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2024 BMW 5 Series (G60) makes its Malaysian debut in EV form - i5 eDrive40 M Sport for RM420k

Auto News

The BMW i5 has been officially launched in Malaysia, marking the beginning of the G60 5 Series generation’s local rollout, which will also include mild hybrid internal combustion engines and plug-in hybrids.


Fully imported from Germany, the i5 eDrive40 M Sport is offered now here for RM419,800, is one of two fully electric variants of the new i5 besides the electron fire-breathing M60, and includes a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty and 8-year or 160,000km battery warranty.

Replacing the ageing but still much loved G30, the G60 is a new generation of the 5 Series and incorporates BEVs into BMW's regular range as a powertrain option while still maintaining its CLAR platform underpinnings.

As is the case for many other new cars in the BMW stable, the G60’s design heavily features more angular lines, a departure from the previous models' more organic curves. Other notable exterior additions the more aggressive M Sport cosmetics, large 21-inch BMW Individual aerodynamic wheels, adaptive LED headlights, Adaptive Suspension Pro, and Integral Active Steering.

The i5 eDrive40’s powertrain reads much like the iX3’s, featuring a rear-mounted motor with 313 PS and 400 Nm of torque, and it can reach 340 PS/430 Nm Sport Boost activated. The 0-100 km/h dash is dispatched in 6.0 seconds and can run up to a top speed of 193 km/h.

Equipped with an 83.9 kWh battery, the base i5 provides a WLTP range of up to 582 km thanks to having to only feed the rear axle. Meanwhile, charging through an AC wallbox at 11 kW takes eight hours and 15 minutes to reach a full charge, and DC fast charging at its maximum rate of 205kW takes 34 minutes (10-80% state of charge).

Inside the i5, you'll find BMW Operating System 8.5, a panoramic glass roof, an interior camera, the BMW Curved Display, and the BMW Interaction Bar. The vehicle also offers an 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System and Leather Merino upholstery in Black and Copper Brown. Fully kitted out indeed.

The BMW i5 eDrive40 is available in Malaysia at RM419,800 on-the-road, excluding insurance, with a five-year warranty and service package.

Featured

Neta V vs BYD Dolphin comparison: The two cheapest EV goes head-to-head

Buying Guides

Explore the battle of the most affordable EVs in Malaysia - Neta V vs BYD Dolphin. Get a detailed comparison on pricing, specs, interior, exterior, warranty packages and live promotions to help you choose your EV ride!

In the heart of Malaysia, a 'quiet' revolution is underway. Streets that were once echoed with the roar of traditional Internal Combustion Engine (ICE), now witness the silent surge of electric vehicles (EVs). A wave of eco-consciousness is reshaping the nation's automotive landscape. Malaysia, traditionally known for its rich automotive heritage, is now emerging as a hub for the electric vehicle revolution. With an unprecedented influx of EVs, the nation stands on the cusp of a transformative era, where innovation is paving the way for a cleaner, greener future.

Malaysia's EV market has become a battleground of innovation, affordability, and performance from all the EVs that have made it here. Within a short span, we have seen the arrival of many EVs claiming to bring the best deal on the table with prices varying from as low as RM 99k++ to as high as RM 250k++. At the forefront of this clash are two formidable contenders: the Neta V and the BYD Dolphin. Both are currently the two most affordable EVs around as each offers a unique blend of style, performance, and engineering. As the demand for sustainable transportation grows, these models present serious options for Malaysian consumers. In this comparison, we'll focus on the key attributes of these EVs helping you decide the EV for you. 

Let us start with the biggest factor that always sways people's interest: 

The Price 

Neta V 

Priced at RM100,000, OTR without insurance - currently the cheapest EV available in Malaysia. Neta offers an affordable option for Malaysians looking to transition to electric vehicles.

BYD Dolphin 

BYD Doldpin price is RM100,530, OTR without insurance - the 2nd most affordable EV in the Malaysian market. BYD Dolphin is competitively priced, providing consumers with an enticing alternative in the EV market.

 

Specifications 

Neta V 

Electric Motor: 95 PS power, 160 Nm torque

Acceleration: 0 to 50km/h in 3.9 seconds

Top Speed: 120km/h

BYD Dolphin 

Electric Motor: 94 PS power, 180 Nm torque

Acceleration: 0 to 50km/h in 4.5 seconds

Top Speed: 150km/h

 

Battery Specs and Range 

Neta V 

Battery: 38.54 kWh, CATL-sourced ternary lithium battery. HEPT 3.0 Thermostatic Battery Management System with liquid cooling.

