Tesla Malaysia has announced the opening of a new service center located in Seberang Jaya, Penang.
The newly opened service center, which also includes a body and paint (B&P) workshop, is expected to accommodate the increasing number of customers in the northern region.
Additionally, Tesla owners can charge their electric vehicles at the V4 Supercharger station located in the B1 parking area of Gurney Plaza.
There are four 250 kW charging nozzles provided at a rate of RM1.25/kWh.
To date, Tesla has provided up to 12 Supercharger stations with a total of 56 charging nozzles, as well as 13 Destination Charger stations with 69 chargers throughout Malaysia.
Japanese electronics giant Sharp has teamed up with Foxconn to develop a new concept EV called the Sharp LDK+.
Inspired by the design of commercial van cab-overs, the Sharp LDK+ is described as a compact mobile home packed with various cutting-edge technologies.
Its silver exterior and boxy shape could easily be mistaken for high-tech home hardware, further emphasized by the presence of the Sharp brand logo at the front.
The Sharp LDK+ features sliding side doors with rather large openings, revealing a cabin space that can be customized according to the user’s needs.
There are rear seats that can swivel 180 degrees, transforming the space into a more comfortable lounge area.
The side windows also come equipped with liquid crystal curtain technology for privacy, along with an AI system that can control lighting and temperature based on user preferences.
A massive 65-inch display screen is installed on the rear tailgate door, which can be used for watching movies or holding video calls with loved ones.
The same space can also be transformed into a children’s play area or a personal office for off-hours work.
The Sharp LDK+ utilizes an EV platform built by Foxconn, with a battery pack of unspecified capacity that can serve as a backup power source for home use during emergencies.
To facilitate off-grid activities, the van also supports charging using solar panels installed on the roof.
The LDK+ concept van will be officially unveiled at the Sharp Tech-Day 24 exhibition taking place in Tokyo on September 17-18.
Like other manufacturers, Toyota has also been affected by the decline in demand for electric vehicles.
According to the latest report from the Japanese newspaper The Mainichi, Toyota has reduced its global production target for electric vehicles by 30 percent by the year 2026.
The company is now aiming to produce around 1 million units, compared to the original plan of 1.5 million EV units.
Toyota, previously characterized as a ‘stubborn’ manufacturer, changed their electrification strategy early last year when their president Koji Sato announced a sales target of 1.5 million EV units by 2026.
The global EV market initially experienced rapid growth, thanks to the popular models produced by Tesla and BYD.
However, sales in the zero-emission segment have been slow as they have failed to attract interest from other consumer groups beyond early adopters due to high costs and charging infrastructure issues.
Throughout 2023, Toyota managed to sell 104,000 EV units, a fourfold increase compared to the previous year.
This figure is significantly small when compared to the total vehicle sales exceeding 10 million units.
In comparison to EVs, Toyota’s hybrid vehicles have been well-received as they offer a more practical solution in driving carbon neutrality missions.
Despite the plans to decrease EV production, Toyota will respond to current market demand by increasing production numbers for plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The Road Transport Department (JPJ) today introduced the JPJePlate special plate design specifically for zero-emission vehicles (ZEV).
According to JPJ, three standards have been set for the special plate design inspired by European countries, such as:
1. Retro-reflective feature to enhance visibility at night and reduce accident rates.
2. Anti-cloning hologram sticker to minimize theft and fraud risks.
3. Integrated RFID technology that supports toll payments and vehicle parking.
The implementation of JPJePlate starts today (September 9, 2024) for new electric vehicles, with bookings available through the website jpjeplate.jpj.gov.my.
The new plate design is not mandatory for registered ZEVs, but owners can still make reservations as early as November.
A complete set of JPJePlate is priced at RM98/set, including front and rear plates, RFID mirror stickers, and standard delivery costs.
Additionally, JPJ has also launched a special registration number auction (NPI) with the “EV” index through the JPJeBid System starting today and ending on September 13, 2024, at 10:00 PM.
The “EV” registration number is reserved exclusively for ZEVs and cannot be registered on non-ZEV vehicles.
Similar to previous initiatives, a portion of the revenue from these NPIs will be channeled towards public initiatives such as free helmet exchange programs and B2 license training for the B40 group.
