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Mercedes-Benz Malaysia Unveils the New C 350 e Plug-in Hybrid

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia today introduces the latest variant of the best-selling C-Class: the Mercedes-Benz C 350 e Plug-in Hybrid. Proudly assembled at the production plant in Pekan, the C 350 e Plug-in Hybrid seamlessly combines electric power with traditional fuel for enhanced efficiency.

The Mercedes-Benz C 350 e Plug-in Hybrid perfectly integrates performance, efficiency, and sustainability with its advanced powertrain specifications. The 1,999 cc engine powers this innovative vehicle, delivering a rated output of 204hp at 6,100 rpm, paired with a robust torque of 320Nm spanning from 2,000 to 4,000 rpm. This four-cylinder petrol engine ensures a dynamic driving experience.

Augmenting the combustion engine is an electric motor with a rated output of 95 kW and a torque of 440 Nm, contributing to a harmonious blend of power sources. This integration results in an impressive max. rated power system output of 313hp and a peak torque of 550Nm at the rated power system output, ensuring a compelling performance. Notably, the C 350 e boasts an electric range of up to 117 km (WLTP), affirming its commitment to sustainable mobility.

The vehicle’s high-voltage (HV) battery, with an energy content of 25.4 kWh provides substantial electric range for a variety of journeys. Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h is achieved in just 6.1 seconds, showcasing the agility and responsiveness of the C 350 e, while a top speed of 245km/h adds versatility to its capabilities. Meticulously engineered and thoughtfully designed, the Mercedes-Benz C 350 e Plug-in Hybrid stands as a testament to modern automotive technology, offering a harmonious balance between performance, efficiency, and an impressive electric driving range.

The high-voltage (HV) battery has been developed in-house by Mercedes-Benz AG. It is part of a fourth-generation family of batteries and represents a logical evolution of the previous generation. It consists of 96 cells in a so-called pouch configuration. To account for the high energy density, the HV battery has an internal cooling system. The thermal management system can therefore control the operating temperature irrespective of the climate control in the vehicle interior. A standard-fit 11 kW charger is available for three-phase charging at a Wallbox connected to the domestic AC mains. Included with the C 350 e is a mode 2 charging cable.

The positioning of the battery in the vehicle brings advantages on a day-to-day basis compared with the previous model: there is no longer a step in the boot, and through-loading is now possible.

The new C-Class is even more dynamic, thanks to its AMG Line styling, featuring the iconic Mercedes-Benz pattern grille with the star design in chrome with 18-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels. Night Package includes sporty, expressive design elements in high-gloss black such as the louvre of the radiator shell, trim moulding in the AMG front apron, beltline trim strip and window surround, and exterior mirror housings.

Other key exterior highlights include DIGITAL LIGHT, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, panoramic sliding sunroof, and ambient lighting with projection of brand logo. The rear-end design is typical of a Mercedes-Benz saloon. The high-quality design of the tail lamps fascinates with an unmistakable day and night appearance.

The new C-Class features an AMG Line interior with metal structure trim elements, multifunction sports steering wheel in nappa leather, and AMG floor mats. The ARTICO man-made leather upholstery in black and instrument panel and beltlines in ARTICO man-made leather in nappa look further accentuates the sense of comfort in the cabin.

The high-resolution 12.3-inch LCD screen and 11.9-inch touchscreen central display are slightly tilted towards the driver by six degrees. The vehicle is also equipped with the latest generation of MBUX multimedia system making the interior more digital and intelligent.

Other cabin highlights include sport seats, fingerprint scanner, front wireless charging, ambient lighting and smartphone integration package. With safety in mind, the new C-Class features 360° camera, Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assist, and GUARD 360 ° Vehicle protection.

All in all, the driving experience is significantly more electric. In view of the increase in electric range of up to 117 kilometres (WLTP), drivers will be able to cover most everyday journeys under electric power alone. The energy recovery function allows kinetic energy to be recuperated during deceleration or downhill driving, a process that has now also been improved in interaction with the hydraulic brake. The energy recovery output is now over 100 kW. The intelligent, route-based operating strategy activates the electric driving mode where this is most appropriate for the route. It takes into account such factors as navigation data, topography, speed limits and the traffic conditions for the entire planned route. A driver wishing to influence the energy recovery rate can do so directly in three stages controlled by rocker switches behind the steering wheel. This is possible in all driving modes except SPORT. In the driving mode D-, for example, the driver can experience the “one-pedal feeling”: When the driver takes his foot off the accelerator the vehicle slows down, purely by electric means, to such an extent that the hydraulic foot brake is often not needed.

The operating strategy communicates with the sensors of the assistance systems and thus efficiently supports the driver in many driving situations. Over longer distances in urban areas, for instance, the car will prioritise electric driving. With the BATTERY HOLD driving mode, maintaining the charge state of the high-voltage battery is given priority, for example when intending to drive in a city center; selection of the most suitable drive configuration by the hybrid powertrain system, depending on the driving situation and route.