Neta V range: 380 km (NEDC) on a single charge.

Charging: Supports fast and slow charging 20%-80% in 30 minutes, optimized battery management system.

BYD Dolphin 

Battery: 44.9kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate battery. Advanced battery technology with efficient cooling.

BYD Dolphin range: 410 km (NEDC) on a single charge.

Charging: Supports fast charging, advanced battery management system.

 

Exterior

Neta V 

  • 16-inch wheels
  • Automatic halogen projector headlamps
  • LED Daytime running lights
  • LED tail lights

  • Exclusive body kit for Malaysian market only
  • Available in Sakura Pink, Sky Blue, Moonlight Green, Midnight Gray, Cyan, & White Storm
  • 335 liters, expandable to 552 liters

BYD Dolphin 

  • 16-inch wheels
  • LED headlamps with High Beam Assist
  • LED daytime running lights

  • LED tail lights
  • Available in Urban Grey with a grey/black interior & Sand White with a brown/black interior
  • 345 liters, expandable to 1,310 liters

 

Interior 

Neta V 

  • Synthetic leather seats
  • 14.6-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen.
  • 12-inch digital instrument cluster.

  • Six surround speakers.
  • Keyless entry
  • Phone projection

BYD Dolphin 

  • Sustainable Vegan leather seats.
  • Six surround speakers.
  • 12.8-inch rotating infotainment touchscreen.

  • 5-inch digital instrument cluster.
  • Electrically heated and adjustable side mirrors
  • Keyless entry
  • Wired Apple CarPlay support

 

Safety 

Neta V 

  • Two airbags
  • ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
  • EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
  • ESC (Electronic Stability Control)
  • Brake assist
  • Traction control 
  • Hill start assist
  • Tyre pressure monitor 
  • Passive cruise control

BYD Dolphin 

  • Six airbags (front, side and curtain)
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system
  • 360-degree camera 
  • Door open warning
  • Autonomous emergency braking
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Rear cross traffic alert and brake
  • Lane keep assist
  • Predictive collision warning
  • Blind spot detection
  • Lane departure prevention

Warranty 

Neta V 

General parts: 5 years/150,000km

EV High-voltage components: 8 years/180,000km (battery & charger)

Body: 10 years/200,000km

BYD Dolphin 

Body: 6 years/150,000km 

Battery: 8 years/160,000 km

Drive unit: 8 years/150,000 km (motor, motor controller, DC assembly and electric control assembly)

 

Live promotion packages 

Neta V H3

Option 1: Offers a home charger, V2L adapter, powered tailgate, window tint film, an external air purifier, insurance, and a body kit. 

Option 2: Interest-free financing for up to seven years, subject to qualification.




 

Featured

Mercedes-Benz EQS 580 4Matic SUV launched at RM700k - sole variant luxury EV high-rider offers 615km

Auto News

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia recently unveiled the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. While it's available internationally with three different powertrain options, the Malaysian market will have access to a single variant, at least for now: the EQS 580 4Matic, a seven-seater flagship model priced at RM699,888.


This vehicle marks the third addition to Mercedes' electric platform called EVA (Electric Vehicle Architecture), following the EQE and its non-SUV EQS sedan stablemate. In terms of design, the SUV shares many design elements with the rest of the EQ range.

In fact, it’s about what you’d expect to see in an SUV-ified version of the existing EQS. Being at the top of the Mercedes-Benz electric line-up, it does overall fit the part visually. Up front we have the same shrouded design, defined by smooth lines for maximum aerodynamic efficiency.

At the rear, another light bar and curved 3D helix-shaped interior graphics in the rear lights give it a distinctive appearance. Other notable design features include flush, retractable door handles and aerodynamically optimised aluminium-look illuminated running boards.

The sole variant, the EQS 580 4Matic, boasts a dual-motor setup that’s delivering 544 PS and 858 Nm of torque, powered by a 107.8 kWh lithium-ion battery with 12 cell modules, providing a range of up to 615 km on a single charge.

Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 210 km/h. Thankfully, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has equipped the EQS with a 22 kW AC onboard charger which allows for a 0-100% charge in five and a half hours. Fast charging capability through a DC source is capped at 200 kW, enabling a 10-80% state of charge in just 31 minutes.

Inside, the EQS SUV inherits the dashboard design from the EQS sedan, featuring a prominent MBUX Hyperscreen spanning 141 cm. This setup integrates three screens: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 17.7-inch central display, and a 12.3-inch front passenger display.

