SpareXHub, a Malaysian-based e-commerce platform for discounted, genuine auto spare parts will be organizing a 2-week long sale next month. The sale is for genuine BMW, MINI and Volkswagen car spare parts and there will be discounts of up to 85%. The sale will take place fromSeptember 1 – September 14, 2021 between 10 am and 6 pm (10 am to 1 pm on Saturday) at Aramex PJ, No 12, Jalan Tandang, Seksyen 51, Petaling Jaya 46050 in Selangor.
New, original and genuine
All items offered by SpareXHub are guaranteed to be new and original but at discounted prices. This means that you can save money getting genuine parts (usually the best option for replacements) instead of aftermarket products by other companies.
SpareXHub has a wide range of parts of many different brands and models, and all the parts are original as well as genuine.
SpareXHub has over 2,500 BMW and MINI spare parts and 500 Volkswagen parts. These range from regular maintenance service items such as filters to body parts such as bumpers. There are also interesting genuine accessories if you want to enhance the looks of your car.
Brand experts can offer assistance
With more than 100+ years of experience in the team, SpareX can cater to the needs of automotive stockists, independent workshops and car owners. Brand experts will be on hand to ensure you purchase the right parts for your car and provide you with the necessary knowledge, information and guidance.
Brand specialists are on hand to provide assistance in selecting the right part as well as offer advice.
Appointment required
All customer visits are strictly by appointment only. This means that prior registration and confirmation will be required. Once this is done, the organizers will be ready for your arrival and to ensure that all COVID-19 SOPs are strictly adhered to. Customers are encouraged to use the SpareX online platform and e-payment services for a more seamless process. Click on this Google form link to book an appointment slot.
For more information about SpareXHub or to find a part for your car, visit the SpareXHub website at www.sparexhub.com. You may also contact a representative of SpareXHub directly via Whatsapp at 018-205 0120 or via email at sales2@sparexhub.com.
BMW’s famous Art Car Collection has been shown at exhibitions around the world (including Malaysia in 2006) and now it is also being presented in augmented reality (AR) for the first time, enabling people all over the world to digitally experience the rolling sculptures.
The move is in time for the 50th anniversary of the BMW Group’s cultural commitment. The support for cultural institutions and artists around the world and, based on mutual appreciation and curiosity, BMW connects people all over the world.
To put the Art Cars in the digital universe, BMW teamed up with Acute Art which developed an app for the purpose. The Acute Art app uses cutting-edge technology that works best on high-end smartphones with the latest software. The supported devices are iPhone X or newer and Samsung Galaxy S8 or equivalent models. The app requires a phone with at least 4 GB of RAM and the Apple iOS 11 or Android 8.0 Oreo (API 24) operating system. It is free of charge for download from the App Store and Google Play.
Art Cars since 1975
On the initiative of the French racing driver and art lover Herve Poulain and in close collaboration with Jochen Neerpasch, then BMW Motorsport Director, the artist Alexander Calder was asked in 1975 to design Poulain’s BMW racing car. Since then, a total of 19 artists from all over the world have designed BMW automobiles of their time. They showed different artistic statements and reflected cultural and historical developments in art, design and technology.
The first BMW Art Cars will be accessible via the app are the ones done by Alexander Calder (BMW 3.0 CSL, 1975); Michael Jagamara Nelson (BMW M3, 1989); Ken Done (BMW M3, 1989); Matazo Kayama (BMW 535i, 1990); Esther Mahlangu (BMW 525i, 1991); Jeff Koons (BMW M3 GT2, 2010); and John Baldessari (BMW M6 GTLM, 2016). The other Art Cars will be integrated into the Acute Art App every two weeks from today.
The app can be used to place them individually or as a group. For this purpose, the real Art Cars were scanned from numerous angles using the photogrammetry method and every detail of the artistic work and the surface of the car were recorded. The vehicles were then digitally put together to create a realistic AR version of themselves.
Part of BMW’s cultural commitment
“The BMW Art Cars are an essential part of BMW’s 50 years of cultural commitment. They are finally entering the digital world and are accessible everywhere and for everyone. I am thrilled to work with Acute Art as we both strive for innovation and cutting-edge technology. I can hardly wait to place the Art Cars in my living room and get behind the wheel of these extraordinary masterpieces!” said Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for customers, brands and sales.
