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The Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ might have been late to the local EV party, but as we found out, it's probably the only EV we would buy right now.

Consumers who are looking for the most technologically advanced sedans are often early adopters of technology and are interested in features such as advanced driver assistance systems, infotainment systems, and connectivity features. 

These consumers may also be interested in sustainability and eco-friendliness and may prefer vehicles with advanced electrified powertrain options, such as hybrid or electric vehicles.

Such consumers are typically interested in the latest innovations and may prioritise technology over traditional factors such as convenience and price tag. They are also willing to pay a premium for the latest and greatest technology, as they just want the best. 

Well, suppose you're this type of consumer, in that case, there's no doubt that the Mercedes-Benz EQS is the car for you. As far as the latest and greatest electric vehicle sedan available in Malaysia goes, there are no better options right now than the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ is an electric luxury sedan that can deliver a luxurious electrified experience. It is part of the Mercedes-Benz EQ sub-brand, dedicated to electric vehicles. 

The EQS 450+ is positioned as the flagship electric vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, similar to how the Mercedes-Benz S580e is their flagship vehicle for their internal combustion lineup of vehicles.

It was introduced locally mid-last year, nearly a year after it was launched globally. Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) launched a single variant called the EQS 450+ AMG Line, which in our opinion, delivers the best of what you can have for now, even if MBM were to introduce the EQS 500 4Matic in the near future, which sacrifices driving range for performance.

Speaking of driving range, the EQS 450+'s claim to fame is that it is an EV with the longest driving range in the world. Thanks to a single motor setup and slick bodywork - which gives the car the title of the most aerodynamic car in the world - the Mercedes EV is probably the most usable EV in Malaysia right now.

While the EQS 450+ must seem like an EV that's all hunky dory, there are some slight niggles about it, but generally, the pros outweigh the cons.

Exterior - Function over form 

Although the EQS 450+ is nice to look at, its general overall design is quite bland. In our opinion and according to the opinions of many others, it looks like a big metal jelly bean. 

Even the come as standard exterior AMG add-ons, such as the more aggressive front and rear bumper, disappear into a bubble-like shape. The only significant bit of exterior AMG beautification is its 21" AMG wheels, which give the car some much-needed attitude.

Everything is just a bit too round and it seems that Mercedes-Benz has played it safe. Well, there's actually a reason for it, as the EQS's exterior was designed to improve its efficiency, range, and driving experience by reducing the aerodynamic drag and maximising the vehicle's aerodynamic performance.

Mercedes-Benz even claims that the EQS is the slipperiest car in the world as it has a low coefficient of drag (Cd) of around 0.20. To put that in context, a typical Ferrari has a coefficient drag of around 0.36, and they are pretty slick cars.

Interior - Typical Mercedes interior but from the future

Just like most modern Mercedes, the interior is pretty darn nice. In the EQS, we feel like they have concentrated more on delivering a technologically advanced driving experience than a luxurious one because an S-Class feels more luxurious than its EQS sibling.

Nonetheless, the interior of the EQS is impressive and is definitely headlined by that one-piece 56-inch MBUX Hyperscreen. The MBUX Hyperscreen is a high-resolution display that spans across the entire width of the dashboard, creating an immersive and intuitive user experience. 

It's not actually one large display, as it is divided into three parts, the centre and main infotainment screen, a meter cluster for the driver and an auxiliary screen for the front passenger. While it impresses anyone who gets into the car, the auxiliary passenger screen is a bit of a gimmick, as the passenger can control everything from the large centre touchscreen just right next to it.

Because the meter cluster has to follow the angle of the whole Hyperscreen as it is one large piece of glass, it doesn't face the driver flat, which gives it a funny viewing angle. Nonetheless, it's still visibly clear just like the other OLED screens on the Hyperscreen.

The seats are also typically Mercedes with adjustments and air conditioning all around, but once again, they are not as lovely as the ones found in the S-Class.

