes through DC fast charger. On a full charge, the battery offers a zero-emission driving range of 429 km.

Part of the EQA250 AMG Line feature kit is - LED High-Performance headlamps with Adaptive Highbeam Assist, 19-inch AMG five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels, Keyless-Go and a hands-free powered tailgate, Thermotronic dual-zone climate control, illuminated and EQ-branded door sills, a wireless charging pad, and ambient lighting system. It also gets an MBUX system with twin 10.25-inch instrument and infotainment displays, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, and Mercedes me connected services and telematics.

Impressive? Well, hold on a little more as we are about to get a few more amazing EVs in coming months. Part of the list is -

• Mercedes-Benz EQS
• Jaguar I-Pace SUV
• Peugeot e-2008 EV SUV
• Mazda MX-30 Electric
• Lexus UX 300e EV
• Kia EV6 SUV

Which of the upcoming EVs are you most excited about? And of the available electric cars, which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.

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