The new C-Class has a haptic accelerator pedal module with a pressure point at an accelerator pedal angle of 9.7°. In ELECTRIC mode, this power surge is activated and allows all-electric vehicle operation up to the additional pressure point. If the pressure point is overridden, the combustion engine starts and delivers additional torque.

The Agility+ Plan is designed with your ultimate driving needs in mind. Enjoy your new Mercedes-Benz while we ensure you are being taken care of with unrivalled benefits such as lower monthly instalment, flexible end of agreement options, MobilityPlus* programme and most importantly, we guarantee the future value of your car no matter what happens.

Perfectly tailored for individuals who seeks performance, value, unrivalled benefits and peace of mind at the wheel. Enjoy an additional 6 times service packages and up to RM 3,800 Star Protect (Motor Insurance) support when you sign up with Agility+ for the Mercedes-Benz C 350 e.

The new C350e has an estimated price from RM355,000, on the road without insurance.

Yinson GreenTech and GoCar Introduce Affordable EV Access with Ora Good Cat

GoCar Malaysia, a leading on-demand mobility-as-a-service platform, has forged a strategic partnership with Yinson GreenTech to introduce the Ora Good Cat electric vehicle (EV) through the GoCar Share program. This collaboration between GoCar and YGT’s EV leasing business arm, drivEV, underscores their joint commitment to expanding access to the EV experience and driving EV adoption in Malaysia.

The Ora Good Cat EVs will initially be available for GoCar Share (Round Trip) bookings at select locations in Klang Valley city centres, including Berjaya Times Square, The Linc, Lalaport KL, Eco Ardence, Eco Grandeur, and GoCar Malaysia PJ. Users can enjoy the Ora Good Cat experience at an affordable rate of RM23.90 per hour, with complimentary access to all standalone AC charging stations within YGT’s chargEV network. Additionally, customers can unlock increased savings with longer booking durations, with discounts ranging from 10% to 15% based on the length of the rental period.

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Malaysia to be First Southeast Asia Country to Launch the Jaecoo J7

Since its inception, Jaecoo has rapidly established itself as a prominent player in the off-road market worldwide, engaging in a comprehensive value chain deployment. Within just nine months, Jaecoo has amassed a devoted following in over a dozen countries and regions, steadily increasing its influence. Guided by the brand ethos of “From Classic, Beyond Classic,” Jaecoo is poised to launch its debut urban premium off-road SUV, the J7, on a global scale this year.

The recent major launch event held in Mexico on February 20th garnered significant attention and acclaim from key industry representatives, media publishers, and investor-dealers alike. With the successful introduction of the J7, Jaecoo aims to further expand its presence in the global right-hand drive market. Notably, Malaysia is slated to be the first country in Southeast Asia to witness the launch of the Jaecoo J7 in the first half of 2024.

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Singapore Authorities Vigilant Against Illegal Cross-Border Services

Singapore’s Transport Minister, Chee Hong Tat, emphasised that foreign drivers and foreign-registered vehicles must possess a valid license before engaging in cross-border services. This requirement aims to safeguard passengers, as licensed drivers must maintain valid insurance coverage for passengers, as reported by FMT.

Chee praised Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) for intercepting four drivers attempting illegal cross-border operations and urged the LTA to maintain a strong stance against such activities, including conducting undercover operations to apprehend violators. He cautioned potential offenders, highlighting the risk of encountering undercover LTA officers during illegal operations.

The LTA reiterated its commitment to addressing such offences, emphasising the risks involved in using unauthorised services. In addition to their illegality, vehicles utilised in these services may lack adequate insurance coverage for passengers, posing significant risks in case of accidents.

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Beggar That Owns A Proton X70 Nabbed in Pahang

A recent operation conducted by the Social Welfare Department to tackle begging activities in the Sri Jaya night market, Maran, Pahang, led to the exposure of a man who had been sustaining himself through begging but owned a sports utility vehicle (SUV).

According to NST, during the operation, officials from the agency observed a local man clad in a robe and wearing a taqiyah, traversing the night market and soliciting donations from passersby. His appearance, coupled with his small hands, initially led officials to believe he might be in need of genuine assistance due to a physical disability.

Despite attempts by enforcement officers to communicate with the man and ascertain the purpose behind his begging, he remained unresponsive. It was noted that he seemed to be deaf and mute, adding to the assumption of his vulnerability.

Upon closer inspection, officials discovered a substantial amount of banknotes in his possession, suspected to be the proceeds of donations received from sympathetic individuals. Despite persistent requests for identification, the man remained silent.