Powertrain and battery- Why this is the best EV right now

The electric motor in the EQS 450+ has a maximum power output of 329 hp and 500Nm of torque. This gives the vehicle quick acceleration, enabling it to reach 0-100km/h in approximately 5.0 seconds. While this is not particularly blistering speed for an EV, it's still fast enough to get your blood pumping.

The battery pack in the EQS 450+ has a capacity of 107.8 kilowatt-hours (kWh), which Mercedes claims gives the vehicle a range of up to around 728 kilometres on a single charge, according to the WLTP testing cycle. While it's generally accepted that most claimed ranges will never be accurate as claimed, the EQS 450+ still had 727km of range when we picked it up from MBM.

Without going into it in too much detail, we pretty much drove it around and carried out our everyday lives for four days, which included sending the kids to school, going to work and gallivanting around the Klang Valley. When we had to return it to MBM, the EQS still had 200km of range, and we never charged it once.

For those who have range anxiety, the EQS's long-range would eliminate that problem once and for all, as you never really have to keep tabs on how much juice it has, especially if you charge it daily.

Speaking of charge, the large battery pack is designed for quick and efficient charging, with the ability to charge from 10% to 80% in around 38 minutes using a fast-charging system.

In summary, the powertrain of the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ is designed to provide the vehicle with powerful and efficient propulsion.

Driving impressions - Luxurious refinement at its best

The EQS' electric drive system provides instant and smooth acceleration with minimal noise and vibration. This creates a quiet and relaxing driving experience, especially compared to traditional internal combustion engines.

Because the battery is packed way down low in the floor plan, the EQS features a low centre of gravity, which helps give it good handling and stability. While it's not the most engaging thing to drive, it's a comfortable vehicle, similar to the experience you will get in the S-Class. In addition, it has the S-Class air suspension system, which constantly monitors the road through some sensors to give you the best and most cushioned of rides.

Conclusion - Best EV right now cause range will not be an issue

There are currently several problems with the infrastructure for electric vehicles. Some of them include limited charging networks, slow charging speeds, and sometimes malfunctioning chargers.

To beat this, you need all of the things mentioned above to be rectified, but in a Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+, you have a way around them, as its long range means that you don't need to depend on chargers constantly.

When you combine this long range with Mercedes' luxurious build, attention to detail and support, you have an EV that's close to perfect. Of course, the only thing that can make the EQS any better is the availability of more chargers and charging networks, but till then, you'll just be fine and happy with the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ as long as you can charge it at home.

Perodua conducted a preview session with the local motoring media where we got to go on a short drive with the all-new 2023 Perodua Axia.

The new 'Full Model Change' (FMC) of the Axia has gone through leaps and bounds for the latest-generation model thanks to a number of highlights, particularly its Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform as well as the D-CVT transmission package. But, is it really that good compared to the previous-generation model? The short answer is yes.

Driving impressions: How is the new Axia better?

Most of you may already know that the new 2023 Perodua Axia has retained the 1KR-VE three-cylinder engine from the previous-gen model, which is a bummer for some since there were talks about a turbocharged powertrain like the Perodua Ativa. While that may have not come to fruition, Perodua did embed the D-CVT gearbox into the engine, which made a world of difference in terms of performance.

The outgoing four-speed AT might have been a fuel-efficient setup for the previous Axia, but compared to the new Axia with the D-CVT gearbox, the older-gen model seemed a lot more sluggish in nature. Yeah, it still has 67hp and 91Nm of torque, but how it delivers the power to the front wheel is a lot more efficient and immediate, which gave us a great impression that the new Axia is indeed 'new' inside and out.

When the current Perodua Myvi model adopted the D-CVT gearbox, it showed improved performance in acceleration (20% better) as well as fuel efficiency. You can expect those improvements to be reflected in the new Axia, and Perodua has already stated that it can do a maximum of 27.4km/l thanks to the Eco idle start-stop system.

