FastMotoring Motor News In Speed

BMW Group Malaysia recently announced its new achievement for the first quarter of 2013 for BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad in Malaysia. 

As of March 2013, BMW Group Malaysia delivered a total of 1,665 vehicles in the country, consisting of 1,482 BMW, 86 MINI and 97 BMW Motorrad vehicles, an increase of 9.8% compared to the total of 1,516 vehicles delivered during the same period in 2012. 

Commenting on the achievement, Dr. Gerhard Pils, Chief Executive Officer, BMW Group Malaysia said, “We are very pleased to announce our performance for the first quarter of 2013, which sets yet another benchmark for us here in the country. Since the start of the year, we have experienced positive growth which further emphasizes the strength of the business within the country and we look forward to another successful quarter in delivering the premium expression that can only be experienced with the brands represented by the BMW Group,” 

Since January 2013, BMW Group Malaysia has already introduced an array of new BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad models to spur the Malaysian premium segment. New introductions of the BMW 7 Series, the MINI One as well as the latest BMW F 700 GS, BMW F 800 GS and BMW HP4 motorcycles have continued to keep the premium automaker in the lead in the industry in the first quarter of the year. 

Most prominent in the new vehicle offering is BMW’s latest fleet of the ActiveHybrid 3 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series which reinforces the premium automaker’s commitment to BMW EfficientDynamics, the organisation’s sustainability strategy for the utilisation of Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEVs) in the country.

After the new BMW 7-series launched during the BMW Malaysian Open 2013 in Kuala Lumpur, BMW Group Malaysia now introduced a new “Performance Edition” of BMW X5 on last Thursday.

Presenting the new BMW X5, Dr. Gerhard Pils, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Malaysia said, “The BMW X5 has been a motoring milestone since its introduction to Malaysia in 2007, and since then, we have sold 665 units of BMW X5 in the country, reconfiming its position as the worldwide market leader in the premium SAV segment. With the launch of the new BMW X5 Performance Edition, I am confident that the latest edition of the BMW X5 will continue to lead its segment as the definitive Sports Activity Vehicle”.

Basically, the new BMW X5 Performance Edition carries the muscular design cues of the BMW X series – dynamic silhouette, upright kidney grille and triangular headlight arrangement altogether creating an undeniably robust presence of a BMW X Series. Added with the BMW M Aerodynamics package that includes new front and rear bumper together with 20” M Light Alloy wheels with Double-Spoke styling that makes the vehicle looks stunningly elegant, durable and sporty. Further eccentuating its external looks are Bi-Xenon Adaptive headlights with LED Corona Rings that provides brilliant illumination of the road ahead, adding safety and ease of driving to drivers. Only available in two colours, the BMW X5 Performance Edition is further differentiated with the BMW Individual roof rails with options of high-gloss shadow line on Alpine White and aluminium satinated on Carbon Black exterior.

The BMW X5 Performance Edition also features the advanced xDrive system that guarantees optimum performance in all driving situations. The BMW xDrive is a proactive all-wheel drive system that gives the BMW X5 Performance Edition its unparalleled agility in its class. The new BMW X5’s driving dynamics is further improved with its new torque split of 40% on the front axle and 60% on the rear axle, making it the fastest responding all-wheel system available. For example, in fast bends, the xDrive allocates more engine power to the rear wheels to foster precise steering and directional stability aided together by the Active Steering that is also featured in the new BMW X5 Performance Edition.

Interior wise, the new BMW X5 Performance Edition comes with the M Sport leather steering wheel with gearshift paddes and BMW Infividual Piano Black interior trims, a combination that creates a sporty environment while enhancing the luxurious driving environment.

BMW Head-up Display with information such as speed, navigational direction and check control message right onto the windscreen of the vehicle is available in the new BMW X5 Performance Edition. In ensuring driver’s convenience, the height of the projection can be adjusted according to the driver’s preference and can be recalled later with the driver memory function. The rear view camera with Top View display makes parking the BMW X5 a breeze. Supplementing the current Park Distance Control audio/visual proxitimity information, this feature is sure to impress, providing an accurate birds-eye view of the surrounding area.  The new BMW X5 also features the BMW Navigation System Professional with the largest screen in its class with a hard disk for storing audio files, extended Bluetooth connectivity with on-board internet, iDrive with Control Display, a USB/audio interface point and BMW Teleservices for a comprehensive range of entertainment, infotainment and communication options.