During this year’s Art Basel in Switzerland, the BMW Group will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its cultural commitment with this interactive exhibition of BMW Art Cars in the Acute Art App. On September 21, in addition to the presentation of the BMW Art Car by Alexander Calder, guests will be invited to experience the BMW Art Cars in a specially created augmented reality area.
Vaccination does not make you immune to COVID-19 infection. You can still get infected and you may not show symptoms but spread the coronavirus. Do not stop taking protective measures such as wearing a facemask, washing hands frequently and social distancing.
Long wheelbase (LWB) sedans are not new but in earlier years, they were largely limited production cars, often extended by third parties (not the carmakers themselves). Generally, LWB cars were in the uppermost segment of the market as they were seen to confer more ‘status’. It was only in the 1980s that carmakers began to consider LWB variants as part of the range for a model.
BMW was one of the carmakers that saw a growing market for LWB sedans and E32 7-Series (1986 – 1994), it offered a factory-engineered and built LWB variant for the first time. However, this variant was intended for customers in the Middle East and Asia, where the owner typically sat behind and was driven around by a chauffeur. In Europe, even flagship models like the 7-Series were often driven by owners themselves who didn’t need the extra length or space for what was already a large sedan.
As economies grew, especially in China, demand for LWB models increased with more and more customers willing to pay extra for the additional status. With China being such a huge market, manufacturers like BMW were willing to special engineer variants for just that market as there was enough volume to justify the development costs. Often, when the LWB models were launched, the company would say that it was only meant for China.
Assembled in Malaysia
As distributors in other markets began to get more requests, BMW has changed the policy and sees enough volume to make LWB variants a part of the range for some models. This includes the 3-Series and now this has come to Malaysia in the form of the 330Li M Sport. And it is not imported from Germany (or China) as a CBU product either; it is assembled locally at the BMW facility in Kedah. Local assembly enables the price to start from RM277,164.22 (excluding insurance) with full exemption of sales tax until the end of the year.
Proportions maintained
In developing the LWB version, the designers have maintained appealing proportions even while extending the wheelbase by 110 mm compared to the standard version. This allows the overall body length to increase to 4819 mm which is also 110 mm longer than the standard body. The increase provides an extra 42 mm of legroom for the rear passengers.
The kidney grille of the 330Li M Sport is suitably sized for the car, with black struts distinctively framed in chrome. Flanking the grilles are Adaptive LED Headlights which will vary their intensity automatically depending on traffic conditions at night.
Besides the BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line, the exterior features M Aerodynamics and M Sport Packages, 18-inch M light alloy wheels in Double-Spoke style 848 M bicolour with mixed tyres and run-flat tyres, double-sided exhaust tailpipe finishers with a trapezoidal design in the rear, as well as the panorama glass roof, and welcome lighting on both sides.
258 ps TwinPower Turbo engine
Although there is added weight with the longer bodyshell and chassis, the 4-cylinder 2-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine should still be able to maintain the same level of performance as it has an output of 258 ps/400 Nm. Accelerating through the gears of the Steptronic Sport transmission, the 100 km/h mark should be passed within a claimed 6.2 seconds. Fuel consumption is claimed to be around 13.5 kms/litre.
The LWB variant of the 7th generation 3-Series has the same suspension set-up (double wishbones/multi-link) as the standard wheelbase version. But it was not just a matter of lengthening components alone; the driving dynamics also had to be considered and suspension tuning revised to ensure a similar level of performance even with the additional weight and length.
Inside the 330iL
As for the interior, the 330iL M Sport gets interior trim finishers in Aluminium Tetragon with highlight trim finishers in Pearl Chrome around the cabin. The driver has an M leather steering wheel and M-specific foot pedals, with electric adjustment for the seat to easily get the right driving position. The Comfort Access System makes getting in and out easy. Boot space is 480 litres, improved with the storage compartment package that offers more stowage possibilities.
The infotainment, navigation and driver display systems are managed by the latest BMW Operating System 7.0. The BMW Live Cockpit Professional has a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument panel while the Navigation System Professional has a 10.25-inch touchscreen.
A new app for interaction
Owners can now have greater digital interaction with their car via the new My BMW App. This app provides easy access to a wide range of remote services, on-the-go navigation, and e-mobility features. Intended to replace the BMW Connected App after this month, it is available for free download to smartphones from the respective Android and iPhone stores.