That, however, is only available in the top two variants (SE and AV), but the base G and X Axia variants can still hit a very decent 25.3km/l because the 1KR-VE/D-CVT combo is the same across the board.

Yes, the new D-CVT gearbox gave the Axia a more peppy driving experience, but the DNGA platform grants so much more in terms of agility, driveability, and overall comfort. We were given the range-topping Axia AV variant, which was a surprisingly good drive despite the short distance - enough to clarify itself as not a 'cheap' car, but an entry-level model with the most it can offer within a reasonable price range.

Modern-looking interior, not 'cheap-looking'

The Perodua Axia maintains its status as the brand's most affordable model alongside the Bezza despite the slight price increase estimated from RM38,600 to RM49,500. However, we strongly believe that the minor hike in numbers is nothing compared to what the new Axia has to offer.

The range-topping Axia AV, in particular, is fitted with a seven-inch TFT multi-info display for the driver as well as a nine-inch display audio screen in the middle housed within an Axia that carries a very modern yet sporty interior design to match its exterior.

Semi-bucket front seats finished in two-tone semi-leather is also a very nice touch, which is only reserved for the range-topping AV variant. One step down from that is the SE, which also has the same type of seats, but finished in fabric, followed by standard fabric seats for the G and X variants.

As for the exterior, the bigger dimensions compared to the previous-gen Axia also justifies for the slight price hike. This gives a more modern and sporty facade to the 2023 Perodua Axia model, and it's indeed a welcomed change compared to the outgoing model. Those 14-inch rims, however, could've been done better in our honest opinion.

Having said that, other additions like the LED headlamps with DRLs are a no-brainer in terms of looks. With the new Axia, there's no reason to look at the previous-gen model. Why would you? It's been improved in every way, shape, and form (apart from the engine, of course).

Perodua Smart Drive Assist

The slight price increase is also easily justifiable with the addition of the Perodua Smart Drive Assist which consists of:

• ABS with EBD & BA
• Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
• Hill-start Assist (HSA)
• Traction Control (TRC)
• Solar & Security Window Film (standard for SE & AV variants)

At the end of the day, the 2023 Perodua Axia comes in a package that combines a great-looking exterior to match with a more modern interior finish, increased fuel efficiency and overall performance, as well as safety features to boot. Spend a tiny bit more to change those rims and you have a winner in our books.

Get ready for its official launch on 14 February 2023, folks.

Since its launch in 2021, we had multiple opportunities to sample the Isuzu D-Max, particularly in its flagship X-Terrain guise. Even on first impressions, it was clear that this was leaps and bounds beyond what we had experienced in the previous-generation version.

This was much more refined, both in terms of ride, comfort, and styling. It also delivered something unheard of among other pickup trucks in its space: Active Safety, or sometimes called ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist System).

Each time we drove one, we came away impressed at its breadth of ability. It’s no wonder, then, the D-Max was the recipient of Carlist’s Pick-up Truck of the Year award twice in a row.

Here’s why it continues to impress us:

Tough-looking truck but drives and feels like a luxury SUV.

The D-Max’s intimidating exterior is countered by its stylish design touches and graceful lines, but it’s when you step inside that the contrast becomes really evident. Despite its size, the cabin feels cozy and reassuring, the controls fall readily at hand. Also, the light steering and responsive handling makes it surprisingly easy to manoeuvre in tight spaces.

Blue Power engine is a gem.

Isuzu has managed to squeeze robust performance and frugality from its new Blue Power line of turbodiesel engines. Powerful and responsive when you need it to be, but able to wind down to a smooth highway cruise just as quickly, letting you enjoy long distance journeys that might only need you to refill the tank every 1,000km.

All the creature comforts and convenience of a car.

Luxurious leather trim? Check; Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto? Check. Electrically-adjustable seats? Check. Wireless Charger? Check. Follow me home lights? Check. Everything you care to put on a must-have list is all there in the D-Max including surround sound. Pretty amazing!