Featuring an upgraded BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 6 cylinder petrol unit, combining Double Vanos technology, Valvetronic and BMW’s High Precision Injection system, the new BMW X5 Performance Edition offers unmatched performance with a total output of 235kW/320hp,  marking an additional 10kW/14hp compared to the BMW X5 xDrive35i.  The vehicle is capable of performing 0 to 100km/h in just 6.6 seconds, a remarkable improvement of 0.2 seconds compared to the BMW X5 xDrive35i, with a torque generation of 450Nm whilst only consuming an impressive 10.1l/km of fuel and registering a CO2 emissions reading of 236g/km.

The new BMW X5 Performance Edition is covered by BMW’s extensive service program, the BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI) which covers the normal wear and tear repairs or replacements as well as maintenance, service and repair of factory components of the vehicle. The service program offers peace of mind BMW ownership and provides cover from 3 years from its original registration date or 60,000km, whichever comes first. So, if your BMW broke down in the first 3 years, just give BMW Service a buzz and the rest will be set.

The new BMW X5 Performance Edition will be available at all 16 authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from 30th March 2013 in Malaysia. The retail price (on the road, without insurance, with the BMW Service Inclusive + Repair) for the new BMW X5 Performance Edition is RM588,800 in Peninsular Malaysia.

My question to you, do you prefer this BMW X5 Performance over the Porsche Cayenne?

Photo Gallery: 2013 BMW X5 Performance Edition

Today, BMW Group Malaysia introduced the newest editions of the BMW 7 Series – the new BMW 730Li, BMW 740Li and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7L at the BMW Malaysian Open 2013.

“We at BMW believe that the new BMW 7 Series will continue to reinforce our position as the most innovative and prestigious luxury limousine manufacturers in the premium segment. Fitted with the latest BMW innovations that will further enhance the stellar performance of its predecessor, this luxurious sedan is unmatched by any other luxury vehicle in the market and is designed and engineered to deliver Sheer Driving Pleasure to Malaysian customers without any compromise. The new BMW 7 Series is the Ultimate statement of sporting luxury!” said Dr. Gerhard Pils, Chief Executive Office, BMW Group Malaysia.

The highlights of the new BMW 7 Series are its upgraded interior with optimised soundproofing, improved ride comfort, new Adaptive LED headlights, and state-of-the-art safety technology to create an in-car experience like no other. Combined with the world’s most powerful 6-cylinder in-line petrol engine, the new BMW 7 Series will set new performance and efficiency benchmarks in the premium segment.

The launch of the new BMW 7 Series also expands on the company’s revolutionary Advanced Hybrid vehicle offerings with the introduction of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7L. The car combines the latest hybrid technology with intelligent energy management systems, enabling significant all-electric operations and reducing fuel consumption by up to 27%.

Dynamic lines and perfectly balanced proportions of the all BMW 7 Series exterior resonates a sporty and elegant presence. New all-LED headlight clusters dominates the front, while a distinctive kidney grille with nine slats on each side, redesigned bumper apron, and indicators integrated into the exterior mirror casings lend the BMW a visibly rejuvenated face which oozes sophistication and elegance. At the rear, a chrome trim strip between the taillights in the rear apron provides an additional contrast, accentuating the unmistakable appearance of the new BMW 7 Series.

The new BMW 7 Series is powered by 6-cylinder in-line petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology mated with 8-speed automatic transmission. For the BMW 730Li, the 3-litre petrol engine delivers a maximum output of 190 kW/258 hp with torque peaking at 310Nm. Fuel economy is 8.7 litres per 100km, with CO2 emission of 202 grams per km making the BMW 730Li 11% more efficient than its predecessor.  The BMW 740Li on the other hand, delivers a maximum output of 235 kW/320 hp with torque peaking at 450Nm. Average fuel savings of 7.9 litres per 100km and CO2 emissions of 184 grams per km make the all new BMW 740Li 21% more fuel efficient than its predecessor.

As for its intelligent management system, modes such as ECO PRO and Brake Energy Regeneration are incorporated as standard features, thus blending the new BMW 7 Series exceptional dynamics with outstanding fuel economy and efficiency. Reaffirming BMW’s key qualities as leaders in innovation, the BMW 7 Series features the unique ECO PRO mode with anticipation assistant. This feature uses data from the navigation system to recognise bends, T-junctions, boundaries and roundabouts to provide drivers with tips on reducing accelerator pressure in advance.