The transmission, or gearbox, is one of the crucial components in a vehicle to ensure that every horsepower produced by the engine can be effectively transmitted to the road.
This is because internal combustion engines (ICE) can only generate efficient power within certain engine speed ranges, and each speed ratio is calculated and specified according to the engine output by manufacturers to maximize efficient power delivery in each gear.
It’s a different story for EVs.
Unlike ICE, electric motors can consistently generate maximum instantaneous power at any RPM range.
It can be said that most EVs in the market have a single-speed transmission, where the gear ratio has been meticulously calculated to maximize the efficiency of the electric motor.
Due to the already efficient operating system, most manufacturers believe that the use of multiple-speed transmissions will only add inefficiency, such as increased weight and production costs.
However, there are premium EV models like the Porsche Taycan that use a two-speed gearbox.
The first gear is designed to maximize acceleration, while the second gear ratio is designed to ensure efficiency and high power reserves even at high speeds.
Formula E racing cars even have three-speed transmissions!
So, what about certain manufacturers like Hyundai and Toyota?
Hyundai introduced the N e-shift feature, allowing drivers to simulate gear changes as if using an 8-speed DCT transmission in the Ioniq 5 N model.
Toyota, on the other hand, experimented by fitting a manual gearbox to the AE86 BEV model, complete with a foot clutch!
All of these efforts are made to ensure that the art of driving and manual gear changes will not disappear even when the world fully transitions to EVs one day.
Sime Darby Motors, the official distributor of BYD vehicles in Malaysia, has introduced the 2024 BYD Seal Dynamic RWD variant as a complement to the existing electric sedan offerings.
Priced starting from RM163,800, the vehicle comes with a six-year or 150,000 km warranty, an eight-year (or 160,000 km) battery warranty, and an eight-year or 150,000 km powertrain warranty, making the BYD Seal Dynamic a more affordable choice.
Additionally, BYD is offering a complimentary Wall Box Home charger for the first 100 reservations.
Here are the key specifications of the BYD Seal Dynamic variant that you need to know:
Two color options
The BYD Seal Dynamic RWD is available in two color options: Cosmos Black and Aurora White.
Power
Equipped with a rear-wheel-drive electric motor, the BYD Seal Dynamic RWD can produce 201 hp and 310 Nm of torque. It can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds.
510 km Range
With a 61.44 kWh battery pack, the vehicle can offer a range of up to 510 km on a single full charge (NEDC data). For comparison, the BYD Seal Premium can travel up to 650 km, while the Performance variant can reach around 580 km.
High-Speed DC Charging
The BYD Seal Dynamic RWD comes with a 110 kW fast DC charging technology, along with vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, which enhances the practicality of the electric sedan, especially for outdoor activities.
Standard Features
As standard, the BYD Seal Dynamic RWD offers a cargo space of 400 liters, along with a 50-liter front trunk (frunk). It also features unique 18-inch rims wrapped in 225/50 R18 tires.
Alongside the launch of the BYD Seal Dynamic RWD, BYD Malaysia has upgraded the electric SUV offering, the BYD Atto 3 (priced from RM149,800), with enhanced features including:
-Battery capacity increased to 60.48 kWh
-Range now reaches 480 km (NEDC data)
-0-100 km/h acceleration in 7.3 seconds
-18 inch rim
-DC charging up to 88 kW
-one touch open/close tailgate
-8 speakers
-PM2.5 air filter
-multi-colour door handle ambient lighting with music rhythm
For the first 300 reservations, buyers of the 2024 BYD Atto 3 will receive a Wallbox Home Charger, a 3-year service package, and a 4-year road tax waiver.
Despite the sluggish trend in EV ownership, Hyundai has unveiled updates to its electric SUV model, the 2025 Ioniq 5.
The facelift for the 2025 model has been launched, marking the Ioniq 5 as the first model to be produced at the Metaplant Georgia.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 brings about cosmetic changes, such as a new bumper, revised spoiler, more aerodynamic rims, and new color options.
Minimal changes have been made to the interior, including a redesigned steering wheel, upgraded center console, and the addition of physical buttons for commonly used functions.
The 2025 Hyundai Ioniq 5 also comes with a larger capacity battery package.
The Standard Range variant now features a 63 kWh battery (compared to the previous 58 kWh), increasing the driving range to 386 km from the previous 354 km.
