BMW Archives

BMW iCharging Facilities Increase As Electrified Vehicles Account For 57% Of 2018 BMW Sales

BMW Malaysia introduced two New BMW i Charging Facilities at Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Melaka. Mr. Klaus Sennik, General Manager of Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Melaka (above, 2nd from left) said, “The New BMW i Charging Facilities at our hotel marks a significant step forward in enriching our hospitality offerings to our guests while empowering their sustainable lifestyles. With this invaluable partnership with BMW Malaysia and Seong Hoe Premium Motors, we can now look after the e-mobility needs of our guests with cutting-edge facilities, offering them peace of mind as they explore the fascinating City of Melaka and its surrounding areas in their electric vehicles.” Chief Engineer for the hotel, Hj Abdul Rahman who spearheads the hotel’s green initiatives added, “this is also part of our hotel’s ‘green’ efforts to ensure greater environmental sustainability which is line with the Wyndham group of hotel’s green objectives.”

Sharing Sennik’s sentiments, Mr. Loy Suan Chiow, Dealer Principal of Seong Hoe Premium Motors, meanwhile, said, “We are seeing a rising adoption of BMW electrified vehicles in the state and an increasing demand for the best-in-class charging facilities to power this shift to Electro-Mobility. Following the BMW i Charging Facilities introduced at Holiday Inn Melaka and Hotel Equatorial Melaka last year, the New Facilities at Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Melaka once again attests to our fruitful partnership with BMW Malaysia in making Visionary Mobility more accessible in the state of Melaka.”

The New BMW i Charging Facilities at Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Melaka join BMW Malaysia’s growing network of charging infrastructure, the most recent being the BMW i Charging Facilities at the Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Ipoh, and Iconic Hotel, Penang, as well as the first BMW i Charging Facilities in Perak earlier this year at WEIL Hotel, Ipoh.

Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications, BMW Group Malaysia, (above, left) meanwhile, said, “As the leading provider of premium electro-mobility in the country, we are committed to elevating the Sheer Driving Pleasure of our customers by ensuring state-of-the-art facilities are accessible at key strategic locations. We are excited to see how much our network of charging facilities has expanded, as we continue to drive e-mobility forward through innovation, awareness on new and clean technology for the automotive industry, as well as changing the infrastructure for premium electric vehicles in the country.”

BMW Group Malaysia continues to solidify its position as the leading brand for electro-mobility, with electrified vehicles accounting for over 57% of the total BMW and MINI delivery from January to November this year, while the number of electrified vehicles delivered year-on-year has also increased to more than 34% from over 5,100 to over 6,900 units.

BMW Group Malaysia’s portfolio of Visionary Mobility with the BMW iPerformance vehicles are also supported by the ChargEV platform through its partnership with the Malaysian Green Technology Corporation. The BMW ChargeNow service, which is offered as part of the BMW 360° ELECTRIC programme, also grants straightforward access to partner charging facilities like ChargEV, where customers can enjoy 24/7 support and access to all charging locations in ChargEV’s growing network nationwide.

FEATURE: Why I Bought A 28-Year Old BMW E30 And Broke Every Rule In My To-Do Book [+Videos]

This is all someone else’s fault. Really. You see the problem with being the so-called resident old-skool classic car guy, is that friends (and the occasional total stranger) sometimes ask you to assist them in scoping out an old car that’s tickled their fancy. It happens to me a lot, and I’m actually considering starting a side-business on this…

Well, a good buddy of mine recently had his eye out for a 90’s BMW E30, a fine ‘drivers-car’ if there ever was one, born from the days when BMW were considered the “Ultimate Driving Machine”. As luck would have it, one came along through word-of-mouth (above) that had never been advertised. Having seen the photos and dutifully passing them on with what I’d learned about the car to the prospective buyer, there seemed to be interest, so the next logical step was to go see it in the metal. That photo above is how she looked the day I met her personally…

This is where things took a turn for the unexpected. Upon viewing the car up close, I further learned that not only was the car a ‘one-owner since new’ deal, it was also accident-free, and most importantly void of any after-market modifications to its powertrain, which was a modest 1.8-litre, 4-pot. Born in 1990, it was 28-years old, but only had 270,400kms on the odometer, which if my calculations were correct, amounted to less than 10,000km a year.

