During the currently ongoing Geneva International Motor Show 2019 being held in Switzerland, one of the world leaders in tire manufacturing that is Goodyear made a few surprise unveilings which involved something literally ‘out of this world’. From performance tires to autonomous and flying cars, Goodyear pulled out all the stops this year. (more…)
Following the photo of a Mercedes-Benz Hybrid battery bill that was widely circulated on social-media, MBM has issued this statement and offer, reproduced here in its entirety with no editing…
“Providing the Best Customer Experience is always a top priority with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM). Our goal is to meet the customer’s needs at any point of their journey with the Mercedes-Benz brand in Malaysia, whether it is their first contact through consultation, the test drive or their purchasing experience and even their after-sales services.
In our pursuit towards providing the best ownership experience for our customers in 2018, we have introduced the Hybrid Battery Extended Warranty programme. At an extremely affordable price of MYR2,688, customers are able to extend the battery warranty for the Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC hybrid and S 400 h for an additional 4 years. The Hybrid Battery Extended Warranty provides 100% coverage for the repair or replacement of the hybrid battery for up to 8 years or 180,000 kilometers whichever comes first*.
At Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, we continuously seek to ensure that all our valued customers have the optimal cost of ownership through the provision of market adequate pricing for our older vehicles. We are pleased to announce that the new recommended retail price is MYR50,000 for the E 300 BlueTEC hybrid battery and MYR65,000 for the S 400 h hybrid battery.
Rest assured the satisfaction of our customers throughout the ownership experience is a priority at MBM and our Authorized Retailers. We have the best interest of our customers at all times and remain committed to delivering the absolute Best Customer Experience.” – Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.
Should customers have any queries, kindly contact our Customer Care Centre at Tel: 1-800-88-1133 (Operation Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm) or email: customercare_my@daimler.com or visit the Mercedes-Benz Malaysia website at https://www.mercedes-benz.com.my
*Terms & conditions apply
A group of Proton X70 owners here in Malaysia has decided to go on a trip of a lifetime to China which involves no other mode of transportation apart from their Malaysia’s first premium SUV. Dubbed the Malaysia-China Amazing Trip organised by the Borneo Leisure Touring Team, participants of the amazing trip will be going a 13,000km adventure for 33 days across 4 countries; Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, and finally, China.
The first leg of the journey which already took place earlier covered a distance of 540km where the Proton X70 owners drove from Malaysia to Hatyai, Thailand. The journey which took only 12 hours had a few stops in between including a visit to the PROTON Juru Auto-City and dinner with the folks from PROTON Motors Thailand.
Day 2 went on without a hitch as the convoy made their way through the longest legs of the trip from Hatyai all the way to Hua Hin. The journey which covered a massive distance of 720km was long and challenging but cruising in the new Proton X70 made the experience much more pleasant than initially anticipated during long-distance driving.
Upon reaching Hua Hin filled with amazing street life, awe-inspiring relics and magnificent beaches, all participants thoroughly enjoyed themselves even after half a day’s journey in the Proton X70. Cruising roughly between 90-120km/h in a comfortable cabin equipped with all the bells and whistles including an air ionizer that kept everyone nice and fresh.
Day 3 saw the Proton X70 owners travelling from Hua Hin all the way to the Tak Province which was about 619km away. It was clearly no issues for both owners and vehicles as they go through the entire powerband produced by its 1.8-liter TGDI engine through many small yet scenic towns of Thailand.
Day 4 and 5 were probably two of the biggest challenges of the currently ongoing trip so far as the “road less travelled” has presented to them. It was also filled with many wonderful experiences in between Tak to Chiang Khong and Mengla before crossing over into China. They even made it to the infamous Magic Hill on Highway 105 were by the power of physics and gravity-defying landscape, the Proton X70 set in neutral seemed to roll uphill for about 10 meters!
A week has gone by and were pretty sure that there will be more to come from the participants of the Malaysia-China Amazing Trip. Where is the next stop of the Proton X70 convoy? Stay tuned to find out more!
