FastMotoring Motor News In Speed

Today, BMW Group Malaysia introduced the all new BMW 320i, the latest iteration of the best-selling premium sports sedan in the world. Previously, the BMW F30 3-series is only available with 328i, 335i and 320d. Hence, the 320i is a new count to the latest generation of the 3-series.

Introducing the new sedans, Dr. Gerhard Pils, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “The new BMW 320i underlines two key tenets that we at BMW Group Malaysia are offering to our valuable customers in the premium segment here – elegant luxury and sporty personality. The cars also further reinforce BMW’s position as the leader in the premium segment, highlighting exactly why the BMW 3 Series continues to be the most successful premium and sporty vehicle in the world.”

Dr. Pils added that since the introduction of the sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series in the country earlier this year, BMW has already delivered more than one thousand units of the model, making the BMW 3 Series one of the principal contributors to the premium carmaker’s current and continued success in Malaysia.

In engine offering, both the new BMW 320i Luxury and Sport Line now feature the newly accomplished BMW TwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre inline 4 petrol engine. Combined with twin-scroll turbocharger, Valvetronic, Double VANOS, High Precision Injection and equipped with the 8-speed automatic Steptronic transmission, the engine is capable of churning out an impressive 135kW / 184hp resulting in the all new BMW 320i achieving a 0-100km/h sprint of only 7.6 seconds.

Like its other contemporary BMW models, the new BMW 320i also features the latest BMW EfficientDynamics innovations such as Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start/Stop function as well as the ECO PRO mode as part of its driving experience control options. These innovative offerings for efficiency results in the new sports sedan registering an impressive average fuel consumption reading of only 6 litres per 100km with CO2 emissions amounting to a mere 141 g/km, making the new BMW 3 Series the most efficient car in its class.

The new variants of the BMW 320i are also fitted with a host of features and equipment to exude the complete premium innovation experience that the BMW brand has to offer, be it behind the wheel or in the passenger seat. Both the new BMW 320i Luxury and Sport Line feature BMW Live and BMW TeleServices as a standard feature which are accessed through a 6.5” free-standing LCD panel and central BMW iDrive controller.

Additionally, BMW ConnectedDrive, the other innovation offering for in-car vehicle connectivity, provides owners with complete USB and Bluetooth connectivity to expand functionality for mobile phones and portable music players, on-board mobile office applications and on-board internet, making the experience with the new 320i, true Sheer Driving Pleasure.

In looks, the BMW Lines of Luxury and Sport sets the new BMW 3 Series apart – no BMW 320i is now identical. The distinctive design schemes of the cars are aimed to give the vehicle more personality with unmistakeable characteristics.

Already garnering several awards worldwide including the highly revered 2012 Red Dot Award for its design, the new BMW 3 Series Sedan fully embodies the core BMW values of sportiness, elegance and dynamics. Its exterior design displays sharp lines which demarcate the taut surfaces within typical BMW proportions. As a systematic evolution of the front design from earlier models, its headlights and kidney grille form a continuous visual unit. The main theme of the interior design, meanwhile, is “layering” – the interplay and offsetting of various layers to allow optimal access to all important functions.

The Luxury Line adds a classic taste to the sixth generation BMW 3 Series. The discreet high-gloss chrome elements of the kidney grille, air inlets and side window frames create a particularly elegant exterior for drivers favouring a rich look and feel whilst 17” style 414 multi-spoke light-alloy wheels complete the distinguished posh exterior personality of the vehicle. Meanwhile, classic colours with further chrome accents and fine wood-trim ‘Fineline’ anthracite and highlight trim finishers in Pearl Gloss further highlight comfort and lushness within the interior of the car.

On the other spectrum, the BMW 320i Sport Line’s distinctive exterior elements are the high-gloss black kidney grille, air inlets and tailpipe trim which underscore a more dynamic and athletic appeal. The car’s sporty character is further enhanced with the presence of 17” style 393 double-spoke light-alloy wheels. Interior wise, the characteristics of the Sport Line is further emphasized with the presence of sport seats and a sporty leather steering wheel with red contrast stitching. Further to this, subtle yet distinctive interior trim accents, seat details and a sporty instrument cluster design with trim finishers in Coral Red Matt further complements the cars sporty character.

The individual elements of the BMW Lines are perfectly matched to create a distinctive character that is simply unmistakeable. The availability of such design options creates a clear differentiation between the model series, enabling drivers to tailor their BMW 3 Series to their design preferences and personal lifestyle. Both BMW Lines are also designed with top quality materials and finishings rendered with precise detail to underline the BMW 3 Series ambience of premium and sporty luxury.