I further learned that the car was being used till earlier this year, when the owner decided that he needed an automatic. Yes, this E30 was an original MANUAL. 5-speed, 3 pedals. A drive around the block cemented my opinion that this was a gem. Its engine still purred, and apart from the usual signs of prolonged use on the outside, its interior was in remarkable condition for something almost three decades old.

It was at this point I was hoping that my friend would snap-up this car quickly, because I had a feeling I knew what was going to happen if he didn’t. As fate would have it, he ultimately declined, and I distinctly recall saying “Oh sh*t” out loud when he did. I couldn’t help but realise that this car ‘ticked’ all the right boxes for me; unmodified, original condition, accident-free, rust-free, well-maintained, papers all in order, driveable (not a tow-away). It didn’t take long before I was re-negotiating, but this time for myself instead. The deal was sealed in less than an hour.

Driving the car back (above), I remember having a weird grin on my face. This was the latest (and very likely last) in a long line of old-skool BMW ownership for me, which spanned the likes of the E21, E12, E23, E24 (2 of those) and E32. This was my first E30, despite having handled the sale of two units in the past. Well, actually one unit sold twice in 6 months…

One of the best things I’ve ever heard happened with this E30, when my mechanic friend remarked that whoever owned this car before me really took good care of it, “not much to do, all done before already” were his exact words I believe. I was stunned. Indeed, this was proving to be one of the best buys of my long and sordid affinity with old-skool cars.

With the mechanical and electrical bits all sorted, it was time for some much-needed cosmetic work. I learned that while the car had been parked under a porch most its life, its back end was usually stuck out in the open, and as such the rear bumper had degraded to a point where it was breaking off in pieces. The front bumper had fared no better, having been the subject of one too many minor bumps and ‘oops’ moments over the last 10,220 days since it rolled off the factory floor.

Opting for a set of M-Tech II front and rear bumpers instead of the original type, I realised a little too late (actually I realised this as they were being fitted) that the fitment of these new bumpers would lead me down a path to a few other things that would need to be done; in a nutshell, the (non-original) wheels looked horrendously out of place with the new bumpers, and the new bumpers required a set of side-skirts to match, and the car needed to be painted immediately because the new bumpers were WHITE. So much for doing things slowly…

Also, there was no way to revert back to the original 14-inch wheels (yes, fourteen inch wheels!) with the new bumpers and skirts, so I had to upgrade to 16’s. I already knew that if I was going to go with 16-inch wheels, I would need a set of BBS ‘basket weave’ alloys (above). And I was amazed just how hard those were to find for this car. I finally sourced and procured a set in Sg.Dua, near Ulu Yam! But the hunt was worth it…

The new wheels came with tyres that were well past their prime, and as such a new set of 16-inch rubber in all four-corners was required too. So this is what I mean about one thing leading to another and there’s no turning back once you set down a particular path. Had I gone for the original ‘look’, I’d be a few grand richer today. But I’m not complaining, I love the way the car looks now. I had a vision in my mind (spiced by countless Google images of E30 across the globe) of how I wanted the car to eventually look, and I’d managed to achieve exactly that. In less than 2 months.

In terms of total expenditure, I did the math recently, and apart from the cost of buying the car, I was quite pleased to learn that I’ve still managed to spend less than RM5,000 (my usual expenditure cap) to bring the car up to this level, the level and look that I was targeting. Here’s the most recent video of how she looks now….