One of Ten. That’s right, you’re looking at just one of 10 super-limited-edition Maserati Levante Vulcano that’s available in Malaysia, brought in by Naza Italia, the official importers and distributors of this iconic Italian brand in Malaysia. How limited is limited? Try just 150 units GLOBALLY!
It’s quite amazing that Naza Italia managed to bag 10 of these considering their rarity in the worldwide market. Each unit comes with a special plaque within the cabin that denotes its exclusivity, i.e. 001/150, 002/150, and so on. Present at the 10th Anniversary celebration was En. SM Nasarudin Tan Sri SM Nasimuddin, Group Executive Chairman of Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn. Bhd. who attributed the distributor’s success to Maserati’s innovation and the dedication and commitment of Malaysian team to the brand and business.
He explained: “We commenced our journey as the Malaysian home of Maserati by launching the Maserati GranTurismo Sports and Quattroporte Sport GTS. This was quickly followed by the introduction of GranCabrio. 2014 was our turning point when we introduced the highly-anticipated Ghibli, an elegant and yet sporty sedan, which was very well accepted by the Malaysia market.”
Subsequently in 2016, Naza Italia-Maserati achieved its next milestone by launching the ‘Maserati of SUVs’, the Levante. In the last few years, the distributor has introduced at least three each year of upgrades and face-lifts of the various models. “Thanks to Maserati’s continuous innovation, we are able to delight the most discerning tastes of our Malaysian clientele with a comprehensive product line-up that is stylish, refined, technologically excellent and innately exclusive,” said En. Nasarudin.
Another key attribute to Naza Italia – Maserati’s success is its 45,000 square feet flagship centre in Petaling Jaya. The state-of-the-art 4S showroom and service centre was inaugurated in 2009 and refurbished in 2015 to meet Maserati’s global brand identity.
Speaking to media at the celebration, Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group CEO of the Automotive Division at Naza Corporation Holdings Sdn. Bhd. emphasised the flagship centre represents Naza Italia – Maserati’s commitment towards the brand and clientele in Malaysia. He said: “We strive to make the entire experience of owning a Maserati unique and sensational – from the moment you walks through the doors of our showroom, to the point of your car’s delivery and the dedicated after service. To this commitment, and to the delight of Maserati fans and enthusiasts in northern Peninsular Malaysia, the I am pleased to announce that plans are in the pipeline for network expansion in Penang”.
As part of its 10th Anniversary celebration, Naza Italia – Maserati unveiled the limited edition SUV (sports utility vehicle), the Levante Vulcano Limited Edition, where only ten units will be available for the Malaysia market.
The Levante represents the turning point in Maserati’s history. It trail-blazes through new territory for the brand as the marque makes its first foray into the world of luxury sport utility vehicles in its more than 100-year history. When the Levante was first launched in 2016, it also made a key contribution to completing the marque’s luxury and sporty fleet line-up. Since then, the Levante has been a popular addition to Malaysia’s luxury automotive market.
“As such, it could not be more apt to mark Naza Italia-Maserati’s one decade of achievements with ten exclusive units of the limited edition Levante Vulcano for Malaysia” said Dato’ Samson. Indeed, the new Levante Vulcano is produced in a series of just 150 units for the European and Asian markets, including Malaysia. The units for Malaysia are available with twin-turbo V6 engine of 430 hp, as well as exclusive finishes and matte Grigio Lava colour exterior that comes with the new Vulcano logo and the words “one of 150”.
Dato’ Samson closed his address with words of thanks. “We are grateful for the guidance and support of Maserati’s team at both regional global levels and the patronage of our loyal clients. We look forward to another decade of partnership and excellence to continue creating the Maserati ownership and luxury lifestyle experience for our clients here”. The public is invited to visit the Naza Italia-Maserati showroom in Petaling Jaya to view the Levante Vulcano and speak with Naza Italia – Maserati’s team in greater detail about Maserati’s newest offering. Follow @maserati.malaysia (Instagram) and www.facebook/maserati.malaysia for the brand’s latest updates in Malaysia.