The EQS 580's interior is equipped with the Electric Art equipment line, showcasing Nappa leather upholstery in black/space grey and brown open-pore magnolia wood trim with aluminium accents.

In its seven-seat configuration, the EQS SUV offers 800 litres of cargo space with the third-row seats folded, expandable to 2,020 litres when the second row is also folded down. With all rows up, the boot space is 195 litres.

The second-row seats have an Easy Entry function that provides extra access to the rear. Additionally, the MBUX Rear Seat Entertainment Plus package adds two 11.6-inch displays with touch controls to the driver and front passenger seats' backrests.

The vehicle also features a rear tablet that can be used outside the car. A 15-speaker Burmester surround sound system with Dolby Atmos and an Energising Package contribute to a relaxing travel experience.

In terms of safety and driving assistance systems, the EQS SUV is equipped with the Driving Assistance Package Plus, including features like Distronic Plus, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Evasive manoeuvre support, Pre-Safe Impulse Side, and rear sensors for the lane departure assistant. Additionally, it comes with a standard Parking Package featuring a 360-degree camera.

Featured

Tesla Model 3 Highland launched in Malaysia - priced from RM 189k, what will you get?

Auto News

Fans have been waiting for a new Tesla model and now it’s finally here in Malaysia. Tesla Model 3 Highland's price starts from RM 189,000 for the Standard Range variant and RM 218,000 for the Long Range variant.

Tesla Model 3 Highland variants feature different drive layouts and driving ranges. The Standard Range comes with a single rear-mounted electric, making it a rear-wheel drive (RWD) EV. It offers a driving range of 513 km (WLTP) and is able to sprint 0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.

Meanwhile, the Long Range variant is fitted with two electric motors that move all four wheels (all-wheel drive - AWD). The driving range is rated at 629 km as per WLTP standards, with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.4 seconds.

In terms of charging capabilities, both variants support AC charging of up to 11 kW. For the RWD Standard Range variant, DC charging is rated at 170 kW; whereas the AWD Long Range supports DC charging of up to 250 kW.

As for the interior, Tesla Model 3 Highland features all-vegan materials with tech textiles and matte aluminium trim to enhance its all-black look, creating a sophisticated yet minimalist atmosphere in the cabin.

You will also notice the lack of traditional stalks, as the multifunctional steering wheel integrates essential functions such as turn signals and high beams. To further complement its unruffled cabin comfort, new seals and dual-layer 360-degree acoustic glass are installed to reduce cabin noise with up to 31% reduction in the 50-1000 Hz range.

Moreover, Tesla Model 3 Highland features a 15.4-inch touchscreen at the front and an 8-inch rear touchscreen for rear passengers to control multiple functions such as music, volume, and air-conditioning.

Buyers will get either a 9- or 17-speaker setup according to the variant chosen.

Other than the standard 18-inch Photon Wheels, both variants of Tesla Model 3 come standard in Pearl White Multi-Coat exterior colour, black interior colour, Basic Autopilot function, and 30-day Premium Connectivity Trial without extra cost.

Tesla Model 3 Highland’s price will increase as buyers add-on the optional upgrades that include:

  • Exterior colour: Solid Black (RM 5,000) / Deep Blue Metallic (RM 5,000), or new colours such as Stealth Grey (RM 7,500) / Ultra Red (RM 11,000)
  • Wheels: 19-inch Nova Wheels (RM 7,500)
  • Interior colour: Black and white (RM 5,000)
  • Enhanced Autopilot with Auto Lane Change and Autopark (RM 16,000)
  • Full Self-Driving (RM 32,000)

Tesla Model 3 Standard Range RWD variant comes with 8 years or 160,000 km (whichever comes first) battery and drive unit warranty. Meanwhile, the Long Range AWD variant gets 8 years or 192,000 km warranty with a minimum 70% battery capacity retention.

Both variants get the same basic vehicle warranty of 4 years or 80,000 km.

Interested? Being the first launch in the ASEAN region, Model 3’s deliveries in Malaysia are expected to begin by the end of 2023 and all Tesla models can be collected and serviced at Tesla’s HQ in Cyberjaya.

Featured

​2024 ​​​​​​Proton S70 Launched - Price & Specs: Executive, Premium, Flagship, X. From RM74k to RM95k

Auto News

The 2024 Proton S70 has finally been launched in Malaysia! The price starts at RM73,800 and comes in four variants: Executive, Premium, Flagship, and Flagship X.