Now it’s time to enjoy the car, to drive it. There are no monthly instalments to worry about, the car is insured and road taxed, and everything I spend from today onward will only make the car better. It’s been a good run, but I think I’ll be stopping here in terms of my car buying habits. I’ve still got the old Mercedes-Benz W126 for long haul trips, and now I have this BMW E30 for daily-drives and Sunday drives with the boys. I reckon I’m done… for now. Really. – Chris Wee.

BMW Malaysia Elevates Premium Car Ownership Experience With “BMW Moments”

BMW Malaysia has introduced “BMW Moments” – a one-of-a-kind ownership privileges programme curating all exclusive ownership experiences and services to deliver the comprehensive and complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership Experience.

Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia (above) said, “At BMW, we have always been committed to providing our customers with first-class service that delivers the best-in-class ownership experience. We will continuously deliver the freedom to enjoy the promise of Sheer Driving Pleasure with peace of mind through innovative, industry-first products and services for our valued customers. Now, BMW Moments will allow us to better communicate and deliver the Complete BMW Premium Ownership Experience that we have to offer every customer.”

BMW Moments represents the range of best-in-class services and privileges that every BMW owner is entitled to. This ranges from providing flexible and innovative financing options; reliable premium care and assistance; to elevating customers’ sheer driving pleasure through an array of exclusive lifestyle privileges; all of which are delivered through three distinctive categories including BMW Support, BMW Care and BMW Privileges.

24/7 peace of mind with BMW Support…

Under BMW Support, BMW owners are guaranteed absolute peace of mind with the BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline. The emergency aftercare protection service programme adds a level of safety and convenience on the road for all BMW owners.

Available to customers 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and just a mere call away, qualified specialists from the call centre will take care of absolutely everything that needs to be done in the event of a breakdown or accident. The program offers lifetime phone assistance and organizational support, as well as comprehensive mobility services in case of an emergency, immobilisation or break down at no cost for new owners.

Warranty programmes for uncompromising driving experience with BMW Care…

As part of the complete premium ownership experience, all new BMW vehicles come with the BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service. The manufacturer-backed warranty will be offered up to the fifth year of ownership with unlimited mileage. By extension, the programme also includes free scheduled service and maintenance for up to 100,000km. The scope of services with the warranty programme is in accordance to the Condition Based Service (CBS) status and includes engine oil service with oil filter and refill quantity, air filter, micro filter, spark plugs, brake fluid and service vehicle checks.

The BMW 2-Year Tyre Warranty programme entitles owners to a comprehensive tyre protection plan that covers tyre damages caused by any sharp objects or by hitting the edge of a curb or pothole. For new cars, a complimentary BMW Tyre Warranty is provided on all four BMW Approved Star-Marked Tyres that come factory fitted with the new BMW car; for aftersales purchases, a complimentary BMW Tyre Warranty is available on any BMW Approved Star-Marked Tyres purchased from any BMW Authorised Dealer.

Engineered in collaboration with leading tyre manufacturers around the world, BMW Approved Star-Marked Tyres are the only tyres manufactured exacting to the performance standards of a BMW vehicle. The precise harmonisation of the wheels, tyres and chassis components are essential to achieving optimum handling and performance. Only tyres bearing the star are guaranteed premium features and properties exclusive to BMW Approved Star-Marked Tyres.

Enjoy innovative financing and the finer lifestyle with BMW Privileges.

Owning a BMW car opens up doors to a suite of benefits and privileges exclusive to BMW owners, under the BMW White Card, BMW White Card Elite, or the BMW Excellence Club for the BMW 7 Series owners. Whether it’s receiving invitations to exclusive BMW events or a host of dining, shopping and lifestyle offerings, the BMW owners club is the gateway to an incomparable premium lifestyle.

BMW Malaysia also makes owning a BMW vehicle an effortless experience with its range of industry-leading financing programmes. Flexible loan tenures and interest rates are available through innovative purchase solutions such as the BMW Full Circle Programme, BMW Balloon Financing and BMW Step Down Financing.