As BMW continues to push ahead with the development of intelligent hybrid drive systems, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7L is a testament to the capabilities of an enhanced second generation full hybrid drive vehicle. Utilizing the same petrol powerplant as the BMW 740Li, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7L is further augmented by an electric motor which delivers an additional output of 40kW/55 hp, for a total combined output of 260 kW/354 hp. This allows the car to continue to deliver excellent performance with a 0-100km/h sprint benchmark of 5.7 seconds, but also demonstrate remarkable fuel efficiency under normal driving conditions with an average fuel consumption of 6.8 litres per 100km and CO₂ emissions of a mere 158 grams per km.

Further setting the BMW ActiveHybrid 7L apart from its family is the hybrid-specific Auto Start/Stop function, which is activated when the vehicle is approaching a stop. Depending on the charge in the high-performance battery or its acceleration requirement, the engine will restart immediately after a stop or once the vehicle reaches 60km/h. With ECO PRO mode activated, drivers can also experience the vehicle “gliding” with the internal combustion engine switched off at speeds up to 160km/h. The petrol engine is deactivated during this process, resulting in zero-emission while the vehicle uses the stored kinetic energy thanks to the Brake Energy Regeneration technology. The Hybrid specific Auto Start/Stop function also operates in COMFORT and SPORT modes at speeds up to 80 km/h. Drivers are able to activate these different driving modes via the Driving Experience Control button on the centre console of the vehicle.

Further enhancing the exclusivity and dynamic appeal of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7L,  the BMW M Sport package  is included as a standard, comprising of the M Aerodynamics exterior package, M Sport leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, as well as M light alloy wheels for a sportier appearance.

The new BMW 7 Series will be available for purchase at BMW dealerships throughout Malaysia from 30^th March 2013.  The retail prices in Peninsular Malaysia (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI)) for the all new BMW 7 Series are:-

BMW 730Li - RM 648,800.00
BMW 740Li - RM 818,800.00
BMW ActiveHybrid 7L - RM 938,800.00

Today, BMW Group Malaysia introduced new locally assembled BMW X3 xDrive20i as replacement to the fully imported model. The BMW’s midsize SAV is assembled at BMW’s Kulim Assembly Plant in Kedah.

Introducing the new BMW model, Dr. Gerhard Pils, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Malaysia said, “The introduction of the new BMW X3 xDrive20i marks the fourth model line we have introduced here at our assembly facilities and further increases BMW Group Malaysia’s investment and commitment in the country. The new locally assembled units will continue to match the capabilities of their imported counterparts here and will further allow us to optimize our supply to customers throughout the country as well as maximising our ability to increase the total cost of ownership value, waiting time for complete units and spare parts for our customers in the country.”

Dr. Pils added that the new BMW X3 has created a unique medium Sports Activity Vehicle segment that integrates form, function and style into one dynamic package. He said, “Since its introduction in March 2011, we have delivered a total of 312 units of the BMW X3 to date. Like the all new BMW 3 Series, the new BMW 5 Series and the new BMW X1 that are currently assembled at our facilities in Kulim, the new BMW X3 will be a key contributor to our continued success and growth here in Malaysia.”

The new CKD BMW X3 xDrive20i featuring the new 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder petrol engine, combining Double-VANOS, Valvetronic and BMW’s High Precision Injection system. The X3 2.0 xDrive20i is having a total output of 135kW (184hp) with a max torque of 270Nm, mated with 8-speed automatic transmission. The acceleration from 0-100km/h is claimed just 8.6 seconds whilst only consuming an impressive 7.5l/100km of fuel and registering a CO2 emissions reading of a mere 175 g/km.

As part of the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, the new BMW X3 also features optimised aerodynamics, intelligent lightweight construction, Brake Energy Regeneration, Electromechanical Steering, the Auto Start/Stop function as well as the ECO PRO mode.

Moreover, the new BMW X3 xDrive20i also features Driving Experience Control enabling drivers to choose different driving mode settings for the vehicle’s accelerator, engine, steering and transmission at the switch of a button located at the vehicle’s centre console. The modes available include “COMFORT”, “SPORT” and “ECO PRO”.

Similar to other BMW from X family, the new BMW X3 carries muscular design that makes the car looks elegant and sporty. The typical kidney grille and triangular headlight arrangement of the new BMW X3 ensures an undeniably robust presence, emphasised by the flared wheel arches, short wheelbase and horizontal rear lines with 18” light-alloy V-Spoke wheels. 