Comprehensive safety features

We touched on this a little in the preamble but it’s hard to overstate how much of a shift this was to the pickup truck market, which were saddled with the stigma of being workhorses. In recent years, its customer demographic grew as more people realised its potential as a lifestyle vehicle.

Leading that charge was the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, introducing Advanced Driver Assist System (ADAS) features more commonly seen in premium passenger cars such as sedans and SUVs such as Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). It definitely set a new standard that its competitors have since been trying to catch up to.

Lifestyle or daily use? You blaze your own trails.

The thing about Isuzu is that they make trucks - tough ones -  so if the D-Max will have your back even in the challenging of situations anywhere off the beaten track. After all, the truck comes with a cargo bed that boasts of larger loading space than the previous model with an increase of 5mm in length, 20mm in depth and 20mm in width. Despite its larger dimensions, the ability to traverse water crossings has improved with a wading capability of 800mm which is the best in its class.

The Isuzu D-Max continues to be a class leader when it comes to driving pleasure, safety and comfort. Needless to say, it remains our pick as the pick-up truck of choice whether it is for work or play.

A sensible car for our commute to work and run our mundane errands is a financially rational decision. But there will be times where we're in the mood for spirited drives. The sudden open roads with no traffic the weekend twisties up Genting or Ulu Yam. That’s when you’ll demand your daily commuter to have more POWER.

So in this article, we’ll share 4 tips on how you can boost the engine performance of your daily commuter without breaking the bank.

The engine air filter is vital to provide the cleanest air for your engine's combustion. The difference between the standard air filter (that came with your car from the factory) & a performance air filter can be summarised in the table below:

Upgrade to Performance Air Filters

Independent testing estimates performance air filters do improve acceleration by around 2 to 3%, which is minuscule for the average driver, but it’s still recommended as performance air filters are relatively cheap at around RM100 to buy online (depending on your car model), which makes this an easy recommendation. 

Invest in Quality Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are a crucial part of your engine. They work by igniting the air & fuel mixture to create combustion to power the engine.

There are 3 common types of spark plugs, ranked from least to best:

1. Copper
2. Platinum
3. Iridium

Generally speaking, Iridium spark plugs are the ones you want to upgrade to, as they are the most durable & the most precise to spark ignition at a precise time for maximum power & fuel efficiency.

A set of 4 decent Iridium spark plugs may run you around RM150 to buy online (depending on your car model).

Lighten Your Car’s Load

Unnecessary weight will put a strain on your engine in the long run & generally slows you down as the engine has to work harder to lug all that weight around.

To maximise the acceleration of your engine, remove as much weight as possible.

Check out your trunk/boot & leave dead weight at home (bags, that steering lock that you never use & various random stuff).

Apart from decluttering, changing to lighter rims will also help acceleration. But the steep cost of alloys (over thousands of RM) makes this a hard recommendation for regular drivers.

So it’s time for some spring cleaning!

Change to a High Performance Engine Oil

There are plenty of moving mechanical parts in an internal combustion engine & the engine oil's job is to:

1. Lubricate and reduce friction between moving mechanical parts
2. Control from overheating
3. Clean the engine from microscopic deposits

This is why regular and timely engine oil changes as per the manufacturer’s guidelines are recommended. Also, if power is what you seek, then we recommend Shell Helix Power 5W-40.

Shell Helix Power 5W-40 is formulated with Shell PurePlus Technology, which is made from 99.5% pure base oil¹ from natural gas. Shell Helix is also the motor oil trusted and recommended by Scuderia Ferrari.

This super premium fully synthetic engine oil is particularly suitable for high power and performance vehicles as well as suitable for a wide range of modern gasoline and diesel passenger cars (without diesel particulate filters). Also, as the product is carbon neutral², you can choose a more sustainable choice without compromising high engine performance and engine protection.