Meanwhile, the Long Range variant is equipped with an 84 kWh battery, promising a range of over 499 km for the RWD version, or 451 km for the AWD version.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 also becomes the first Hyundai model to come standard with NACS (North American Charging Standard) ports, allowing Ioniq 5 owners to use Tesla’s Supercharger network without requiring an adapter.
Finally, there is a new off-road variant called the XRT, featuring unique front design, black accents, digital camouflage pattern on the bumper and fender flare, and 18-inch matte black wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.
Moreover, the Ioniq 5 XRT now offers 23 mm greater ground clearance, red-colored tow hooks, H-Tex upholstery, and XRT logos on the seats.
Did you know that Volvo is among the earliest automotive manufacturers in the world to announce a strategy to offer a full-time EV portfolio by 2030?
In fact, by the end of May 2024, its CEO, Jim Rowan, explained that the target could still be achievable, and he also believes that Volvo can end the sales of internal combustion engine vehicles within the next five years.
However, in an event held with investors in late July, the CEO finally admitted that “it will take time to connect various parts of the world to achieve full electrification.”
In other words, the initial goal of becoming a pure EV brand by 2030 may be difficult to achieve.
Considering the latest developments, Volvo has decided to realign its sales targets, aiming for 90-100 percent of sales to consist of EVs and PHEVs by the end of this decade.
Meanwhile, non-plug-in hybrid vehicles will continue to be sold for a longer period than initially expected.
The Swedish manufacturer believes that several factors contribute to the slowing transition to EV usage, such as slow infrastructure development, reduced EV sales incentives, and the introduction of new tariffs for EVs in some markets.
In addition to Volvo, several other major global manufacturers are also reconsidering their aggressive electrification strategies, including Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Bentley, and Ford.
The lifespan of the luxurious electric sedan Mercedes-Benz EQS may not last as long as expected.
This is because according to the latest report from Autocar, Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius confirmed that the electric sedan will be replaced with an electric version of the S-Class.
“In the future, there will be two versions of the S-Class, namely ICE and electric,” he said.
Unlike the current approach, Mercedes-Benz will use the same design for both models, although they will not be based on the same platform.
According to the report, the electric S-Class sedan will be built on a specific EV platform, while the ICE version will continue to use the improved MRA architecture.
The approach of the same design for two different powertrain models has already been used by its competitor BMW in the new generation models of the 5-Series and 7-Series.
The name EQS is also likely to be dropped, referring to the long name used by the previously launched electric-powered G-wagen (G580 with EQ Technology).
Despite an uncertain future for the electric vehicle (EV) segment, Hyundai remains steadfast in moving forward.
During the recently held CEO Investor Day 2024 event, Hyundai confirmed the launch of no less than 21 new EV expected by 2030, ranging from affordable models to high-performance ones.
Interestingly, Hyundai also plans to turn the N Vision 74 concept model into a reality.
The Hyundai N Vision 74 is a concept developed by Hyundai based on the 1974 Pony coupe model designed by the legendary designer Giorgetto Giugiario.
Unlike the Pony, the N Vision 74 presents a blend of retro and modern elements with a wedge-shaped body structure, a large rear spoiler, and digital light units at the front and rear.
At this stage, Hyundai has not disclosed the powertrain unit that will be used in the actual production version of the N Vision 74.
However, for your information, the N Vision 74 Concept is a hybrid vehicle combining a hydrogen fuel cell system and a battery electric powertrain.
The 800-volt electric propulsion unit includes two electric motors generating 670 hp/900 Nm powering the rear wheels.
A 62.4 kWh battery pack is utilized to supply the required power to these electric motors.
At the front, Hyundai incorporates a 114 hp hydrogen fuel cell system with two hydrogen tanks totaling 4.2 kg capacity that can be fully refilled in just five minutes.
Overall, the N Vision 74 can travel nearly 600 km and accelerate from 0-100 km/h in four seconds.
Apart from the official name, Hyundai has also not revealed a specific timeline for the production model launch of the N Vision 74.
As of now, the N Vision 74 is one of the 21 new EV models set to be released by Hyundai by 2030.
Hyundai is also aiming for total sales figures to reach 5.55 million units by the same year, with 2 million of them being EV models
Several months after the unveiling of the Concept #5 model, smart has finally introduced the new crossover model #5 2025.