The new locally assembled BMW X3 xDrive20i is covered by BMW’s extensive service program, the BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI) which covers the normal wear and tear repairs or replacements as well as maintenance, service and repair of factory components of the vehicle. The service program offers peace of mind BMW ownership and provides cover from three years from its original registration date or 60,000KM, whichever comes first.

The new BMW X3 xDrive20i will be available for view at all authorised BMW dealerships in Malaysia from this Saturday, 12th January 2013. The BMW X3 xDrive20i is priced at RM 323,800.00 on-the-road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia.

Photo Gallery: 2013 BMW X3 xDrive20i CKD

BMW Group Malaysia introduced the new 2013 BMW X1 sDrive20i to the local market, BMW classified the X1 as Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV).

“The BMW X1 features all the traits for which we at BMW are known for and matches them to current requirements and practicalities. The vehicle sets the benchmark for driver satisfaction and utility and continues to offer superior efficiency for both the consumer as well as the environment.” said Dr. Gerhard Pils, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Malaysia.

Dr. Pils added that since its introduction in 2010, the premium SAV has grown to become one of the best-selling BMW models in Malaysia.  “When the BMW X1 was first introduced here in 2010, the BMW X1, being the world’s first premium compact SAV created such a huge demand from customers here that in just over two years, we have already delivered more than 1000 units of the vehicle here.” said Dr. Pils.

Powered by the multi-award winning 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine with TwinScroll turbocharger, direct injection and Valvetronic which is capable of producing a maximum of 135 kW/184hp and 270 Nm of torque together with 8-speed automatic transmission with Auto Start/ Stop function. The BMW X1 sDrive20i is capable of completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.7 seconds has an EU consumption standard of 6.7 litres per 100 km and emits a mere 157 grams of CO2  per kilometre.

Featuring the rear-wheel drive sDrive, a system which guarantees driving pleasure by ensuring a virtually 50:50 axle load distribution on any type of road or surface the new BMW X1 is optimised to respond immediately to every steering command and precision handling. The steering system is now upgraded to electric power steering systems that help to reduce fuel consumption even further.

The new BMW X1 also comes with ECO PRO Mode as standard.  Through ECO PRO the new BMW X1 is geared towards optimised efficiency through the automated management of fuel consumption and even energy used by the car’s air conditioning and other features. The Bonus Range Display in the BMW X1’s on-board computer will show how much additional mileage the driver has gained from these energy saving measure, just like the Honda’s ECON function.

“The BMW X1 is a premium SAV that defies traditional stereotypes that surrounds similar vehicles of its kind, a true testament to the capabilities of BMW EfficientDynamics and a true success story in automotive sustainability.” said Dr. Pils.

Exterior styling, the front apron features redesigned air inlets and body contour lines as a nod to the design elements of the larger BMW X models. New twin circular headlights further reinforces the new BMW X1’s premium appeal and the car is given a fresh level of elegance with reduced reliance on plastic trim along the lower body edge and new exterior paint finishes and light alloy wheels for a dynamic sports appeal.

Interior wise, the new BMW X1 features a redesigned centre console with an enhanced orientation towards the driver, premium quality materials as well as upgraded surfaces and control elements together with a new-look sports steering wheel to provide BMW customers with a superior sports premium ambience in the cabin. 3 full-size rear seats offer spacious comfort to passengers and further make the new BMW X1 a truly valued companion for long distance journeys. In addition the car features a 40/20/40-split rear seat backrest as standard, making the new BMW X1 the only vehicle in its segment to do so. Depending on passenger needs, each part can be folded down jointly or individually and each backrest element also has ten settings from which customers can adjust seating support angles. With the backrests in its normal position, the new BMW X1’s luggage compartment has the capacity to hold 420 litres which can be increased to as much as 1,350 litres with all 3 rear seat backrests folded down.

The all new BMW X1 sDrive20i will be available for purchase at BMW dealerships throughout Malaysia from 10th November 2012. Available in exterior colours of Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Midnight Blue, Mineral Grey, Sparkling Bronze and Valencia Orange, and a choice of Nevada Beige Leather or Nevada Black Leather for the interior.

Lastly, the new 2013 BMW X1 sDrive20i is priced at RM 238,800.00 on the road, without insurance and with BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI).

Photo Gallery: 2013 BMW X1 sDrive20i