To find out more about BMW Moments, visit https://www.bmw.com.my/BMWMoments or access the world of privileges on the go as a BMW customer via The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App, available on the Apple App Store or Google Play. For information about BMW Malaysia and its range of premium products and services, visit www.bmw.com.my.

BMW M5 The Official Car Of MotoGP Will Hit KL Roads!

For the 20^th consecutive season, BMW M GmBH returns to the racetrack at the 2018 MotoGP World Championship to lead the world’s best motorcycle riders with its fleet of vehicles at the front. Every season, BMW M GmBH creates new highlights with its Safety Car. The latest models and impressive technical innovation are what makes the BMW M MotoGP Safety Cars of the past, present and future so special.

Prior to the high-octane event in Malaysia, the new spearhead of the Safety Car fleet – the BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car with BMW M Performance Parts – will make appearances across Kuala Lumpur on a convoy with the BMW M5, BMW 530i M Sport, BMW S 1000 RR, and the BMW S 1000 RR Safety Bike.

The convoy will make a pit stop at Bangsar Village II, where a meet and greet session with BMW M MotoGP expert and three-time World Champion, Loris Capirossi will take place. Fans can also participate in the BMW S 1000 RR Safety Bike puzzle challenge and stand a chance to win main grandstand tickets to the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, happening from 2^nd to 4^th November 2018.

Details of the pit stop are as below:

Date

31^st October 2018, Wednesday

Time

12:00PM

Venue

Bangsar Village II

2, Jalan Telawi 1,

Bangsar Baru 59100,

Kuala Lumpur.

Be sure to check out BMW Malaysia’s Facebook page, as additional main grandstand tickets are also up for grabs.

Inilah BMW X7 yang pertama di dunia!

Tuan-tuan dan puan-puan, mempersembahkan BMW X7 pertama di dunia yang menggabungkan karisma, eksklusiviti dan kelapangan sebuah model mewah bersama sifat-sifat memandu yang lincah dan serba boleh sebuah Kenderaan Aktiviti Sukan atau ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ (SAV). (more…)

BIKES: Millennium Welt Introduces New BMW Motorrad Dealership In Kuantan

BMW Motorrad Malaysia and Millennium Welt launched a new BMW Motorrad showroom at its existing showroom facility in Kuantan recently, to better serve premium motorcycle customers and enthusiasts in the East Coast Region of Peninsular Malaysia. Millennium Welt was appointed by BMW Group Malaysia as its newest representative for the BMW Motorrad brand in Kuantan and the East Coast Region of Peninsular Malaysia, in July this year.

Mr. Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia (above) said, “The East Coast region presents great growth potential for the BMW Motorrad brand and Millennium Welt is a key partner in the Group’s effort to strengthen its position in the region. With over 800 units of motorcycles already delivered year-to-date, an increase of over 24% compared to the same period last year, we are on track to achieve better performance by the end of the year.”

Last year’s global deliveries across the BMW Motorrad range increased by 13.2%, with a total of 164,153 units delivered worldwide. The growth was reflected in Malaysia, with 1,052 motorcycles delivered, charting a 5% increase in sales performance compared to the previous year.

On the unique appeal of BMW Motorrad to riders in the region, Mr. Owen Riley, Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia, (above, centre) said, “The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia offers some of the best terrains and great windy roads that are perfect for motorcycle riding. With a BMW Motorrad motorcycle, it’s never just about getting from one point to another, it’s about Making Life A Ride, seeking that thrill that comes from that unique journey charted by you – and you only.”

Mr. Bryan Wong, Managing Director of Millennium Welt Group of Companies (below, right) said, “With the opening of the new BMW Motorrad showroom, we are committed to improving our delivery of the premium BMW experience to motorcycle enthusiasts in the region. Since our appointment as the brand’s representative in July, we have had the privilege of witnessing and supporting many customers Make Life A Ride, through not only their passion for riding but also their zest for life, which only motivate us to continue serving our customers better.”