The new 330Li M Sport is available for purchase from today but for now, visits to showrooms are still not permitted under the FMCO. However, those who wish to start the purchase process can do so by making a booking at the BMW Shop Online.
The locally-assembled BMW 320i Sport has received an upgrade to advance digitisation in the car. This upgrade relates to the latest infotainment system – the new BMW Live Cockpit Professional. Priced from RM243,883.65 without insurance and with exemption of 100% of sales tax applicable (until the end of the year), the latest model is about RM4,000 more than before.
Larger displays and higher resolution
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional, designed with a drive-focused orientation, provides a larger 10.25-inch full colour display with 1920×720 resolution. This is not only larger than the 8.8-inch display used before but also has higher resolution. The instrument display cluster is also enlarged, now using a 12.3-inch display in place of the previous 5.1-inch screen. The infotainment has BMW’s iDrive Operating System 7.0 with smartphone connectivity by Apple CarPlay.
The focused and fully-configurable display also features a minimalistic, uniform appearance that offers more space in the centre for navigation and other important information prioritised by the driver. The selected Driver Experience modes in Sport, Comfort and Eco Pro are also displayed with a consistent colour and visual treatment across the instrument cluster and centre display.
Counter-clockwise sweep for tachometer
As with some other models, the new instrument display’s tachometer (situated on the right side) has a counter-clockwise sweep for the pointer, starting from the bottom. This may take some getting used to as most drivers have long been used to both speedometer and tachometer having clockwise sweeps. Incidentally, the Peugeot i-Cockpit also has a similar display concept.
The fuel level, speed and engine temperature are presented in tube rings. Configurable functions and widgets include the sports scoreboards, driving data, fuel consumption and efficiency, as well as the g-force meter and radio or media playback.
For some, the new digi-graphic displays may not appeal as much as the traditional circular meters. There are pros and cons and there will also be a segment of drivers who have grown up with digital displays as part of their lives (from computer games) and will be fine with this change. One advance of digital displays is that they can be changed to suit personal preference, showing information which the driver considers more important.
Also included is the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant that with voice-recognition and voice-activation. The latter can be used to manage vehicle settings, navigation, and entertainment systems, starting with a simple ‘Hey BMW’ expression or an individual personal activation word that the driver can set. Additionally, BMW ConnectedDrive offers Intelligent Emergency Call and Teleservices that will activate automatically if a serious accident occurs.
Engine specs unchanged
The technical specifications for the 320i Sport remain unchanged with the 2-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine paired with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission. With 184 bhp/300 Nm, the 320i Sport has a claimed 0 to 100 km/h time of 7.1 seconds and top speed of 235 km/h. Various fuel-saving measures and technologies help to keep fuel consumption to almost 16 kms/litre, it is claimed.
“The hallmark of Sheer Driving Pleasure for the BMW brand, the BMW 3-Series is a remarkable sports sedan that we are proud to locally assemble here with all-new technological updates for our customers in Malaysia. Close to 2,000 units of the BMW 320i Sport have been delivered since its January 2020 release, and this success comes as no surprise for the best-selling premium sports sedan in Malaysia. This new addition serves to prove our consistent investments in the local automotive industry, in hopes to continue driving its recovery in the year ahead,” said Hans de Visser, MD of BMW Group Malaysia.
As dealerships are closed during Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan, it is not possible for customers to view or test-drive the new model at this time. However, they can make use of BMW Shop online for more information and also to make a booking. For those who have already decided to get one, there’s a financing plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia with monthly instalments starting from RM2,708.00 (terms and conditions apply).
One of the pleasures for car-lovers is the sound of the engine and the sound of the exhaust, music to their ears, so to speak. While a loud exhaust sound may be disturbing to some, car enthusiasts equate it with performance, the louder the better. In fact, engine sound was considered important enough that, as cars got quieter, some carmakers developed ‘noise generators’ to boost the sound level for the driver’s pleasure.
With the age of electric cars starting, it is apparent that this pleasurable ‘music’ will vanish and in place of throaty growls are the hum and whizzing of electric motors. In fact, electric cars are so quiet that manufacturers have to put devices to generate warning sounds for pedestrians.
‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ has been a promise of every BMW, especially the BMW M models, and this includes the engine and exhaust sounds. Even with electrification and silent powertrains, BMW promises that the pleasurable aural experience will still be present.
