THERE are three things that can elevate a BMW. The first is the wagon (or Touring in BMW speak) body style. The second is manual transmission, and the third is Alpina.
The Alpina B3 Touring has all three. It is currently up for auction on the ‘Bring a Trailer’ website, with the current bid standing at $20,250 (RM95,985) at the time of writing.
Only 89 units of the B3 Touring were ever produced, and this particular unit is #23. Built in September 1996, it was initially delivered to Nicole Racing Japan before being exported to the Netherlands in 2017. In 2022, it was imported to the United States.
The car still sports its original metallic blue paint, along with the Alpina body kit and 17-inch multispoke alloy wheels. Making it stand out further are the gold-tone Alpina graphics on the side and rear.
Inside, the seats and door panels are upholstered in black fabric with green and blue stripes, while the floor is protected by Alpina carpeting. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped with two-tone stitching and features the Alpina logo on the steering boss.
Under the hood lies a 3.2-litre inline-six engine producing 265 hp and 329 Nm of torque. Several maintenance works were made in 2023, including the reconstruction of the Vanos system and the replacement of the cylinder head gasket, fuel pressure regulator, fuel injectors, oxygen sensors, and more. The mileage is approaching 176,000 km.
The #23 B3 Touring was initially equipped with an automatic transmission, but it was replaced with a Getrag 420G six-speed manual transmission from sourced from an E46 M3. It was installed this year along with a Limited-Slip Differential (LSD).
Interestingly, the removed automatic transmission is included in the sale along with additional spare parts and a scale model.
The G82 BMW M4 range is now complete with the arrival of a new Competition Sport variant or more fondly known as the CS.
Positioned between the M4 Competition and the extreme M4 CSL, the M4 CS is designed with specific tuning that balances track-ready performance with every day driving pleasure.
Or in other words, it is not unlike the G80 M3 CS introduced last year. Like that car, this coupe is powered by the same 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine that produces a whopping 550 PS and 650 Nm.
With an 8-speed Steptronic transmission driving all wheels via the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system, the M4 CS is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and reaching a top speed of 302 km/h.
In addition to the engine, the impressive performance of this car is also contributed to by the extensive weight saving solutions carried out by BMW.
Among the measures taken is the use of components made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) that includes the roof, bonnet, front splitter, front air intakes, side mirror housings, rear diffuser and Gurney-style rear spoiler.
Inside, the lightweight material is also extensively used and can be seen on the center console, paddle shifters, and M Carbon bucket seats.
Additionally, the exhaust system on the M4 CS is more than 4 kg lighter, thanks to the use of a titanium rear silencer.
All in all, lightweight design measures bring the car’s weight down by around 20 kg compared to the M4 Competition Coupé with M xDrive.
In the handling department, the car gets the M adaptive suspension system and electromechanical M Servotronic steering with variable ratio. For sharper handling, customers can opt for an M front end strut brace.
As for the brakes, it uses M Compound rotors, which can be upgraded to carbon ceramic units. The car rolls on forged M light-alloy wheels in an exclusive V-spoke design, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the back, along with track tyres as standard.
Alternatively, customers can specify ultra track tyres or high-performance tyres. The latter is suitable for day-to-day driving and come in the same sizes as a no-cost option.
BMW Malaysia recently unveiled the new BMW iX3 Final Edition, which comes with additional M Performance equipment complementing the M Sport package.
The automaker’s latest offering is built upon the Impressive trim and adds a host of M Performance equipment as standard, consisting of the carbon mirror caps, carbon fibre door sills, rear spoiler, as well as the Adaptive M suspension.
According to BMW, the newly equipped Adaptive M suspension with lifetime upgrade allows the driver to select between the standard comfortable setting or switch to Sport Mode for sportier handling.
The iX3 Final Edition will continue to feature standard equipment such as the 20-inch M aerodynamic wheels 890 M Bicolour, BMW Laserlight and panaromic glass roof.
Inside, there’s automatic air conditioning with three-zone control, electric sport seats for driver and front passenger, Harman Kardon surround sound system, head-up display and acoustic glazing.
Safety-wise, the electric crossover is equipped with Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus as standard.
Powering the rear wheels of the iX3 Final Edition is an electric motor that generates up to 286 hp (210 kW) and a peak torque of 400 Nm, which enables a century sprint of 6.8 second.
Thanks to a high-voltage battery with a gross capacity of 80 kWh, it can cover a distance of 461 km (WLTP) in one full charge, while recording energy consumptions of as low as 18.5 kWh per 100 km of travel.
The iX3 Final Edition is available in six exterior colours, namely M Carbon Black Metallic, Cashmere Silver, Sophisto Grey, Mineral White, Phytonic Blue and Piemont Red.
Interior upholstery is available in either Leather Vernasca Mocha with Décor Stitching or Leather Vernasca Black with Blue Contrast Stitching.
Pricing starts from RM299,800. Customers can opt for the additional BMW Service & Repair Inclusive consisting of the five-year extended warranty and service package for RM19,800.
BMW Malaysia announced that the all-new BMW iX2 is now open for pre-booking. The electric Sports Activity Coupe is priced from RM282,800 on-the-road, without insurance.