(L-R) Yuen Woon Choon, Dealer Principal of Millennium Welt, Owen Riley, Head of BMW Motorrad Malaysia & Bryan Wong, Managing Director of Millennium Welt Group of Companies

In addition to BMW Motorrad, Millennium Welt Kuantan offers a range of products and services including BMW models and MINI Service. The dealership operates from a 28,000 sq ft showroom facility, capable of displaying up to eight BMW Motorrad motorcycles and five BMW vehicles. The showroom is located at 32, Jalan Teluk Sisek, 25000 Kuantan, Pahang.

BMW Motorrad Malaysia Continues To “Make Life A Ride” With BMW Motorrad Nightfuel In Johor

Bikers take note! The ultimate BMW Motorrad Malaysia lifestyle event returns to unite premium motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country, through great food and music. Set to take place at Puteri Harbour Front’s car park, the fifth edition of BMW Motorrad Nightfuel will feature exciting activities for motorcyclists and BMW Motorrad fans to enjoy.

With lucky-draw ‘Win with BMW Motorrad’ sessions taking place, they will also stand the chance to ride into the night with special prizes. Adding to the excitement, attendees will play witness as BMW Motorrad Malaysia will be introducing their latest model at the event.

NOTE: Tickets are required to attend the BMW Motorrad Nightfuel in Johor, while walk-in registration is also available on the day of event.

Details of the event:

Date : 6^th October 2018, Saturday

Time : 7:00PM to 11:00PM

Venue : Puteri Harbour Front (Car Park)

Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Kota Iskandar,

79100 Nusajaya, Johor.

For more details on BMW Motorrad Nightfuel or to purchase the entrance ticket, kindly visit BMW Motorrad Malaysia’s website HERE. To join the convoy, please contact your nearest BMW Motorrad authorised dealers. Click HERE to find out what happened in the previous BMW Motorrad Nightfuel in Putrajaya.

BMW Malaysia Introduces The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster @ CEPSI 2018

BMW Malaysia today unveiled the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster, with a sticker price of RM1,508,800! This “Icon of a New Era” epitomises the progression of the hybrid sports car, and was the star attraction at the Conference of the Electric Power Supply Industry (CEPSI) 2018, at which BMW Malaysia is the official E-Mobility partner.

“BMW Group Malaysia sees itself as a key industry player capable of driving and shaping the national dialogue on the Mobility of the Future. Our leadership in Electro Mobility is amply reflected in the innovative range of electrified vehicles that have been launched under the BMW Group. Our commitment to drive e-mobility forward is strengthened through our initiatives to drive innovation, local assembly capabilities, awareness on new and clean technology for the automotive industry as well as changing the infrastructure for premium vehicles in the country,” said Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia (above, in light blue).

Since the introduction of the BMW i sub-brand in 2013, the BMW Group has celebrated immense success with its E-Mobility portfolio worldwide. Last year alone, the BMW Group promised and delivered 100,000 electrified vehicles. With over 82,000 electrified units already delivered in the first eight months of this year – a 43.3% increase compared to the same period last year – the premium automaker is on track to achieve the mark of delivering 140,000 electrified vehicles in 2018.

This ambition is pursued by BMW Group Malaysia locally with exceptional performance in its electrified vehicles. Year-to-date, BMW Group Malaysia has already successfully delivered over 9,500 BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles, recording an increase of more than 20% compared to the same period last year. Of the total vehicle deliveries, 56% comprises of electrified BMW and MINI vehicles, indicating the evolving sentiment among Malaysians for embracing Visionary Mobility in their automotive needs.

During CEPSI 2018, BMW Group Malaysia will further drive discussion on the Future of Mobility in Malaysia with Dr. Alexander Kotouc. As the Head of Product Management for BMW i, the sub brand of the BMW Group responsible for Visionary Vehicles, Dr. Kotouc will share on the premium automaker’s plans and vision as a leader in automotive sustainability and progressive mobility.