The aural experience
Companies like BMW have long sold their products with the promise of driving pleasure, which includes the aural experience. So electrification of its cars can affect that selling point even if driving dynamics can still be maintained.
So the German carmaker is taking a new approach to this matter and aims to provide an ‘emotionally rich aural experience’ to BMW drivers with BMW IconicSounds Electric. This is a sound portfolio created for BMW models that are electrified – both full electric as well as plug-in hybrids (PHEVS). To oversee the development, they have even created a position of Creative Director Sound at the BMW Group, which is currently held by Renzo Vitale.
Hans Zimmer (right) in his studio talking to Renzo Vitale, Creative Director Sound at the BMW Group.
Hans Zimmer creates the sounds
Vitale is collaborating with composer and curator Hans Zimmer (whose award-winning works include The Lion King, Gladiator, the Pirates of the Caribbean series, The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception and Blade Runner 2049), to produce a distinctive driving sound specially for electric BMW M cars.
“Every BMW has its own character, which is reflected in the sound it makes,” said Zimmer. “So for the electrically driven BMW M models, we have developed a driving sound which accentuates their emotional driving experience particularly vividly and ensures their performance can be felt with even greater intensity.”
The work is a continuation of Zimmer’s association with BMW. Earlier, he was involved in the development of an inspiring ready-to-drive sound for electrically-powered BMWs which instils a sense of excitement at the prospect of electric driving when the START/STOP button is pressed. The latest chapter in this collaboration covers drive sounds for the iX and i4, including a differentiated sound for the M-specification version of the i4.
BMW iX
While the hush of electric driving enhances comfort, the driving experience loses a degree of emotionality. This is where BMW IconicSounds Electric steps in to give the experience of ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ with all the senses. In the future, electric driving pleasure will be enhanced by acoustic feedback to every movement of the accelerator. Like the on-board driving modes selectable at the touch of a button, the driving sound also takes its cues from the driving situation and the driver’s personal preferences.
Different sound ‘modes’
In the basic setting, BMW IconicSounds Electric employs a strikingly transparent timbre with spherical components to convey the basic character of an electrically powered BMW model. An immersive and pleasant atmosphere is created initially in the i4 in COMFORT mode but when the accelerator pedal is pushed down hard, the direct relationship between how the car is being driven and the sounds it makes changes: the sound experience deepens as load and speed increase.
In SPORT mode, in particular, the car’s aural spectrum is more dominant and powerful, the sound providing a constant ‘commentary’ on the driving situation. Drive system processes are registered within milliseconds and acceleration, load changes or recuperation given a suitable acoustic accompaniment.
Only when the vehicle is travelling in ECO PRO mode is the acoustic feedback reduced to nothing. Here, the silence of the drive system underscores the driver’s decision to adopt an ultra-efficient driving style.
Electrically-powered BMWs may not have the original sounds of a powerful combustion MPower engine but the electronic sounds created and synchronised with the car’s movements and performance should help to still provide the ‘music’ to enthusiasts’ ears.
In the version developed specifically for electrified BMW M models, the drive sound is charged with extra energy. Overall, the drive system note displays a less harmonious but engagingly rousing and technical sonic profile. Acceleration sparks a rich intensification of the soundtrack’s development, authentically reflecting the car’s performance character.
“When you press the pedal of an M car, you suddenly get goosebumps all over your body,” said Vitale. “We translated this feeling into a drive sound that expresses a fusion of superior power and flowing energy.”
The new IconicSounds Electric drive sounds are expected to feature in the i4 and iX over the course of 2022. In cars with earlier build dates, the new sounds can be imported retrospectively via Remote Software Upgrade, should the customer wish. The new spectrum includes one ready-to-drive sound and one stop sound, plus a driving sound which will be made available in the relevant version for models.
For those who still prefer a formal limousine instead of a SAV or SUV, BMW Malaysia offers a new 740Le xDrive M Sport which arrives in Malaysian showrooms this weekend together with the locally-assembled X7 XDrive40i Pure Excellence. Like the X7, the 740Le xDrive M Sport is also assembled in Malaysia at the BMW facility in Kedah, and is priced from RM591,503.05 (without insurance) until June 30, 2021.