About the Levante Vulcano
The Vulcano limited edition is available with twin-turbo V6 engine of 430 hp, designed by Maserati Powertrain and built at the Ferrari plant in Maranello. The exclusive matte “Grigio Lava” shade of the exterior highlights the Trident SUV’s sporty lines to magnificent effect. The exterior look is completed by the Nerissimo pack details (dark look rear light clusters, black chrome front grille and logos, glossy black window surrounds, body-coloured door handles and burnished exhaust tailpipes), the 21-inch Helios wheels, also with matte finish, and the red brake calipers.
Inside the new Levante Vulcano, every finish is redolent with sporty elegance. The heated, ventilated full Pieno Fiore leather seats come in red colour, featuring electrical adjustment with memories, complete with contrasting embroidered Trident logo on the headrest, and are designed to underline the model’s “volcanic” personality. In addition, it is fully equipped with an impressively comprehensive range of Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) with more active functions, whilst retaining the razor-sharp steering feel symbolic of any Maserati. The functions include Integrated Vehicle Control, Forward Collision Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition, Surround View Camera, Highway Assist System, Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.
The exclusive allure of the new Levante Vulcano limited edition is further enhanced by the interior trims in high gloss carbon fibre, also used for the gearshift paddles and the insert on the electrically adjustable sport steering wheel, and the chromed aluminium badge on the central tunnel bearing the legendary Trident, together with the new Vulcano logo and the words “one of 150“.
The standard outfit is completed by the Bowers&Wilkins premium sound system, the soft close door closure system, the front and rear parking sensors and the full-LED Matrix adaptive headlights. The limited edition Levante Vulcano enters the Malaysian market at the starting price of RM838,800.00 (inclusive of local taxes and duties). The price includes 3 years Standard Warranty coverage with no mileage restriction plus a Free maintenance program of 3 years/ 100,000 km whichever comes first (Inclusive of *Maserati Premium Service Plus of 3 Years /60,000 km).
2019 Maserati Levante Vulcano Limited Edition Photo Gallery…
BMW Malaysia has introduced The 8, the newest member to the premium automaker’s portfolio of luxury vehicles. Developed on the race track to achieve supreme agility, precision, and poise, The 8 combines powerful engine with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system and BMW EfficientLightweight design measures – set to introduce new benchmarks in the luxury coupe segment.
“At the BMW Group, we’ve always had our sights on the future, and the First Generation BMW 8 Series is testimony to that. First introduced in 1989, the luxurious sports coupe was bold and ahead of its time in terms of performance, innovation and luxury. It was the first BMW vehicle to introduce electronic drive-by-wire throttle, Dynamic Stability Control and Integral Active Steering with the use of multi-link rear axle technology. Three decades on, we have taken the future-looking legacy of the BMW 8 Series and we are bringing this luxurious sports coupe into the modern era to set standards for the future.” said Mr. Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
The 8 is introduced in the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe variant, boasting outstanding performance, emotion-stirring design, state-of-the-art luxury, exceptionally advanced equipment features when it comes to display and control technology, driver assistance and connectivity. Here’s an in-depth look at the new M850i as explained by BMW Malaysia themselves…
The exterior design of The 8 demonstrates a modern form of sporting appeal with a new styling language focusing on clarity, modernity and emotional engagement. The car’s low-slung design, an elongated silhouette with a slim window graphic and a roofline flowing elegantly into the rear with distinctive ‘double-bubble’ contouring, a long wheelbase and wide track widths are the defining visual elements of The 8’s proportions.
The latest V8 engine with incredible power delivery and acoustics also debuts in the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe, serving prodigious power delivery and an equally impressive soundtrack, which is further enhanced by the flap-controlled sports exhaust system.
A new design language for sporting appeal.