 

These are exciting times. Proton has taken the Malaysian automotive scene by storm in the last few years ever since the takeover by Geely, where they have flooded the market, especially the SUV market with the X brothers - the X50, X70, and the recently released X90. 

 

What is the Proton S70 price in Malaysia?

You must have googled ‘Proton X70 expected price’ at least once right?

Below is the official price of the Proton S70 on the road without insurance according to variant:

Proton S70 Executive: From RM73,800

Proton S70 Premium: From RM79,800

Proton S70 Flagship: From RM89,800

Proton S70 Flagship X: From RM94,800

 

Price Differences of Proton S70 VS Toyota Vios VS Honda City

Model

Variant

Price

Proton S70

1.5T Executive RM 73,800
1.5T Premium RM 79,800
1.5T Flagship RM 89,800
1.5T Flagship X RM 94,800

Toyota Vios

1.5e RM 89,600
1.5g RM 95,500

Honda City

1.5L S RM 84,900
1.5L E RM 89,900
1.5L V RM 94,900
1.5L RS RM 99,900
1.5L e:HEV RS RM 111,900

 

As expected, all three models were well received by consumers with the X70 being the clear favorite with over 83,000 units sold by the end of 2022. Now, Proton - showing no signs of slowing down from the success of the SUVs, is gearing up to introduce the S70 as the latest addition to the Proton family.

After destabilizing the SUV market for other car manufacturers by capturing the attention of SUV buyers, Proton is getting ready to battle it out in the sedan segment against the established heavyweights including the class-leading Honda City, followed by Toyota Vios and Nissan Almera.

Proton is out to wrestle back their reputation which had taken a massive hit due to internal politicking and mismanagement for many years before Geely's arrival. After proving themselves in the SUV segment, Proton's next target is the Sedan segment. 

 

Proton S70 Specs

Proton has introduced four variants for the Proton S70:

  • Proton S70 1.5T Executive
  • Proton S70 1.5T Premium
  • Proton S70 1.5T Flagship
  • Proton S70 1.5T Flagship X

The Proton S70 is based on the Geely Emgrand's platform with a 1.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with a CVT. On the other hand, the s70 is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder MPI engine, a powerplant shared with the lower variants of the Proton X50. All variants share the same engine. Here are the Proton S70 engine performance details below:

  • Engine: 3-cylinder In-Line, 12 Valve DOHC, Turbocharged
  • Displacement (CC): 1,477
  • Horsepower: 150 HP
  • Torque: 226 Nm
  • Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) with manual mode
  • Drive Mode Selection: Eco, Comfort, and Sport
  • Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 50 Litre

The ride and handling are finely tuned for Malaysian roads, with spring rate adjusted higher at the front and lower at the back which delivers exceptional maneuverability and all-around comfort. Additionally, all S70 variants come with the convenience of a remote engine start feature.

Proton S70 1.5T Executive 

Being the base variant of the Proton S70 line-up, the overall look and feel of the 1.5T Executive is surprisingly as premium and it doesn't feel cheap at all. The grey fabric seats set themselves apart from the other 3 higher specs of the S70, so if you're a big fan of fabric seats then this could be the right spec for you. Other notable differences are the 16-inch alloy rims with Giticomfort F22 tyres, halogen headlamps, and a 3.25-inch monochrome meter display. As expected from Proton in collaboration with Geely, the infotainment system still lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and the same goes for the other variants. 

Below are the complete details of the Proton S70 1.5T Executive specs:

Interior: 

  • Urethane steering wheel material
  • Cruise Control
  • Standard Meter Combination
  • Drive Mode Selection (Eco, comfort & sport)
  • Intelligent entry with push start button
  • Remote engine start
  • Auto down power windows (All)
  • Fabric seat material
  • Manual air-conditioning with N95 cabin filter
  • Rear air vents

Exterior:

  • Halogen headlamps
  • LED daytime running lamps
  • Electric door mirrors

Chassis: 

  • Electric power steering
  • 5.5-meter minimum turning radium
  • MacPherson Strut front suspension & rear torsion beam 
  • Front ventilated disc brake & rear solid disc brake
  • Electric parking brake
  • 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels with 205/55 Giti GitiComfort F22 tyres

Infotainment system:

  • 8-inch touchscreen infotainment head unit
  • Smartphone connectivity
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • 4 speakers
  • USB Ports: Front (x3) Rear (x2)

Safety:

  • 6 SRS airbags – front, side & curtain
  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
  • Electronic brake distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Auto brake hold
  • Electronic stability control (ESC), Traction control system (TCS), Hill hold assist (HHA)
  • Rear collision warning (RCW)
  • Lane change assist (LCA)
  • Rear cross traffic alert (RCTA)
  • Door opening warning (DOW)
  • 3 Rear parking sensors
  • Immobiliser & anti-theft alarm

 

Proton S70 1.5T Premium 

Stepping into the 1.5T Premium variant, this spec instantly whispers the word 'Luxury' into your ear with its leatherette seats and steering wheel. The same goes for its exterior which is equipped with LED headlamps, auto headlamps, and a full-width rear LED tail light bar. All these with an additional RM6,000 from the base variant, also with the following added features below:

Interior:

  • Leatherette steering wheel material
  • Anti-trap power windows (All)
  • Leatherette seat material
  • Rear center armrest 
  • Auto air-conditioning with N95 cabin filter

Exterior:

  • LED headlamps
  • Auto headlamps
  • Auto-fold electric door mirrors
  • Rear tail light bar

Safety:

  • Reverse camera
  • 2 front parking sensors

 

Proton S70 1.5T Flagship 

Entering the top range of this C-segment line-up, the S70 1.5T Flagship. So what do I get from a whopping RM10,000 more from 1.5T Premium, I heard you asked? First off, you'll be getting 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels with Goodyear Assurance tyres, a full LCD meter, a wider 12.3-inch infotainment head unit with 4G & Wi-Fi connectivity, a nearby auto-unlock trunk, and many more essential safety features as listed in the following features below:

Interior:

  • Steering mode selection (normal, comfort & sport)
  • Full LCD meter combination
  • Security tint
  • 6-way driver power seat

Exterior:

  • Nearby auto-unlock trunk

Chassis:

  • 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels with 205/50 Goodyear Assurance tyres

Infotainment system:

  • 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment head unit
  • Voice command, online navigation, online music streaming, online weather forecast
  • 4G & Wi-Fi
  • Proton Link App (Vehicle Status & Remote Control)
  • 6-speakers
  • Wireless Charger

Safety:

  • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Forward collision warning (FCW)
  • Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go
  • Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) 
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
  • Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
  • Lane Centering Control (LCC)
  • Traffic Sign Information (TSI)
  • Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC)
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS)
  • 360-camera with 3D display

 

Proton S70 1.5T Flagship X 

Sitting on the top of, is the Flagship X variant which includes the sunroof, a bodykit, and a digital video recorder (DVR) by Proton. The price for this variant is RM94,800 which is an additional RM5,000 from the previous spec. 

 

Proton S70 Fuel Consumption

Official fuel consumption figures for the Proton S70 have not been disclosed by Proton. However, our source indicates an estimated fuel consumption rate of approximately 6.2 l/100km for the Proton S70.

 

Proton S70 colours

The model is bestowed with 7-colour palette, though not all are available for each variant:

S70 Executive

  • Snow White
  • Space Gray

S70 Premium

  • Snow White
  • Armour Silver
  • Space Gray
  • Passion Red

S70 Flagship

  • Snow White
  • Armour Silver
  • Space Gray
  • Passion Red
  • Marine Blue
  • Teal Bayou Green

S70 Flagship X

  • Snow White
  • Space Gray
  • Marine Blue
  • Teal Bayou Green
  • Quartz Black

 

Proton S70's Specifications Comparisons with Other Cars

Perbandingan Proton S70 Proton S70 Proton Persona Toyota Vios Toyota Corolla Honda City Honda Civic
Height (mm) 1,466 1,564 1,480 1,435 1,467 1,415
Width (mm) 1,809 1,722 1,740 1,780 1,748 1,802
Length (mm) 4,602 4,366 4,425 4,630 4,580 4,678
Wheelbase (mm) 2,627 2,555 2,620 2,700 2,600 2,735

 

What is the warranty and offers for the Proton S70?

Proton will be offering the S70 with a standard 5-year unlimited mileage manufacturer warranty and 6 times free labor service. On top of that, there is also a 5-year data package at 1GB/month for Flagship and Flagship X variants only.

There will be an Early Bird package for the first 3,000 customers, which adds an Aerokit worth RM3,130, an upgraded Proton Insurance Programme, and an RM500 service voucher.

 

What segment is Proton S70?

According to Proton, the S70 is a C-segment sedan with the ‘70’ badge although it is based on a B-segment Proton X50 platform with a 1.5L MPI turbo-charged engine. 
 

So, would you like to get your hands on the Proton S70? Come and compare all the best Proton S70 prices offered by Proton dealers at Carlist.my.