At its core, the smart #5 is a mid-size premium SUV, sporting a boxy body shape with dimensions that rival those of the GLC-Class SUV.
Here’s what you need to know about the smart #5:
Dimensions
The smart #5 measures 4,705 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, 1,705 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,900 mm. In comparison, the smart #5 boasts larger dimensions than the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, but slightly smaller than the GLC-Class.
Storage Space
Due to its larger size compared to the smart #1 and #3, the smart #5 offers more storage space within the cabin, with a cargo capacity of up to 1,530 liters. Additionally, there is also a ‘frunk’ space at the front suitable for storing smaller items.
Premium Cabin
Luxurious features loaded into the cabin include zero-gravity seats, premium leather upholstery, oak wood trims, a Sennheiser audio system with 21 speakers, and ambient lighting system with 256 color options available.
The dashboard houses a 10.3-inch digital cluster screen, along with two 13-inch screens displaying the AI avatar Leo, and a 25.6-inch augmented reality heads-up display.
Furthermore, the rear seats come with heating and adjustable recline functions, power sunshades, first-class cabin-style LED reading lights, and a special comfort mode that provides extra legroom. The rear seats can also be folded down to provide a comfortable sleeping space.
Can travel up to 740 km
The smart #5 comes equipped with a 100 kWh battery pack, providing a driving range of 740 km (CTLC data). The 800-volt charging technology enables fast DC charging, allowing the battery to be charged from 10-80 percent within 15 minutes.
According to information from the Chinese ministry’s website, the smart #5 will be offered in RWD versions with 335 hp or 358 hp, while the all-wheel-drive (AWD) version combines a front electric motor with 221 hp with options for rear electric motors of 358 hp or 416 hp.
Exterior Features
Unlike the more rounded appearance of the smart #1 and #3, the smart #5 presents a more rugged and robust look. The main headlights feature a more angular shape, complemented by body protection cladding, integrated door handles, and aerodynamic rims with floating center caps.
Owners seeking a more rugged version can opt for the Summit Edition, which adds roof-mounted light bars, side step boards, a ladder, underbody protection, more aggressive rims, a trailer hitch, and storage boxes that can be mounted on the C/D pillars.
Bermaz XPeng Sdn Bhd, the official distributor of the Xpeng brand vehicles in Malaysia, has launched the electric SUV model 2024 Xpeng G6.
This mid-size crossover with a coupe body design is offered in two main variants, namely the 580 Pro with a range of 435 km and the 755 Pro with a range of 570 km.
Here are some interesting facts you need to know about the 2024 XPeng G6 Ultra Smart Coupe.
SEPA 2.0 Platform
The XPeng G6 is the fifth model introduced by Xpeng, but it is the first production model built based on the Smart Electric Platform Architecture 2.0 (SEPA 2.0) with an 800-volt electric architecture and a more spacious cabin.
Additionally, it also offers a lower center of gravity, contributing to better dynamic driving control. The body construction of the Xpeng G6 combines aluminum and steel materials.
Variants
Two variants are offered, the G6 580 Pro and G6 755 Pro.
The G6 580 Pro is powered by an electric motor generating 255 hp/440 Nm paired with a 66 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery pack. It can travel up to 435 km on a full charge, with 0-100 km/h acceleration in 6.6 seconds.
Meanwhile, the G6 755 Pro is equipped with an electric motor producing 282 hp/440 Nm paired with an 87.5 kWh Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) battery allowing a range of 570 km. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. Both variants have a maximum speed of 200 km/h.
20-Minute Fast Charging
The XPeng G6 supports fast DC charging up to 215 kW for the 580 Pro variant, or up to 280 kW for the 755 Pro variant. This means that battery charging from 10-80 percent can be completed in as fast as 20 minutes.
Safety
The XPeng G6 comes standard with XPILOT 2.5 safety features, including 7 airbags, and advanced safety features such as:
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go
Lane Centering Control (LCC)
Active Lane Change Assist (ALC)
Auto Parking Assistance (EAP 2.0)
Auto Exit Parking Assistance (AEP)
Driver State Monitoring (DSM)
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
High Beam Assistance (IHB)
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
All these functions are supported by equipment such as millimeter-wave radar, ultrasonic radar, and a 360-degree HD camera powered by the Nvidia Orin-X processor.