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Sleeping in Your Car? Here Are Some Things You Should Know First

Recently, a tragic incident occurred where a woman was discovered deceased inside a parked car at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital. According to Ipoh OCPD Asst Comm Yahaya Hassan, the woman, who was caring for her hospitalized father, had been resting in the back seat with the windows closed.

“She was resting in the back seat without winding down the windows,” stated ACP Yahaya in a released statement, as reported by The Star.

The case has been classified as sudden death pending a post-mortem examination. A security guard at the hospital noticed the woman in the car and suspected that she was deceased, prompting a call to the authorities.

This unfortunate event brings attention to the topic of sleeping in cars and the associated safety considerations. Is it safe to sleep in a car with the windows rolled up?

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BYD Seal Officially Launched In Malaysia – AWD and RWD Variants From RM179,800

BYD took the electric vehicle (EV) market in Malaysia by storm when it introduced the Atto 3 back in 2022. Then it introduced the Dolphin, part of BYD’s ‘Ocean Series’, in 2023 and we loved the tail light design.

Enter 2024 and BYD has introduced another model to join the line-up, the BYD Seal. Yes, another member of the ‘Ocean Series.’ The all-electric Seal made its global debut back in 2022 and this was BYD’s answer to the Tesla Model 3. From the looks of it, we think that this is a good answer from BYD.

At first glance, the headlights reminded us of another electric model from a certain German brand. But as we observed it more, the Seal has its own style with a futuristic aesthetic and sophisticated features such as the X-shaped front end. Pop-out door handles, a tall taillamp unit, and a low hood are hallmarks of the external design.

The BYD Seal, with its spacious interior offering 400L of boot space and an additional 50L under the bonnet, presents a bold stance at 4800mm long and 1875mm wide. For reference, the Model 3 measures 4720mm in length and 2089mm in width. The Premium and Performance variant elevates the driving experience with eye-catching 19-inch alloy wheels boasting 235/45 R19 specifications.

This mid-size fastback sedan is built on the e-Platform 3.0 and BYD’s new 800-volt electrical platform. Now as to why this was a good answer from BYD to Tesla’s Model 3 lies within the powertrain. There is a Performance all-wheel-drive model and a Premium rear-wheel drive type for the fully electric BYD Seal.

The BYD SEAL is the first model equipped with innovative CTB (cell-to-body) technology, seamlessly integrating the Blade Battery into the car’s structure, ensuring stability and safety under diverse conditions.

With a single 312hp motor, the Premium rear-wheel version can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in as little as 5.9 seconds. It has an outstanding 570km (WLTP) or as claimed by BYD, 650km (NEDC), of range on an 82kWh battery.

In the Performance all-wheel drive variant, a potent 530hp dual-motor drives all four wheels, reaching a speed of 100km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds. The practicality is somewhat compromised by this additional power, bringing the range down to about 520km (WLTP) or 580km (NEDC).

As for the charging, both variants have a maximum charging power of 150kW, and it only takes 26 minutes to charge up from 30% to 80%.

The interior of the BYD Seal is highlighted by a prominent 15.6-inch touchscreen, adding to the sophisticated and technologically advanced ambiance upon entering the cabin. The Thaumas Black interior, along with the crystal gearshift, further add a touch of luxury, making it a true embodiment of Ocean Aesthetics.

This system comes equipped with standard applications and features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a rotating function that enables viewing the screen in either landscape or portrait mode.

This is complemented by the BYD intelligent cockpit system, which integrates seamlessly with the BYD App, allowing for enhanced connectivity and control. The inclusion of a premium HIFI Dynaudio sound system ensures an immersive auditory experience, while the advanced PM2.5 filtration system promises a clean and healthy in-cabin atmosphere, safeguarding the health and well-being of its occupants.

Additional beneficial features and driver assistance technologies include voice commands, panoramic glass roof, iTAC (intelligence Torque Adaption Control) system, and Lane Change Assist.

Safety is paramount in the Seal, which has been accorded with a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, adhering to the stringent 2023-25 testing criteria. The combination of Blade Battery technology and CTB construction not only enhances the car’s stability but also improves its safety profile. The BYD Seal’s battery sandwich structure, optimised force transmission path, and IP67-rated battery demonstrate a commitment to building a robust and reliable EV. With its enhanced torsional rigidity and passive safety features, including nine airbags, along with active safety measures like the ADAS and a high-resolution 360 camera system, the BYD Seal is engineered to provide peace of mind on every journey.

The BYD Seal is available in RWD Premium and Performance AWD variants, with prices starting from RM179,800 and RM199,800. Colour options include Arctic Blue (exclusive to the Performance variant), Cosmos Black, Atlantis Grey, and Aurora White (available for Premium). The first 800 bookings will enjoy complimentary wallbox chargers and free Gentari or ChargEV charging credits worth RM800. Terms and Conditions apply.