Everything about The 8’s appearance convey pure dynamism and turns the luxury coupe into a sports car brimming with passion and character. Onlookers will be greeted by the trademark hexagonal kidney grille with its elements framed by a single-piece surround. The 8 comes standard with the BMW Laserlight – the slimmest headlights of any BMW model to date.
The side view is dominated by a dramatic interplay of surfaces using sleek character lines to trace the flow of the air exiting the Air Breathers. Whilst the surfaces curve inwards of the far side of the front wheels, they flare outwards again above the rear wheels. This combines with the strikingly tapered glasshouse to create a muscular shoulder line. At the rear, the interplay of horizontal and diagonal lines emphasises the car’s width and low centre of gravity. The LED taillights add to this effect by extending deep into the flanks. Twin exhaust tailpipes with a trapezoidal contour are positioned on either side of the rear apron’s lower section.
The BMW M performance model is instantly recognisable by its exclusive exterior appointments in Cerium Grey, an M rear spoiler and illuminated door sills bearing the model name. It comes standard with an additional front spoiler to minimise the lift that occurs at the front axle at high speeds.
The 8 comes with exceptionally powerful 19” M Sport brakes along with blue painted M callipers. The standard specification for the BMW M850i xDrive coupe also includes 20” M light-alloy wheels in y-spoke style 728 M with mixed tyres. Specifically with the choice of the Sunset Orange exterior colour offering, the option for wheels in the Style 728 M in Jet Black are available.
BMW’s trademark Hofmeister kink has also been updated to a tightly-angled version. Carried over from the concept car, The 8 features the ‘double-bubble’ which mimics the rush of air rearwards along the roof at high speeds. To reduce the aerodynamic drag of The 8’s streamlined body, it has an almost fully sealed underbody, active air flap control with adjustable kidney grille slats and Air Curtains including Air Breathers.
The modern and minimalistic exterior design language is continued inside the new BMW 8 Series Coupe, creating a relaxingly luxurious ambience. All lines point lengthways, automatically directing the gaze to the front and emphasising the focus on sporty driving. All control elements are clearly arranged. A concise surface design lets the high-quality materials really stand out. The use of trim finishers, for instance, is restricted to the sports car-style transition between the centre console and the instrument panel.
In addition to multifunction seats and the M leather steering wheel, the M Sport package include an anthracite BMW Individual headliner, M pedals, M driver’s footrest and special floor mats to inject the cabin with distinctly sporty flair.
The newly developed sports seats are upholstered as standard in Merino leather. The fulled leather trim for the door shoulders and instrument panel is also standard. Thanks to the low seating position of both rear seats, it has been possible to design the head restraints as an integral part of the backrests. The rear backrest can be split 50:50 as standard and folded down to increase the capacity of the 420-litre luggage compartment.
For the first time ever, active seat ventilation is also made available where the cooled air is sucked in from the interior then guided along the body to the seats’ built-in fans for particularly effective temperature control of the seat cushions and backrests.
Formidable power generates supreme dynamic performance.
The introduction of the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe also marks the premiere of a new V8 engine. The latest generation of the 4.4-litre eight-cylinder unit has been radically revised and optimised. Two twin-scroll turbochargers with charge air cooling located within the V-shaped space between the cylinder banks, High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control and Double-VANOS variable camshaft timing all form part of the BMW M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology which generates a top speed of 250 km/h.
The BMW M850i xDrive Coupe delivers a maximum output of 390kW/530hp which is on tap between 5,500 – 6,000 rpm. The maximum torque of 750Nm is available over a wide rev range from 1,800 to 4,600 rpm for prolonged forward thrust. It can do the century sprint in merely 3.7 seconds and posts a fuel consumption of 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres.
The V8 engine is paired with the latest-generation 8-speed Steptronic Sports Transmission whose increased ratio spread, new transmission management and optimised hydraulic control produce sportier gear shifts while also enhancing its efficiency and smoothness. Shift paddles on the steering wheel are included as standard for manual gear selection.