The locally-assembled 740Le is differentiated from the CBU version with M Sport treatment. This is largely from the M Sport Aerodynamic Package which includes 19-inch M light alloy wheels in Double-Spoke style 647 M Bicolour, and M Sport brakes. A new striking rocker panel also underlines the sporty appeal of the BMW flagship.
Customers can choose from 4 classic colours for the exterior finish which has the Individual High-gloss Shadow Line. These colours are Mineral White, Carbon Black Metallic, Donington Grey, and Bernina Grey with Amber effect. Depending on the colour chosen, interior themes have Black or Cognac stitching for the exclusive Nappa leather upholstery.
From EfficientDynamics to Electromobility
BMW Group Malaysia has long been a promoter of electrification, a progression from its EfficientDynamics technology which has pursued sustainable mobility since 2007. It has been a leader of electromobility in the market, putting over 20,000 vehicles with hybrid and full electric powertrains on the road, and these include the 7-Series.
394 bhp/600 Nm… but goes 36 kms/litre
For the 740Le xDrive M Sport, the 3-litre in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine is paired with an electric motor which draws energy from a lithium-ion battery pack. The combustion engine produces 286 bhp/450 Nm while the electric motor can generate up to 83 kW (equivalent to 113 hp) with peak torque at 265 Nm.
The combined system output of 394 bhp/600 Nm gives the car a capability of going from standstill to 100 km/h within a claimed 5.1 seconds. The top speed is beyond 250 km/h, but BMW has decided to limit it to that speed.
Such performance, in the past, would have meant rather high consumption. However, with the hybrid powertrain and 8-speed Steptronic transmission delivering power to all four wheels, the claimed fuel consumption is as much as 36 kms/litre.
Interior appropriate for a flagship
As would be expected of a flagship model, the 740Le xDrive M Sport has an elegant interior which is appointed with ‘Fineline’ Fine Wood Trim in Black with High Gloss Metal Effect and the BMW Individual Alcantara Anthracite headliner. A Sky Lounge panorama glass roof is standard with roller sunblinds for the rear side windows to provide privacy.
While it is likely that the owner will spend travelling time mostly in the back, on the occasions when he does drive the car himself, he will find it has a sporty feel with the M-Sport steering wheel and a host of driver assistance systems to make driving safer and more enjoyable. Besides the comprehensive array of meters, there is also a Head-Up Display on the windscreen glass.
As with many BMW models, the 740Le’s ‘command centre’ is the BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a fully-digital 12.3-inch Instrument Display. This is complemented by the BMW Navigation System Professional on a 10.25-inch Control Display. Voice commands and BMW Gesture Control help improve driving safety as the hands need not leave the steering wheel so often.
Standard equipment includes the Rear-seat Entertainment Professional with 10-inch touchscreen monitors mounted on each headrest of the front seat. These monitors can provide personalised entertainment throughout the journey and can also mirror some of the displays from the dashboard panel.
Financing and booking
The 740Le xDrive M Sport can be purchased using one of the financial packages offered by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia and monthly instalment plans start from RM 6,558.00 (terms and conditions apply). Booking can be done with a deposit of RM5,000 via BMW Shop Online (from May 11, 2021, onwards).
Every owner of the 740Le xDrive M Sport is promised a complete premium ownership experience. This includes peace of mind with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline and the BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW Privileges Card. BMW Service Online is available and there’s also a Free Scheduled Service Programme.
It used to be that only models that could sell in sufficiently large volumes would be assembled locally, limiting the number of models that could enjoy preferential taxation policies. With BMW Group Malaysia, that meant just the 3-Series and 5-Series, with the 7-Series having been assembled briefly. But it’s different these days as the company keeps widening its BMW and MINI range of models assembled locally each year at its facility in Kedah.
The latest to be added is the X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence, which is the model that the top of the SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) range. According to Hans de Visser, BMW Group Malaysia’s new Managing Director, this move to localise the assembly of one of our largest models in the BMW X range further demonstrates the company’s longstanding confidence in Malaysia’s potential as a regional hub for the luxury automobile segment.
“We are proud to be redefining the ‘Story of Progressive Luxury’ with a new addition to our portfolio of locally-assembled vehicles in Malaysia. The new model is also a testament to our commitment in the local market, as we further innovate our fleet of premium Sports Activity Vehicles to complement the most luxurious of lifestyles in Malaysia,” said Mr. de Visser.