Cabin Space
The XPeng G6 embraces the ‘Circle of Life’ concept in the cabin to ensure passenger comfort. Some of the loaded features include leatherette-wrapped driver and passenger seats with six-way adjustment, ventilation and heating functions, and four-way lumbar support, while the second-row seats also come with heating function.
In addition, there is wireless 50W smart device charging, dual-zone automatic climate control, XFreeBreath air filtration system, a 10.2-inch digital screen, a 14.96-inch entertainment screen with Xmart OS 5.0, support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air (OTA) update support.
Completing the unique experience in the cabin is the XOpera 960W surround sound system with 18 speakers, panorama sound technology, and acoustics algorithm developed by XPeng.
Price
The XPeng G6 Ultra Smart Coupe SUV 2024 is a fully imported (CBU) unit from China with five color options: Midnight Black, Silver Frost, Arctic White, Graphite Gray, and Fiery Orange.
The selling price starts from RM165,000 for the G6 580 Pro variant, while the 755 Pro variant is priced at RM185,000.
The XPeng G6 comes with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty or a mileage limit of 120,000 km, as well as an eight-year high-voltage battery pack warranty or a limit of 160,000 km (whichever comes first).
Tesla is no longer the dominant force in the electric vehicle segment, at least in the European continent.
Based on data obtained from JATO Dynamics, BMW has managed to sell a total of 14,869 EVs throughout July 2024.
In comparison, Tesla has sold a total of 14,561 units for the same period.
Despite the small difference, this indicates that the German manufacturer is now able to surpass Tesla’s EV sales, even while still offering options for petrol and hybrid vehicles to consumers.
JATO Dynamics analysis shows a decline in sales performance for two of Tesla’s crucial models (Model Y and Model 3) last month, with Model Y sales decreasing by 16 percent to 9,544 units, and Model 3 dropping by 17 percent to 4,694 units.
Tesla may still take pride in the fact that the Model Y remains the best-selling EV, surpassing the Volvo EX30 (6,573 units) and the Volkswagen ID.4 (5,295 units).
Despite holding the title for the best-selling EV, these numbers are still significantly behind the sales performance of the best-selling models in Europe, with the Dacia Sandero leading the way in July with 22,398 units sold, followed by the Volkswagen T-Roc (19,254 units) and the Toyota Yaris Cross (17,314 units).
Most modern cars equipped with Level 2 driver assistance systems already have automatic parking assist functions.
However, Chinese car manufacturer IM Motors has showcased a new technology that makes parking much easier.
A video uploaded to social media shows a woman getting out of the car with a bouquet of flowers at a parking spot.
After the driver’s side door is closed, the car maneuvers into the side parking spot.
The crab-like movement is achieved with an all-wheel steering system, where the front and rear wheels turn in different directions, along with precise control of the electric motor’s power to rotate the wheels in opposite directions.
This system also enables IM Motors’ cars to make U-turns with a radius as small as 4.99 meters.
The sedan, fully wrapped in camouflage decals, resembles the midsize sedan model IM L6, which was released in the Chinese market this year.
There is no information available regarding IM Motors’ plans to offer this parking solution to other models in the future.
Simultaneous with the launch of two ICE models, MG Malaysia also surprises us by revealing a powerful electric roadster model, the MG Cyberster EV 2024.
No information regarding pricing and specifications has been disclosed at this time.
Here, we share some information based on the specifications of the MG Cyberster model sold in the global market.
Two drive options: RWD or AWD
The MG Cyberster EV is available in a single electric motor rear-wheel-drive version, producing 310 hp/475 Nm of torque, or a higher output of 335 hp/475 Nm. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.
Meanwhile, the twin electric motor version with an all-wheel-drive system is capable of generating power as high as 536 hp and 725 Nm, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in as fast as 3.2 seconds.
580 km range
There are two battery pack capacity options available, 64 kWh with a range of up to 501 km, or 77 kWh with a range of 580 km (520 km for the AWD version).
Zero-emission roadster with a sporty design
What catches the eye is the exterior design of the roadster that can captivate the public.
It features a front design resembling a shark’s nose, followed by LED headlights, Lamborghini-style scissor doors, 20-inch rims, and rear lights with the Union Jack flag motif and arrow design.