For our market, the iX2 will be available in available in a sole xDrive30 variant, featuring a single electric motor on each axle.
The combination generates 313 PS (230 kW) including a 7 PS (5 kW) boost, allowing the electric crossover to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 180 km/h.
The 66.5 kWh high-voltage battery in the vehicle floor generates a WLTP range of up to 449 km. An 11 kW AC charger enables the battery to be charged from 0 to 100% in 6 hours and 30 minutes, while the 130 kW DC charger requires only 29 minutes to do so.
The iX2 gets its rebellious appearance from the new BMW kidney grille with a black mesh grille and black high-gloss illuminated frame, as well as adaptive LED headlights with BMW Selective Beam and vertically arranged light signature.
Flush door handles, the M high-gloss Shadow line package and V-spoke style 873 M Bicolour 20-inch M light alloy wheels complete the look.
Like other iX models, the iX2 interior features the BMW Curved Display powered by the BMW Operating System 9. It combines a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.7-inch control display.
The system features the BMW iDrive display and is equipped with BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and a control system with QuickSelect, which is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP).
Other features include wireless charging tray with a built-in cooling system, front armrest with integrated control panel, automatic tailgate, and Harman Kardon Hi-Fi audio system.
There are also sport seats for the driver and front passenger, a 40:20:40 rear seat configuration, and a leather-wrapped multifunction M steering wheel.
According to BMW, the iX2 combines sportiness and comfort through upgraded stabilizer bearings on the front and rear axle, anti-roll bars, M adaptive suspension system, M Sport steering, and M Sport brake system.
As for driving assistance systems, the iX2 offers features such as Active Guard Basis, Driving Assistant Plus, and Parking Assistant Plus, including the Attentiveness Assistant.
The iX2 xDrive30 is available in Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Skyscraper Grey, Cape York Green, Fire Red, M Portimau Blue, and M Brooklyn Grey.
For the interior, customers can opt for the Veganza leather-alternative in M Alcantara (black) with blue stitching, Perforated Black, Perforated Coral Red/Black, Perforated Atlas Grey/Smoke White, and Perforated Mocha.
Customers can also purchase the Inclusive BMW Service & Repair package, which includes a five-year extenderd warranty and service, at RM14,200.
In November last year, the BMW i5 made its debut in Malaysia in the eDrive40 M Sport version. Now, just four months after its arrival, the electric sedan has been upgraded with enhanced charging capabilities and several new features.
The i5 now comes with a 22 kW AC charger that requires less than four hours and 15 minutes for a full charge, which is a whopping four hours faster than the previous 11 kW AC charger.
Continues to be equipped is a high-power 205 kW DC charger, capable of charging the battery from 0 to 80% in just 34 minutes.
The i5 eDrive40 features a single electric motor on the rear axle generating 313 hp and 400 Nm. In Sport Boost, the output is cranked up to 340 hp and 430 Nm, propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and onwards to a maximum speed of 193 km/h.
The driving range remains at 582 km based on the WLTP cycle, with electric power supplied by an 89.3 kWh capacity battery located in the underbody.
The i5 exterior highlights include vertical LED strips adorning its headlights, “Sharknose” design kidney grille, BMW Iconic Glow contour lines, as well as an M high-gloss Shadowline package to complete the look.
Available exterior colours include the Black Sapphire Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Brooklyn Grey Metallic, and Phytonic Blue Metallic.
Additionally, the i5 eDrive40 M Sport now arrives in four new striking colour options, namely, Sophisto Grey Metallic, Oxide Grey Metallic, Cape York Green Metallic, and Fire Red Metallic.
The interior features the BMW Curved Display consisting of a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch touchscreen, both powered by BMW Operating System 8.5.
You’ll also find BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, BMW Maps, Digital Key Plus, and a Bowers & Wilkins audio system boasting an amplifier output of 655W and 18 speakers.
For the upholstery, customers can choose from Leather Merino Black, Leather Merino Copper Brown and Leather Merino Silverstone.
The i5 is fitted with an array of advanced safety and driver support features, which include Proactive Care, Driving Assistance Professional, Speed Limit Assist, route control and active navigation guidance, Side Collision Protection, Road Priority Warning and Wrong-way Warning, Crossing-traffic Warning with braking function.
Pricing-wise, the upgraded i5 eDrive40 M Sport starts at RM399,800. The additional 5-Year Extended Warranty and Service Package is available at RM20,300.
BMW Malaysia has announced updates to the BMW iX range for the model year 2024.
Starting now, the fully electric SUV will be offered in only two variants, namely the xDrive50 Sport and M60. This means that the xDrive40 and xDrive40 Sport variants have been discontinued.
With this update, the iX xDrive50 Sport follows in the footstep of the M60 by gaining a 22 kW AC charging, which is capable of reducing the charging time to under 5 hours 30 minutes for a complete 0 to 100% charge.
Additionally, both variants continue to offer fast charging capabilities of up to 195 kW, allowing for 0-80% charging in just 35 minutes.