Further solidifying its position as the leading provider of premium electrified mobility, BMW Malaysia also introduced the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster, which was officiated by the Minister of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change, Yeo Bee Yin, as a special guest at the landmark conference. “The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster is the ultimate icon for Mobility of the Future. The open-top hybrid two-seater sports car redefines driving enthusiasm, freedom and demonstrates e-Mobility as the visionary way forward for the convertible sports cars segment,” said Hoelzl.

The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster is equipped with the most acclaimed features placing it in a league of its own. This year, BMW i8 scored its fourth consecutive win of the International Engine of the Year Award since 2015, a well-deserved recognition of BMW i8’s supremely designed drivetrain. Furthermore, a string of prestigious accolades, including the iF Design Award and the Red Dot Award, testify to the quality and allure of the brand-new LifeDrive architecture for BMW i models.

More on the BMW i8 Roadster (text & photos courtesy of BMW Malaysia) – Emotion-packed design, a character all of its own…

The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster imbues emotional appeal in its spectacular design, by carrying over the BMW i design language into a distinctive vehicle concept. The taut soft-top roof has a visual lightness to go with its low physical weight and serves as a defining element of the silhouette in reinforcing the road-hugging impression made by the car’s low centre of gravity. The body’s dynamic wedge shape can also be best appreciated when viewing the two-seater in profile. A “Roadster” designation is attached on the C-pillar.

When opened, the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster’s broad roof retracts fully into the rear end. A unique mechanism allows the soft-top to be folded into a compact package and stowed away in a perpendicular position, creating around 100 litres of additional storage space behind the seats. The all-electric roof opens and closes quietly in 15 seconds, a process which can be initiated while travelling at up to 50 km/h. Dropping down the roof raises the rear window by around 30 millimetres, where it can also serve as a wind deflector that reduces turbulence for the occupants. The height of the fully retractable rear window can be varied as desired at the touch of a button in the cockpit.

The Icon of a New Era features a brand new LifeDrive vehicle architecture which offers a horizontally split structure comprising an aluminium chassis and a carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) passenger cell to offer an exceptional degree of design freedom. This clever engineering trick enables the optimal positioning of the necessary drive components to ensure the best possible handling, in addition to ensuring a noticeable weight advantage with the carbon passenger cell.

The open-top two-seater comes with newly designed frameless gullwing doors made from CFRP with an aluminium outer shell, while the windscreen frame is made entirely from CFRP. This ultra-strong high-tech material is ideally equipped to provide exceptional rigidity, maximising the car’s occupant protection even if it rolls over. CFRP is also used to manufacture the side skirts with their extra-large cross-section. Additional struts and panels in the front and rear axles also help to maximise the body’s rigidity. The unladen weight of the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster stands at 1,595 kilograms, a remarkably low figure for an open-top car.

Hybrid-specific all-wheel drive, precision-tuned chassis…

The electric motor’s power is transmitted to the front wheels and the engine’s drive to the rear wheels, resulting in a hybrid-specific all-wheel-drive system that is controlled by the car’s intelligent energy management. In hybrid mode, the electric motor provides a power boost to assist the engine when the driver is accelerating with particular vigour. It is also able to recuperate energy and feed it to the high-voltage battery on overrun and under braking. The petrol engine’s high-voltage starter-generator can likewise generate additional reserves of electricity, thereby ensuring sufficient energy is on tap at all times for the electric drive system.

When the navigation system’s route guidance function is activated, the intelligent energy management ensures the electric motor is employed as extensively and judiciously as possible from an efficiency point of view. The system analyses the route in full and sets up the powertrain management to run on purely electric power, particularly over low-speed sections of the journey.

The model-specific tuning of the suspension and damping systems, the specially configured steering characteristics, a firmer roll stabilisation set-up and targeted modification of the DSC parameters together guarantee that the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster retains all the plug-in hybrid sports car’s trademark handling and performance qualities. Dynamic Stability Control is included as standard. The standard 20-inch light-alloy wheels feature a lightweight construction, with each weighing around one kilogram less than the lightest wheels previously offered for the BMW i8.