Similar looks as CBU model
The locally-assembled X7 has a similar appearance to the model that was introduced two years ago, with the kidney grille creating a strong presence with its massive size. The massiveness is contrasted by slender BMW Laserlight headlights that can give strong illumination up to 600 metres ahead.
With an overall length of 5.1 metres and overall width of 2 metres, the X7 is a really big vehicle with an obviously spacious cabin containing three rows of seats. As a flagship variant, it features the opulent ‘Crafted Clarity’ handmade diamond-cut trim element and a range of standard equipment including a sport leather steering wheel and electrically adjustable comfort seats.
Large instrument panel with HUD
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which runs on the BMW Operating System 7.0, combines the fully digital, user-configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster with an equally large central Control Display with touchscreen functionality. The most important information the driver would need while in motion is also projected on the windscreen by the Head-Up Display. And to minimise taking the hands away from the steering wheel, there’s the voice-controlled BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and BMW Gesture Control.
Other highlights of the X7 include the Welcome Light Carpet feature, 5-zone air conditioning, a Harman Kardon Surround Sound System with 16 loudspeakers, and electric roller blinds for each window. The Rear Entertainment Professional system is also available while the spaciousness is further enhanced by the large panoramic sunroof complemented by large windows.
While the doors feature a soft-close, the tailgate is powered to open and close on its own without the owner having to even touch the door. When open, there’s easy access to a variable-volume luggage compartment with up to 2,120 litres available with the backrests folded down.
Those who have an iPhone can make use of the BMW Digital Key which not only locks/unlock the doors but can also program certain vehicle functions with limitations, in the event it is driven by someone other than the owner. There’s also wireless charging for compatible mobilephones as well as smartphone connectivity.
3-litre TwinPower Turbo engine
Under the long bonnet is a 3-litre 6-cylinder petrol engine which can produce up to 340 bhp/450 Nm. With an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, the 2,320 kg SAV can get from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 6.1 seconds. Fuel consumption at its best is said to be 10.5 kms/litre which means a full 83-litre tank should give a range of almost 900 kms.
The xDrive badge means all four wheels are powered, not just for off-road driving but also to maximise traction, agility and handling stability (especially on slippery surfaces). Additionally, there is Dynamic Stability Control which takes note of the load on board as registered by the air suspension sensors and factors this data into braking modulation for optimum stopping performance. Executive Drive Pro with active roll stabilisation is included as standard.
Assisting the driver
The X7 driver can enjoy the drive while electronic systems help make mundane tasks easier. For example, the Reversing Assistant assists in safely manoeuvring out of a tight parking space, while the Driving Assistant has a comprehensive range of functions to help avoid accidents. The Active Cruise Control varies cruising speed to maintain a safe gap with other vehicles and can operate right down to standstill.
The X7 xDrive40i Pure Excellence will be in the showrooms from this weekend and if you already know you want one and it’s just a matter of choosing the colour, here are the exterior/interior choices available: Black Sapphire and Sophisto Grey exterior with Cognac Leather Vernasca upholstery; Phytonic Blue and Manhattan Metallic exteriors with all-Black design-perforated Leather Vernasca interior; and Leather Vernasca in Coffee with Black design perforations exclusively with the Mineral White exterior finish.
Monthly instalments from RM7,468
Priced from RM673,323.61 (excluding insurance), booking can be done via BMW Shop Online with just RM5,000 but due to a scheduled website maintenance at this time, the facility will only be from May 11, 2021 onwards. Those who use BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia can choose from various financing packages with monthly instalment plans starting from RM7,468 (terms and conditions apply).
BMW may be best known for its cars and motorcycles, but the German carmaker is also associated with arts and culture, with numerous initiatives for the past 50 years. With over 100 projects worldwide, BMW Group’s cultural commitment has been an essential part of corporate communications, with the main focus on modern and contemporary art, jazz and classical music as well as architecture and design.
“Social commitment is a major concern of the BMW Group. There is no doubt that cultural engagement is part of the BMW Group,” said Maximilian Schoberl, Head of BMW Group Corporate and Governmental Affairs and Executive Vice President.
Its latest project is ‘The Ultimate AI Masterpiece’, a unique exploration of art and technology that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to generate entirely new works. The virtual art installation debuts in conjunction with Frieze New York 2021, as well as the 50th anniversary of BMW Group Cultural Engagement.