Shell Helix Power 5W-40 is now available at participating Shell branded and independent workshops, where the recommended retail price for 4L pack in Peninsular Malaysia is RM280.00, while in East Malaysia it is RM280.80.

For a limited time, you will get a FREE Shell Helix Bamboo Bluetooth Speaker with every purchase of Shell Helix Power 0W-40, Shell Helix Power 5W-40, or Shell Helix Protect 0W-30 4L pack at any participating outlets, while stocks last.

¹Based on paraffinic hydrocarbon content in the base oil using PurePlus Technology.

²The CO2e emissions of the lifecycle of this product have been compensated for with verified carbon credits. CO₂ compensation is not a substitute for switching to lower emission energy solutions or reducing the use of fossil fuels. Carbon credits are purchased and retired to compensate the calculated lifecycle CO₂e emissions of the product. Although these carbon credits have been generated in accordance with international carbon standards, the compensation may not be exact.

We list down five spacious used MPVs for less than RM79k.

A family man will tell you that a happy family is the key to a happy life. A family man will also usually go out of their way to provide the best comfort for their family, which is why sometimes they aim to buy the most spacious MPV available.

We all care about our family and want the best for them, but sometimes a new large MPV is just out of the question because they are expensive. 

This is where you can turn to the used car market for a better deal on large MPVs. With thousands of cars available on Carlist.my, it's just a matter of looking for them which could take some time.

If you don't have the time to browse or don't know where to start, let us help you as we have found five spacious USED MPVs available on Carlist.my. 

1) 1st-Gen Honda Elysion - RM50k - RM60k

If you love the H badge and want the most spacious MPV offering from the Japanese marque, then the Honda Elysion is the car to look at. Never officially sold through Honda Malaysia, the Elysion was imported by USF-Hicom Sdn Bhd and many different parallel importers.

Unfortunately, most of the Elysions available on the market are 1st-Gen cars, but since they are Honda's they still look current and modern, which doesn't make them look out of place even today. 

The Elysions available on Carlist.my are all mostly equipped with a 2.4-litre DOHC direct injection i-VTEC engine, producing 160 PS and 218Nm of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via a 5-speed automatic.

Technically, the Honda Elysion is slightly longer and wider than the 7th Gen Toyota Camry, but being a Honda, space is always better utilised, as the Minato-based firm is clever in packaging cars. As a result, the Elysion can sit seven comfortably, and it's not bad to drive either.

Check out listings of Honda Elysions on Carlist.my here.

2) Mazda Biante RM59k - RM82k

Consider this for a second; the Mazda Biante is shorter, at 4,715mm, and slimmer, at 1,770mm, than the current-generation Mazda 6 sedan (at 4,870mm and 1,840mm respectively), but the Biante can carry two more passengers. 

The Biante offers superb practicality courtesy of sliding third-row seats, which allows it to accommodate more luggage without the need to flip/fold the last row. Superb ride quality and cabin refinement are other highlights of the Biante. 

Its 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine develops 149 hp and 190 Nm of torque (mated to a 6-speed automatic), making it a decent highway cruiser and city dweller. However, the Biante loses some marks for not offering cruise control and auto headlamps, which were supplied as standard even on cheaper Mazda models.

One of the reasons it was never that successful when it was launched was that it was in a rather weird spot. On one hand, it offered more seating capacity (8 seats versus 7 seats) than its nearest rival, the Nissan Serena, but the Biante was a considerably older product than the Serena, and it showed, both inside and out. 

At the prices they are going for now on the used car market, they make for interesting prospects, especially when you are looking for a lot of seats in an MPV.

Check out listings of Mazda Biantes on Carlist.my here.

3) 2nd-Gen Hyundai Grand Starex - RM51k - RM79k

Although not on the tips of everyone's lips when looking for a luxurious MPV, the Hyundai Grand Starex has been one of Malaysia's unsung heroes for families that need an MPV with lots of space and seats.