The new BMW 320i is also 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.

The retail price (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service + Repair Inclusive (BS+RI)) for the new BMW 320i Luxury Line or BMW 320i Sport Line is RM238,800.00 in Peninsular Malaysia. At the same time, you can also check out our previous article about All-new Sixth Generation BMW 3 Series Launched in Malaysia.

Photo Gallery: BMW 320i Sport & Luxury Line Malaysia

Toyota Motor Corporation and BMW AG signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at a long-term strategic collaboration in four fields: joint development of a fuel cell system, joint development of architecture and components for a future sports vehicle, collaboration on powertrain electrification and joint research and development on lightweight technologies.

Also, with Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG and Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation signed a Joint Statement to reconfirm their companies’ shared intention to strengthen the long-term, strategic collaboration between them at BMW Group headquarters in Munich.

Reithofer said: “We aim to further strengthen our competitive position in sustainable future technologies. We signed an MoU to this effect today. Toyota and the BMW Group share the same strategic vision of sustainable individual future mobility.

“Together we have a great opportunity to continue leading our industry through this transformation.”

Toyoda added: “BMW and Toyota both want to make ever-better cars. We respect each other. That is why we already can take the next step together.”

He went on to say: “Toyota is strong in environment-friendly hybrids and fuel cells … I believe BMW’s strength is developing sports cars. I get so excited thinking about the cars that will result from this relationship.”

In March 2012, the BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corp signed a binding agreement on collaborative research in the field of next-generation lithium-ion battery cells.

In addition, the BMW Group and Toyota Motor Europe entered into a contract in December last year, under which the BMW Group will supply highly efficient 1.6 litre and 2.0 litre diesel engines to Toyota Motor Europe starting in 2014.

In particular, BMW Group took four out of the eight award categories at the recent 2012 International Engine of the Year Awards. This year’s international panel of judges were made up of 76 motoring journalists from 36 countries, once again making the Awards the most sought after by automakers for its depth of view, professional standards and impartiality. Of course, we are definitely not one of those judges.

2012 International Engine of the Year Awards Results

1. Ford 999cc three-cylinder turbo (Ford Focus) – 401 Points

2. Volkswagen 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger (VW Polo, Beetle, Golf, Golf Plus, Golf Cabriolet, Scirocco, Eos, Jetta, Tiguan, Sharan, Touran/Cross Touran, Passat CNG, Touran/Cross Touran CNG, Audi A1, Audi A3, Seat Ibiza FR, Alhambra, Cupra, Škoda Fabia RS) – 288 Points

3. Ferrari 4.5-litre V8 (Ferrari 458 Italia, 458 Spider) – 224 Points

4. GM 1.4-litre range extender (Chevrolet Volt, Opel Ampera) – 212 Points

5. BMW 2-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder petrol (BMW 125i, 320i, 328i, 520i, 528i, Z4 20i, Z4 sDrive 28i, X1 20i, X3 20i, X1 28i) – 199 Points

6. BMW/PSA 1.6-litre turbo petrol (Mini Cooper S, Clubman Cooper S, Countryman Cooper S, Coupe/Roadster Cooper S, Mini Cooper Works, Clubman Cooper Works, Coupe/Roadster Cooper Works, Peugeot 207, 207cc, 208, 308, 308cc, 3008, 508, 5008, 308 GTI, RCZ, Citroën DS3, C4 Picasso/Grand Picasso, C5, DS5, DS5, DS3 Racing, DS4, DS4 Racing) – 162 Points

7. BMW 3-litre turbo six-cylinder gasoline (BMW 1 Series, M Coupe, 335is, Z4 35is) – 160 Points

8. BMW M 4-litre V8 (BMW M3 Coupe & M3 Convertible) – 128 Points

9. Audi 2.5–litre five–cylinder turbo (Audi TT RS, RS3 Sportback) – 126 Points

With the latest great compliments, BMW Group continue its winning streak in what is widely regarded as the world’s foremost engine competition with wins in more than 50 classes and the overall winner title since 1999. And so, we are here to share more about the award winning engines from BMW Group.

The 2012 competition saw the prize in the 1.4-litre to 1.8-litre displacement class handed to the engine that drives the MINI Cooper S, in a reprise of its success last year. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder develops peak output of 135kW/184hp with the help of a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct petrol injection and variable valve control based on the BMW-patented VALVETRONIC technology. Among the key attributes of this unit is not only its eager power delivery but also exemplary efficiency for its class.