‘The Ultimate AI Masterpiece’ virtual art installation was created in partnership with creative technologist Nathan Shipley of Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, and Gary Yeh, art connoisseur/founder of artDrunk. The duo leveraged the NVIDIA StyleGAN artificial intelligence model to cross-reference over 50,000 images of artwork spanning 900 years of history and a curated set of 50 works from renowned and emerging contemporary artists BMW has worked with over the past 50 years.
Using these inputs as a basis for understanding art, the AI then generates entirely new works of art, merging what it learned classical art and the styles noted from the contemporary artists. These new works have been projection-mapped onto a virtual rendition of BMW’s 8-Series Gran Coupe.
To document the creative process behind the virtual installation, Shipley and Yeh collaborated digitally from different parts of the world – Yeh in Seoul, Shipley in San Francisco – and virtually joined each other for an engaging discussion on the technology behind the artwork created by the AI, as well as BMW’s decades-long support of the arts.
“AI is an emerging medium of creative expression. It’s a fascinating space where art meets algorithm,” said Shipley. “Combining the historical works with the curated modern works and projecting the evolving images onto the 8-Series Gran Coupe serves a direct nod to BMW’s history of uniting automobiles, art, and technology.”
“During an unusually isolated time in history, we took the opportunity to curate and work with artists from around the world as a means to give viewers a true art experience digitally,” Yeh, who is also an art collector, explained. “It was particularly exciting to push the boundaries of art, see how technology may influence the art world in the years to come, and build on 50 years of cultural engagement at BMW.”
Frieze New York begins its tenth edition, taking place for the first time at The Shed in Manhattan, New York, this week. Reimagined for its new location, the fair brings together over 60 major galleries and sees a strong representation from New York, celebrating the creative spirit of the city. A dedicated edition of Frieze Viewing Room will run parallel to the fair, until May 14, and will feature an expanded list of over 160 exhibitors, connecting international galleries and audiences unable to travel.
Meanwhile, the Penang branch of Auto Bavaria, an authorised BMW, Motorrad and MINI dealership, has introduced its first-ever dedicated BMW and MINI Service Fast Lane Centre. The stand-alone facility will complement the services provided by its main service centre.
The BMW & MINI Service Fast Lane Centre has a floor area of 30,000 sq. feet and is fully air-conditioned with a premium customer lounge, 6 service bays, and two RATC (Reception at the Car) bays. The centre specialises solely on quick service and repairs with emphasis on regular vehicle maintenance, wear and tear repairs, tyre replacement, cosmetic repairs and more, for better efficiency and time optimisation.
Quotation before work commences
According to Sime Darby Auto Bavaria’s MD, Vi Thim Juan, the Service Fast Lane concept aims to help customers optimise their time while getting the necessary service and repairs for their cars. The cost of service or repair as well as the duration needed to complete the service will be discussed in advance when a customer calls to book for the Service Fast Lane.
“Our Service Fast Lane Centre is designed to fit customers’ routines with minimal interruption. Service appointment scheduling is also flexible, allowing customers to bring in their cars at a time most convenient to them. With Service Fast Lane, service and repairs are done in a fraction of the time while customers sip their coffee and relax at our lounge,” said Mr. Vi.
Customers can be assured of receiving cost estimates, including itemised costs for parts and labour prior to any work commencing, as Auto Bavaria continues to deliver on its promise of price transparency for customers to make informed decisions about the maintenance of their vehicles. The centre operates 6 days a week, except on public holidays.
For more information on BMW or MINI products and services in Malaysia, visit www.bmw.com.my or MINI.MY.
BMW Group AG has announced the appointment of Hans de Visser as the new Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Malaysia, effective May 1, 2021. Mr. de Visser will assume the role and responsibilities from Harald Hoelzl who will take on a new role at BMW Group AG.
Mr. de Visser brings with him over 29 years of experience in various roles within the BMW Group. He started as a Manager in Marketing Communications at BMW Motorrad in Munich and before his current role in BMW Russia as the Marketing Director, he served in various Sales and Marketing roles across several markets globally as well as in the BMW Group headquarters in Germany.
“Hans’ broad experience in various roles in marketing and sales, as well as his international background will be extremely valuable in his new position,” said Hendrik von Kuenheim, Senior Vice-President Region Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa.
For more information on BMW or MINI products and services in Malaysia, visit www.bmw.com.my or MINI.MY.