Cabin
The cabin space of the MG Cyberster can only accommodate two people at a time.
Included amenities are sports seats wrapped in Nappa/Alcantara leather, sports steering wheel, a 10.25-inch digital screen, two additional 7-inch screens, as well as support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Cargo space
The MG Cyberster offers a rear cargo space of 249 liters.
In the Thailand market, the AWD version of the MG Cyberster is sold at THB 2,499,000 (RM317,949). Speculations arise, what will be the selling price for the Malaysian market? RM200,000?
The Malaysian Association of Vehicle Importers and Traders (PEKEMA) through its subsidiary Central Auto Distributors Bhd (CADB) recently unveiled a compact electric vehicle set to be launched this October.
Here are some facts you need to know about the Dongfeng Box EV:
Dimensions
The Dongfeng Box EV is built on the Quantum Architecture S3 platform. It measures 4,020 mm in length, 1,818 mm in width, 1,570 mm in height, and has a wheelbase of 2,663 mm.
In the Malaysian market, the Dongfeng Box EV will directly compete with the BYD Dolphin model.
Unique Features
This cute EV brings some unique features in its class.
These include a floating roof design, frameless doors, and neatly concealed door handles in the body panel. The appearance of the Dongfeng Box is complemented by a three-dimensional LED light structure and 17-inch two-tone rims.
Luxurious Cabin
The pre-production unit showcased features luxurious and premium materials, including leather upholstery, two-tone dashboard and door panel finishes.
Other features include a 5-inch digital cluster screen, a 12.8-inch customizable infotainment screen, frameless rearview mirror, 32-color ambient lighting system, wireless device charger, 360-degree camera, and automatic air conditioning system.
Power and Range
The standard Dongfeng Box EV comes with a single front-wheel-drive electric motor producing 95 PS and 160 Nm, with a maximum speed of 140 km/h.
Two battery capacities are available, namely 31.45 kWh with a range of 330 km or 42.3 kWh with a range of 430 km on a full charge. This EV also supports fast charging, allowing the battery to be charged from 30 to 80 percent in just 30 minutes.
V2L function is also available to enable users to charge electrical appliances during outdoor activities.
Price
The selling price will only be announced closer to the official launch in October, expected to range from RM100,000 to RM120,000.
Zeekr has launched the 2025 electric sedan model 007, bringing several improvements such as faster charging time, new-generation batteries, and a smart cockpit.
There have been no changes in terms of power, as the standard rear-wheel-drive version is still capable of producing up to 415 hp, while the all-wheel-drive version is capable of generating 636 hp.
However, Zeekr has reprogrammed the algorithm, with the 0-100 km/h acceleration now at a rapid 5.0 seconds for the RWD version.
Meanwhile, the AWD version maintains its acceleration at a swift 2.84 seconds.
The Zeekr 007 can be equipped with a 100 kWh CATL Qilin ternary lithium battery pack with fast charging at 5C.
There is also the second-generation 75 kWh Golden Brick lithium iron phosphate battery with improved charging speed from 4.5C to 5.5C, theoretically achieving a 10-80 percent SoC charge in 10.5 minutes.
Zeekr claims that the Golden Brick battery is the world’s fastest mass-produced charging battery, offering a range of up to 688 km.
For the cabin space, Zeekr has upgraded the operating system to the Zeekr OS AI, which can actively provide recommendations based on current scenarios.
Zeekr 007 is also equipped with the Haohan 2.0 smart driving system assisted by LiDAR sensors, Nvidia Orin X processors, and over 30 sensors to enable it to handle various traffic situations on the road.
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has recently launched another electric-powered SUV model, the EQS 450 4MATIC SUV 2024, as a complement to its existing lineup of EQS SUV models.
In terms of specifications, the EQS 450 SUV comes with a powerful 360 hp electric motor and a maximum torque of 800 Nm.
The acceleration from 0-100 km/h is as quick as 6.1 seconds before reaching a top speed of 210 km/h.
The 118 kWh battery pack allows for a range of up to 673 km on a full charge based on WLTP cycle data.
The EQS 450 SUV supports AC charging of up to 22 kW (0-100% SoC in 6 hours 15 minutes), as well as fast DC charging of up to 200 kW (10-80% in 31 minutes).