Likewise, the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system operates more efficiently than ever before. With its rapid, precise and fully variable distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels, it maximises traction and handles stability even in highly dynamic driving situations. At the same time, the rear-biased set-up guarantees a driving experience for which BMW sports cars are renowned for. The electronically controlled rear differential lock fitted as standard on the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe gives the car an even sportier edge. The locking effect generated by an electric motor limits speed compensation between the inside and outside rear wheel when cornering, making it possible to power out of bends with eye-catching dynamic verve.
Honed on the race track.
The construction principle and tuning of The 8’s chassis are designed to harness the dynamic potential of its powertrain technology, and make best use of the car’s underlying concept to achieve maximum sports performance. Optimised weight, a low centre of gravity, well-balanced axle load distribution, ideal wheelbase length and a wide track, plus a rigid body structure and favourable aerodynamic properties provide all the right ingredients to this end.
All standard light-alloy wheels are fitted with mixed-size tyres, whose traction-enhancing effect was factored into the tuning of the chassis. The suspension technology developed for The 8 consists of a double-wishbone front axle and a shear panel fitted to the five-link rear axle which optimise stiffness and the chassis components’ connection to the body. The maximised camber settings on both axles, meanwhile, increase power transfer potential at high cornering speeds.
In addition to the Adaptive M Suspension, The 8 also comes standard with Integral Active Steering which reduces the car’s turning circle when manoeuvring, increases agility at moderate speeds and optimises poise and assurance when changing lanes and cornering at high speeds.
Unique innovations for comfort and safety.
The 8 is an extremely advanced model within its segment. Not only does it come with active cruise control with Stop & Go Function, it also offers Driving Assistant Professional as a standard. The driver assistance includes Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Pedestrian Collision Warning, Crossing Traffic Warning (front and rear), Emergency Stop Assistant, steering and lane control assistant, Lane Keeping Assistant with active side collision protection and Evasion Aid which now reacts to pedestrians.
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional comes as standard in The 8. The latest-generation display and control concept consists of a high-resolution instrument cluster behind the steering wheel with a screen diagonal of 12.3” as well as a 10.25” Control Display which run on the new BMW Operating System 7.0. Further components of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional include an adaptive navigation system, a hard-drive based multimedia system with 20GB of memory, two USB ports, Bluetooth and WiFi interfaces.
Drivers can benefit from the car’s intelligent connectivity capabilities thanks to its built-in SIM card and the unlimited data volume, which allow them to use Intelligent Emergency Call to automatically summon swift assistance in an emergency and receive regular updates for the navigation system’s maps. Other services include Concierge Service and Remote Services.
Making its debut in The 8 is the perfect co-driver – BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, an intelligent, digital character that responds to the prompt “Hey BMW”. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant learns routines and habits, and is subsequently able to apply them in the appropriate context. In addition to ensuring there is always a genuine BMW professional on board, capable of explaining the different functions, the assistant awaits the driver’s every command, is always there to assist them and even provides casual conversation. One unique feature over other digital assistant is that drivers can give it a name, for example, “Hey Jamie”, to lend even greater individuality and personality.
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant will benefit from constant technical upgrades and be able to learn more preferences and favoured settings. Based on the driver’s favourite settings, it can even activate a combination of them to enhance well-being. For instance, “Hey BMW, I feel tired” triggers a vitality programme that adjusts the lighting mood, music and temperature, among other things, in order to make the driver feel more awake.
Also for the first time, The 8 features the BMW Digital Key. The Digital Key employs Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to allow the new luxury sports car to be locked and unlocked from a smartphone. The smartphone simply has to be held up to the door handle to open the door. Once inside, the engine can be started as soon as the phone has been placed in the Wireless Charging or smartphone tray. Via the BMW Connected App, the Digital Key enables the driver to share the key with up to five people.