Now discontinued to make way for the futuristic-looking Hyundai Staria, the Starex easily fits more than 7 passengers, as its three rear passenger rows can help accommodate up to 11/12 passengers. 

Sliding rear rows also means that you can move the seats into various positions depending on your requirements for carrying people or luggage. 

The Grand Starex is powered by a gem, the venerable 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine that develops 170 PS and 320 Nm of torque, so there's ample power to haul heavy loads. Do note however, that while it's powerful, the engine isn't as refined as its competitors, and some owners have noted that since the rear rows of seats cannot be removed or stowed away, carrying larger or longer items can be a challenge.

Check out quality listings of the Hyundai Starex on Carlist.my here.

4)1st-Gen Toyota Innova - RM51k - RM79k

Many people call the Toyota Innova the poor man's Alphard, and as much as that sounds condescending, it's actually a compliment because it can deliver what the Alphard can, but at a cut price.

Despite not having any leather seats, the cabin of the Innova looks like a more affordable version of the Alphard. The multi-info instrument panel, the redesigned dashboard clad in material that looks much more premium than the outgoing model, the steering wheel, which comprised a combination of wood and leather, ambient lighting, impressive audio system, the 8-inch touch screen infotainment system (optional) all felt like it was trying to give people the Alphard experience at a cut price.

It might not be as well-built as a Mazda Biante or look as good as the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid, but when it comes to fulfilling its duties as a people mover, the new Innova absolutely nails it. Plus, with all the bells and whistles like the ambient lighting, infotainment system with full-coloured touch screen, wooden trim running across the dashboard, you would actually be forgiven for thinking that this is actually a mini Alphard.

Check out quality listings of Toyota Innovas here.

5) Maxus G10 - RM64k - RM70k

To be honest, we nearly forgot about the Maxus G10, but we're glad we didn't because this MPV from China offers near-passenger car comfort, hand-in-hand with the seating capacity of a football team.

It follows a similar template to the Starex in that it is a large multi-row MPV built on a ladder frame sporting a front-engine rear-wheel-drive configuration, but it offered more refinement when compared to the MPV from Korea.

Standard equipment includes 16-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, power sunroof, electronic stability control, parking sensors, reverse camera, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, auto climate control, rear air-con vents, and leather seats.

If you think that's impressive, wait till you read about its powertrain.

The G10 is not powered by a noisy turbodiesel or a thirsty big-capacity petrol V6, but instead, it is equipped with a downsized turbocharged four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine sending outputs of 225 hp and 345 Nm to the rear wheels via ZF's 6HP 6-speed automatic transmission.

Check out listings for Maxus G10s on Carlist.my here.

Conclusion

Personally,i have always been a big fan of the Toyota Innova as its ladder frame chassis similarly used on the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner means it is one rugged MPV. Yes it might not have the best ride quality of all the MPVs listed up above, but the Innova will probably be the MPV to have the least amount of headaches and maintennace. 

However, i am curious about the Maxus G10 as it presents good value for money for what you are getting. Its 2.0-litre engine is sourced from Volkswagen, and their relationship of assembling general motors and Volkswagen vehicles in China should mean that their cars are well put together. For the price they are going for now, you get a lot of modern features as well as plenty of room for your family. 

Used Car Warranty with Warranty Smart

One of the downsides of buying a used car is that they are often not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. 

Warranty Smart is an optional protection for any used car purchased under 10 years old.

Coverage starts from RM848 a year. Read more about Warranty Smart here.

How to use the Carlist.my to Find Your Perfect Car

So how do you find some of the safest SUVs below RM80,000 on Carlist.my? 

Below is a tutorial on how to use Carlist’s advanced search feature to find your perfect used car:

1.Go to Carlist.my

2.Click on the ‘Advanced Search’ on the left side below the search box

3.Select your filters, such as Body Type, Price and Brand

4.Happy Shopping!