The exterior appearance is enhanced with the AMG Line package, 22-inch AMG rims, a grille adorned with the Mercedes star logo, a DIGITAL LIGHT system with high-resolution adaptive headlamps, and aluminum-style side step plates.
The EQS SUV chassis is aided by a front four-link axle system, followed by a multi-link suspension at the rear, as well as an AIRMATIC air suspension capable of raising the ground clearance.
There are several driving modes including ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, INDIVIDUAL, and OFFROAD.
For ease of handling, the EQS 450 SUV is equipped with a rear-axle steering system that allows the rear wheels to be turned by up to 10 degrees.
The EQS SUV cabin space is equipped with multi-contour seats, a third-row seating option, the MBUX hyper screen system, support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment system, and the Burmester surround sound system with Dolby Atmos technology.
The selling price of the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450 SUV 2024 starts from RM625,888 excluding insurance, and will be available starting in September 2024.
The electric vehicle (EV) market in Malaysia is heating up with the presence of various attractive models from all over the world.
The two EV brands currently hotly discussed are Tesla and BYD. The former made its mark in the local market with the launch of the facelifted Model 3 last October.
Meanwhile, the latter has introduced three EVs so far, with Seal being the latest offering to compete directly with the popular Model 3.
During a recent test drive, this writer found that the Seal has the right formula to go toe to toe with its closest rivals, but like most other cars, it still has some weaknesses.
Here are five things we don’t like about the Seal:
Two badges is one too many
For this writer, the Seal is one of the best looking cars, if not the best looking, in its segment. It has a sleek, sporty four-door sedan shape, which is further highlighted by strong character lines, 19-inch wheels, and a rear diffuser, to name a few.
However, BYD unnecessarily placed two ‘BYD’ badges at the rear – one in the centre and another in the bottom corner of the tailgate. The automaker also put a ‘3.8s’ badge under the ‘BYD Seal’ lettering to let the tailgaters know how fast this car can sprint from 0 to 100 km/j. This isn’t necessary and makes the Seal look cheap.
There’s a large panoramic roof, but…
The Seal comes standard with a large panoramic sunroof, which offers great views at night but can turn the cabin into a sauna during the day when the sun is directly overhead.
Surprisingly, the car lacks a power sunshade for the panoramic sunroof. Instead, BYD provides two piece of sunshades that have to be manually placed, which is quite annoying for a car costing nearly RM200,000.
Overly sophisticated controls
This writer is aware that in order to design a clutter-free, minimalist cabin, automakers try to minimise the amount of physical knobs and buttons as much as possible, and integrate the functions into the infotainment system.
But it needs to be said that not all vehicle functions need to be digitised. One good example is the air-conditioning system. In the Seal, even the AC vents adjustment is done via the large display. Sometimes, less is more.
Slow charging
Despite using a 800V architecture commonly found in luxury EV models, Seal only supports fast charging up to 150 kW, which lower than many other 800V EVs on the market.
For AC charging, the Malaysian-spec Seal can only support up to 7 kW, taking approximately 15 hours for a full charge, whereas in Europe, this model comes with an 11 kW AC charger.
Limited boot space
Despite its longer and wider dimensions compared to most C-segment sedans, Seal has a relatively small boot space of only 400 litres. There’s an additional 53-litre storage space under the bonnet but it’s not that spacious.
In comparison, the Model 3 has a whopping 682 litres of boot space while the B-segment sedan Honda City offers 519 litres of storage space in the back.
Mercedes-Benz Korea has disclosed the name of their electric vehicle (EV) battery supplier this week.
This follows an incident involving the electric sedan model Mercedes-Benz EQE 350, resulting in 40 vehicles in the parking lot being damaged.
The fire department also reported that 23 residents were hospitalized due to inhaling smoke from the fire.
According to an Incheon Fire Department spokesperson, “Although an analysis is underway, CCTV footage indicates that the fire originated from the battery.”
The EQE 350 sedan that caught fire the other day used batteries sourced from a Chinese manufacturer, Farasis Energy.
Apart from Farasis, Mercedes also procures batteries from companies such as CATL, SK On, and LG Energy Solution.
Malaysia’s Leading Automotive News | ENGEAR ENGLISH