In terms of exterior colour offering, The 8 offers selections of Carbon Black metallic, Black Sapphire metallic, Sonic Speed Blue metallic, Barcelona Blue metallic, Sunset Orange metallic and Mineral White, matched with Black, Cognac or Ivory White BMW Individual Merino full leather trim sports seat. The 8 will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from Friday, 15th March 2019. Alternatively, visit www.bmwbethefirst.com.my to pre-book.
Dynamic financial programme.
With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the BMW M850i xDrive Coupe can be owned with monthly instalment plans starting from RM 12,418.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).
Complete premium ownership experience.
Owners of The 8 can also experience the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:
The retail price (on the road, without insurance, and with BMW Group Malaysia’s latest 5 Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Free Scheduled Service Programme and BMW Tyre Warranty Programme) for The 8 is:
The BMW M850i xDrive Coupe – RM 1,088,800.00
Audi Malaysia recently launched its latest range of Q-Models, set to become one of the the strongest ranges of premium SUVs in the market. With different models built to cover a wide variety of consumer needs, the four debuts mark a new chapter in the development of the Audi brand in the country specifically for its SUVs, starting with…
(NB: Photo galleries for each of the 4 models follow the text)
The Audi Q2…
Sporting youthful styling and packed with state-of-the-art technology, the Audi Q2 is the all-rounder. The Audi Q2 is an urban-type vehicle for everyday driving and recreation, bundling a progressive design with a high level of functionality. The new Audi Q2 1.4 TFSI COD S tronic (Sport) is priced at **RM 219,900. To download the official price-list & spec-sheet, click this: Technical Spec Sheet – Audi Q2
The Audi Q5…
The new Audi Q5 is the latest generation of the best-top selling model from Audi. Made even more powerful and flexible, the all-new Audi Q5 is the benchmark premium SUV that strikes the ideal balance of sportiness, sophistication and progressiveness. The most significant new features are the quattro drive with ultra technology, a powerful TFSI engine and an array of infotainment and assistance systems. The Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI quattro is priced at **RM 339,900. To download the official price-list & spec-sheet, click this: Technical Spec Sheet – Audi Q5
The Audi Q7…
Hot on the tyre tracks of the Audi Q2 and Q5 is the “mighty quattro”. A statement of the high-tech competence of Audi, the Audi Q7 is the most efficient and lightest car in its class. Its innovative assistance and infotainment systems take the large SUV to the front of the pack. Its new engines consume less fuel than the previous model while delivering more performance. The Audi Q7 3.0 TFSI quattro is priced at **RM 599,900. To download the official price-list & spec-sheet, click this: Technical Spec Sheet – Audi Q7
The Audi Q8…
Rounding off the range is the Audi Q8. The new face of the Q family brings together the best of both worlds – the elegance of a four-door luxury coupé and the practical talents of a large SUV. The generously dimensioned interior with variable luggage compartment, state-of-the-art operating and suspension technologies as well as intelligent assistance systems make the Audi Q8 a composed companion for business and leisure. A powerful, yet efficient 3.0 TFSI with mild hybrid system producing 340 hp provides the dynamics implied by the muscular design. With the permanent quattro all-wheel drive and a ground clearance of up to 254 millimeters, the SUV coupé can keep going when paved roads end. The Audi Q8 3.0 TFSI quattro is priced at **RM 727,900. To download the official price-list & spec-sheet, click this: Technical Spec Sheet – Audi Q8
Below: Jeff Mannering, Managing Director, Audi Southeast Asia at the official media presentation of the latest Audi Q2, Q5, Q7 and Q8
For FULL press releases on each of the Q models, click to download them below:
Press Release_Young and assertive – the new Audi Q2
Press Release_The new Audi Q5 – Now is calling
Press Release_The new Audi Q7 – The great quattro
Press Release_The new face of the Q family – the Audi Q8
For more information on the brand and various car models from Audi Malaysia, visit their official website at http://www.audi.com.my. You can also connect with them via social media at https://www.instagram.com/audimalaysia/.
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