Likewise, providing enhanced driving pleasure coupled with extremely low fuel consumption and emission figures is the new 2.0-litre engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. The 180kW/245hp four-cylinder turbocharged unit with High Precision Direct Injection and VALVETRONIC instantly won over the judges to capture the trophy in the 1.8-litre to 2.0-litre category. This engine is currently powering the new BMW 328i, BMW 528i and BMW Z4 sDrive28i in the country.

The top accolade in the 2.5-litre to 3.0-litre class went to a six-cylinder in-line engine whose technology has already wowed the judges several times previously. Both in 2007 and in 2008, this 3.0-litre powerplant with twin turbochargers, High Precision Injection and Double-VANOS took the overall prize in the Engine of the Year Awards. It serves as the basis for both the M TwinPower Turbo unit inside the BMW 1 Series M Coupe and the BMW TwinPower Turbo engine of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is. Delivering 250kW/340hp, this thrillingly high-revving straight-six has reached its highest output level. The upshot is truly outstanding performance that has garnered it a further Engine of the Year Award.

An achievement of this calibre is only exceeded by the string of successes claimed by the fourth BMW Group award-winner in 2012. For the fifth time in a row, the V8 engine of the BMW M3 high-performance sports car provides the measure of all things in the 3.0-litre to 4.0-litre displacement class. Bolstering the undiminished appeal of the 4.0-litre naturally aspirated engine are its hallmark M high-revving concept, peak output of 309kW/420hp and outstanding thrust. Beyond this, the eight-cylinder is compelling for its remarkable efficiency thanks to the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration and other Efficient Dynamics technologies.

Photo Gallery: BMW Group’s Products with 2012 International Engine of the Year

Today, BMW Group Malaysia introduced the latest edition of the world’s most successful premium sedan – the all new BMW 3 Series in Malaysia. It comes in three variants: BMW 320d, BMW 328i and BMW 335i.

“The BMW 3 Series is the best-selling sports sedan in the premium segment that there has ever been with well over 12 million units sold worldwide since the car’s creation in 1975. We are confident that the all new sixth Generation BMW 3 Series will continue to set a higher benchmark in automotive history!” said Mr. Geoffrey Briscoe, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.

Briscoe further added that since its original inception, the BMW 3 Series has led the field in introducing the latest technological capabilities of the BMW Group and that the all new Sixth Generation model would be no different. The predecessor to the new car generated a total sales volume of 10,743 units during its tenure in Malaysia since 2006, 48% of the company’s total sales volume up to when it was discontinued earlier this year.

Briscoe added that the special status of the new BMW 3 Series is also now made even more exclusive with two new BMW Lines of Luxury and Sport which feature specific exterior and interior design as well as equipment elements that give the car unmistakable character and enabling owners to tailor their BMW 3 Series to their preferences and personal lifestyle.

The retail prices (On-The-Road, without insurance, with BMW Service + Repair Inclusive): 

> BMW 320d – RM 268,800

> BMW 328i – RM 309,800

> BMW 335i – RM 488,800

The all new BMW 3 Series now features the new BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engines in the new BMW 320d and 328i. Based on the factory specs, the new turbocharged power plants deliver excellent fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels. The top of the range spectrum, the all new BMW 335i is attached with the award winning BMW in-line 6 cylinder petrol engine plus BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.

The all new BMW 320d which is set to re-excite drivers in the segment who seek best-in-class power and efficiency in a package that delivers exceptional driving dynamics and excitement showcases a turbocharged 2.0 litre capacity engine that is fitted with variable turbine geometry (VTG), ensuring that the engine’s turbo aspect ratio is maintained at optimum levels. The new diesel variant of the BMW 3 Series also features Common Rail direct injection capable of delivering an output of 135 kW/184 hp with an exceptional 380 Nm torque reading. This enables the new BMW 320d to sprint from 0-100 km/h in 7.6 seconds.

The all new BMW 328i is the replaccement for the former BMW 325i. The new premium compact sedan now features, for the first time, the new 4-cylinder 2.0 litre capacity BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine which is fitted with direct injection, Valvetronic and a TwinScroll turbocharger for an output of 180 kW/245 hp and a very respectable 350 Nm torque reading, allowing the car to reach the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.1 seconds.

The segment topping variant – the BMW 335i retains the exceptional 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, direct injection, Valvetronic and TwinScroll turbocharger for an exceptional output of 225 kW/306 hp and 400 Nm of torque, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.