Engine with optimised emissions…

The internal combustion engine has also undergone further optimisation. The three-cylinder unit extracts maximum output of 170 kW/231 hp from its displacement of just 1.5 litres, along with a peak torque of 320 Nm. In the process, it generates an even sportier soundtrack. A particulate filter is now fitted to further reduce emissions by absorbing the particulate matter contained in the exhaust gases.

The system output produced by the electric motor and engine acting in unison is now 275 kW/374 hp, enabling an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. Its combined fuel consumption stands at 2.0 litres per 100 kilometres, and 14.5 kWh of electrical energy per 100 kilometres. Petrol CO₂ emissions come in at 46 grams per kilometre.

Optimised BMW eDrive technology: more power, longer range – a further enhanced electric driving experience…

The rigorously developed BMW eDrive technology and optimised intelligent energy management lead to a significant increase in the number of driving situations where the electric motor can be solely responsible for powering the car. This underscores the ground-breaking character of the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster and ensures drivers enjoy silent and locally emission-free open-top motoring to the full.

Underpinning this new level of electric driving experience is an updated version of the lithium-ion battery developed for the BMW i8. The high-voltage unit is located centrally in the car’s underbody. Its cell capacity has increased to 33 Ah from the previous 20 Ah, and gross energy capacity has risen to 11.6 kWh from 7.1 kWh, all of which means the electric motor has more energy at its disposal. The cell configuration allows a peak output of 105 kW/143 hp, making quick sprints possible on pure-electric power.

In the standard driving mode, the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster can be driven exclusively on the electric motor alone – from step-off to a speed of 105 km/h. The combustion engine is only brought into play at higher speeds or when the driver stamps down hard on the accelerator, and is switched off again far more frequently when a measured driving style is maintained. Pressing the eDrive button allows travel at up to 120 km/h on electric power alone. The electric range of the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster reaches 53 kilometres.

Innovative interior with exclusive equipment…

The interior of the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster continues the progressive design of the exterior with a classic BMW i8 drive orientation in line with the sporty, dynamic concept. The upper centre console to the instrument panel curves toward the driver in an acute 12-degree angle. All controls and display elements are within perfect reach of the driver and easy to read. The open-pored CFRP Carbon trim on the centre console, door handle and dashboard inlay, the ceramic controls with an embossed i8 logo on the iDrive Controller, and the ceramic finish on the gear selection lever add a futuristic touch to the interior. The immediately impactful environment gives the driver the impression of being one with the car.

The cockpit is fitted out with the BMW Head-up Display that changes to a sports display that includes revs, gears and shift lights when performing manual gear changes in SPORT mode. Other standard specifications include leather sports steering wheel with multifunction buttons and shift paddles, electrically adjustable seats, the multifunctional instrument display, the Driving Assistant including Surround View, and the Navigation System Professional. The main menu in the Control Display is now presented in the form of horizontally arranged tiles with a live mode.

The BMW Connected also comes standard, providing access and information to the current charge status, the range and departure time, helping the driver search for charging stations, and having it sent directly to the vehicle, access to the efficiency rating of the last trip, tutorials for particularly efficient driving, and the CO₂calculator. The BMW Connected personal mobility assistant interfaces the vehicle with the customer’s selected touchpoints, such as a smartphone or smartwatch.

The First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster comes in Exterior E-Copper with Accaro interior design, and will be available at authorised BMW i dealerships from 19^th September 2018. For the FULL spec sheet, click to download this: BMW i8 Roadster Spec Sheet_Peninsular Malaysia

Dynamic Financial Programme…

With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster can be owned with monthly instalment plans starting from RM 17,268.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

Complete Premium Ownership Experience…

Customers of the First-Ever BMW i8 Roadster can also experience the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program.
BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Program for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services.
BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline.
The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card.
BMW Service Online.