BYD and Sime Darby Motors are thrilled to unveil an exciting development for the much-anticipated BYD Seal electric vehicle. Introducing two all-encompassing service packages: the Standard and Plus packages. These meticulously crafted offerings are designed to ensure peace of mind, exclusively enhanced with the addition of tire alignment, balancing, and rotation in both packages.

These service plans are designed to empower owners with a hassle-free car ownership experience, safeguarding their investment while mitigating potential future price increases, thus ensuring significant cost savings over the long term. Moreover, as a testament to our unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction and peace of mind, BYD SEAL comes with an extensive warranty package.

This package includes a remarkable 6-year or 150,000km vehicle warranty, an impressive 8-year or 160,000km battery warranty, and an equally robust 8-year or 150,000km drive unit warranty. With these industry-leading warranties, BYD reaffirms its dedication to providing unparalleled after-sales support, ensuring that every BYD owner enjoys the utmost confidence and satisfaction in their ownership experience.

Tesla Engineer Responds to Cybertruck Rust Allegations

In recent days, a wave of complaints has surfaced on social media platforms from newly minted Cybertruck owners, alleging the emergence of rust spots on their pristine electric vehicles, which come with a hefty price tag of up to $99,900 (RM478,121). One owner went as far as claiming they were forewarned upon delivery that their truck might succumb to rust when exposed to rain.

A member of the Cybertruck Owners Club forum voiced their concern, recounting how an advisor had cautioned them about the possibility of the Cybertruck developing orange rust marks in wet conditions, necessitating buffing to rectify the issue.

Wes Morrill, an engineer associated with the Cybertruck, took to X to address these rust-related grievances. He clarified that the reported specks of rust were minuscule, akin to the size of a “pinhead,” and emphasised that they did not originate from the stainless-steel body of the vehicle.

In his post, Morrill elucidated that the rust-like spots were attributed to surface contamination rather than inherent metal rusting. He shared insights on how to mitigate these orange blemishes, attributing them to metal particles that might have accumulated during manufacturing or transportation, particularly via railways. With over 13 years of experience at Tesla, as indicated by his LinkedIn profile, Morrill referenced a pertinent YouTube video to corroborate his explanation.

“Good myth busting. Stainless is reactive and free iron that sits on it will rust,” remarked the Cybertruck engineer. “It’s surface contamination only and can be cleaned off easily.”

Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, seemingly validated Morrill’s assertions by responding with a succinct “Yeah” to the post.

Stainless steel, largely avoided by automakers due to its shaping challenges and susceptibility to smudging, marks a departure from convention with the Cybertruck. Notably, it stands as the first production vehicle since the Delorean in 1983 to boast a stainless-steel construction, underscoring Tesla’s penchant for innovation amidst manufacturing challenges.

Zagato Unveils AGTZ Twin Tail: A Tribute to Racing Heritage

Zagato, an Italian coachbuilding company, has recently unveiled its latest automotive masterpiece, the AGTZ Twin Tail, a bespoke version of the Alpine A110 sports car crafted in homage to a forgotten racing legend from the 1960s. Limited to a mere 19 units, this exclusive model capitalises on the current fascination with long-tail supercars while reverently nodding to historical racing heritage.

Dubbed the “Twin Tail,” this exceptional car features a removable carbon fibre appendage, allowing owners to alternate between a striking long-tail silhouette and a more practical configuration for everyday use, facilitating easier parking and manoeuvring.

However, the significance of this design element transcends mere aesthetics. It pays homage to the Alpine A220, a legendary long-tail racecar that graced the tracks of the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race. Despite falling short of its Le Mans aspirations, one particular A220 variant (chassis 1731) achieved notable success after having its tail section removed, excelling in hill climbs and various competitions, ultimately securing podium finishes.

Beyond its distinctive rear treatment, the AGTZ Twin Tail boasts several other enhancements. The grille and headlights have been reimagined, complemented by a new rear inlet and an upturned lower edge on the side window. Additionally, the roof adopts a subtle double-bubble contour, adding a touch of elegance to the car’s profile.

While detailed performance specifications are yet to be disclosed, it remains unclear if the A110’s existing 1.8-litre engine will undergo modification. Nevertheless, the standard A110 model delivers 252hp, while its top-tier counterpart, the A110 R, generates an impressive 297hp. CEO Andrea Zagato emphasises that, true to the Zagato ethos, the AGTZ Twin Tail is designed as a grand tourer, prioritising luxurious comfort and refined performance over raw racing prowess.

Priced at €650,000 (RM3,371,996) and with demand rapidly outpacing availability, prospective buyers are urged to secure their orders swiftly. The AGTZ Twin Tail is slated to make its physical debut in May at Lake Como, Italy, where enthusiasts and collectors will have the opportunity to witness this rare and exceptional creation in all its glory.