Now, all BMW 3 Series variants are further fitted with BMW’s revolutionary 8-speed automatic transmission, providing drivers with an exceptionally smooth driving experience with seemingly endless infusion of power whilst providing the efficiency to match that of a double-clutch transmission system. The new BMW 335i additionally features Variable Sport Steering, a speed-independent system which changes the steering ratio in line with steering angles. Incorporating a Servotronic function, the system reduces the steering wheel movement needed to achieve a particularly tight steering angle which in turn significantly enhances vehicle agility in tight corners and hairpin bends. For smaller steering angles, the system provides excellent directional stability and a very high degree of steering precision.

With fuel consumption readings of 6.3 l/100 km and 7.2 l/100km respectively, both the new BMW 328i and BMW 335i have a respective average EU fuel consumption rate which is 26% and 23% lower than that of their predecessors. The new BMW 320d, meanwhile, demonstrates an entirely new benchmark in efficiency altogether with fuel consumption levels of just 4.5 litres/100km. In terms of emission levels, the new BMW 320d, BMW 328i and BMW 335i generate CO2 emissions of a mere 118 g/km, 149 g/km and 169 g/km respectively.

An additional new feature being introduced with the Sixth Generation BMW 3 Series is the new intelligent ECO PRO engine management mode as standard. By activating the ECO PRO mode via the Driving Experience Control button, the car’s on-board computer slightly reduces the engines power delivery, air conditioning output as well as other non-essential electric comfort functions. ECO PRO tips shown on the Control Display further provide the driver with hints on how to lower fuel consumption while on the move. The resulting fuel savings from utilising ECO PRO are displayed as bonus kilometres added to the car’s range as well as the total journey’s fuel consumption. Studies by BMW have shown that drivers were able to enjoy fuel savings of up to 20% with the ECO PRO mode.

Like all contemporary BMW vehicles, the all new BMW 3 Series allows customers to fully benefit from the latest innovations in information technology through BMW ConnectedDrive. The full range of driver assistance systems and mobility services – a combination unrivalled in the premium segment of the Malaysian automotive industry is now taken to the next level with BMW ConnectedDrive Apps, an interface system which integrates the cars Video Playback and iPod Plug-In functions allowing customers to have direct access to web radio, Facebook and Twitter directly through their on-board Control Display. BMW ConnectedDrive Apps are enabled in the BMW 328i and the BMW 335i variants.

Specifically in the segment topping BMW 335i is the revolutionary full colour BMW Head-Up Display (HUD) system which projects important data onto the windscreen directly within the drivers’ field of vision much like the system used by jet pilots.

Photo Gallery: 2012 BMW 3 Series

Photo Gallery: 2012 BMW 3 Series Media Launching

The all-new BMW 6 Series Convertible that had its world premiere at North America International Auto Show in January 2011. The good news now, it is now officially introduced for Indonesia market at the celebration of 10th anniversary of BMW Group in Indonesia.  

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible fulfils the wishes of the most discerning automotive enthusiasts with its sheer driving pleasure, groundbreaking luxury and sparkling looks.  In the premium convertible market, the new BMW 6 Series present the most advanced chassis technology and most innovative comfort, infotainment and safety features. 

The convertible enthusiasts in Indonesia will have two options to choose from- the BMW 650i Convertible and the BMW 640i Convertible. 

The BMW 650i Convertible is powered with 4.4 litre V8 engine with High Precision Direct Injection and TwinPower Turbo, developing a maximum 407hp between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm, and makes peak torque of 600Nm between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm.  The spontaneous power and torque are the stand-out features of the V8 engine, combining sporting character with outstanding smoothness, linear power delivery, and exceptional efficiency. The engine is equipped with BMW’s new 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission. The new BMW 650i Convertible completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/hr in 5.0 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.  Average fuel consumption is 9.3 km/litre and CO2 emissions of 249 gram/km.

The 6-cylinder in-line engine under the bonnet of the new BMW 640i Convertible complements its BMW TwinPower Turbo technology and petrol direct injection with Valvetronic.  The 3.0 litre engine develops a maximum of 320 hp at 5,800 rpm and reaches maximum torque of 450 Nm   between 1,300 to 4,500 rpm.  It can reach 100 km/hr from 0 in 5.7 seconds and top speed is limited to 250 km/hr.  Average fuel consumption is 12.7 km/litre and CO2 emissions of 185 gram/km.