In addition to faster charging, the xDrive50 Sport variant also gets the dual-axle air suspension system that absorbs road imperfections with precision for a more refined driving experience. The BMW Iconic Sounds Electric is also included as a standard feature.
There are no changes in terms of performance and driving range. The iX xDrive50 Sport, with its 523 hp/765 Nm twin-motor setup, can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The WLTP cycle-based driving range is 630 km.
Meanwhile, the iX M60 also features twin electric motors but with a significantly higher output of 619 hp/1,015 Nm (1,100 Nm with Launch Control). It takes 3.8 seconds to reach 100 km/h and can cover a distance of up to 561 km on a full charge.
The iX’s cabin now features the Live Cockpit Professional powered by BMW Operating System 8.5, a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 14.9-inch central screen, multifunction seats, wireless charging, and four-zone automatic air conditioning.
However, the previously available Bower & Wilkins Diamond audio system with 30 speakers, which was present in the M60, seems to have been replaced with the Harman Kardon audio system featuring 18 speakers.
Another standard feature included in this update is the Comfort Access, now featuring BMW Digital Key Plus. This digital key can be shared with up to five compatible devices allowing for convenience to the ownership experience.
For colour options, the iX is available in Alpine White, Mineral White Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic, Sophisto Grey Metallic with Brilliant Effect, Phytonic Blue Metallic, Oxide Grey Metallic, and Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic.
For an additional RM6,200, customers can opt for the Aventurine Red Metallic and Individual Storm Bay Metallic shades.
For the interior, BMW Malaysia offers the Interior Design Atelier upholstery in Mocha or Black as standard. Two additional colours, Amido and Castanea, are available for an additional RM17,300.
The starting price is RM465,800 for the xDrive50 Sport variant and RM579,800 for the M60. A five-year extended warranty and service package are available for RM33,200.
SIME Darby Auto Bavaria (SDAB) has partnered with Sime Darby Rent-A-Car (SDRAC) – Hertz Malaysia to introduce electric vehicle (EV) rental services.
In conjunction with this partnership and the upcoming Chinese New Year, SDAB and SDRAC have come up with an exclusive rental offer designed to offer a distinctive driving experience with the BMW iX.
The fully electric SUV is now available with introductory rental prices starting at RM550 per day and RM5,500 per month.
Vi Thim Juan, the CEO of Auto Bavaria, stated, ““Auto Bavaria is fully committed to pioneering the utilisation of EVs in Malaysia. This time around, we are leveraging the opportunity to give Malaysians a chance to try our BMW iX for unmatched style and uniqueness that is aligned with the latest trends in EV technology.”
Harun Mohd Joned, the CEO of SDRAC, added, “Our objective is to deliver optimal mobility solutions to our business partner, SDAB, and provide Hertz Malaysia rental customers with a truly modern and luxurious electrified experience.”
Customers interested in experiencing the BMW iX can make reservations and find more details at www.simedarbycarrental.com or visit the participating Hertz Malaysia outlets in Klang Valley, Penang or Johor Bahru.
MALAYSIA Airlines, in collaboration with BMW Group Malaysia through their dealer partner, Ingress Auto Sdn. Bhd., will be introducing an exclusive private terminal transfer service for its passengers to travel in premium comfort between the Main Terminal Building and the Satellite Building of KLIA Terminal 1.
Beginning 1 February 2024, Enrich Platinum, Business Suite, and Business Class passengers flying with Malaysia Airlines will be chauffeured in style with the all-electric BMW i7.
The 24-hour service offers a sustainable and premium travel option exclusively for Malaysia Airlines’ passengers, in addition to the Premium Bus transfer currently provided by the airport operator following the temporary suspension of the aerotrain service.
During this initial phase, a fleet of BMW i7 vehicles will be deployed to serve departing passengers with the pick-up point located at Gate G1 of the Main Terminal Building. The airline will also be deploying additional units to serve arriving passengers in the near future, following the completion of the arrival lounge at the airport’s Satellite Building.
Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, Chief Executive Officer of Airlines from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said “With this exclusive service, we aim to enhance the travel experience for our top-tier customers, ensuring that they can enjoy premium comfort as part of their end-to-end journey with us.
“As the only carrier offering this temporary personalised service to our passengers in light of the aerotrain’s temporary suspension at KLIA Terminal 1, it underscores our dedication to elevating our standards of service to ensure a premium travel experience, while also reinforcing our commitment to embedding sustainable practices with the selection of the all-electric BMW i7 series.
We look forward to extending this service to our arriving passengers as part of our continuous efforts to ensure a fuss-free and enjoyable experience driven by our inimitable Malaysian Hospitality,” he added.
BMW Malaysia recently previewed the facelifted fourth-generation BMW X5, which will be offered here in the xDrive50e variant together with the M Sport package as standard.
Looks wise, the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) now appears sharper with redesigned front lights that are 35 mm slimmer than before, a new LED daytime running light signature, M Sport body kit as well as 21-inch M alloy rims to complete the look.
Inside, there’s a 14.9-inch BMW Curved Display powered by BMW Operating System 8.5, BMW Live Cockpit Professional, iDrive Controller with voice, touch or the optional Gesture Control, ambient Light Bar with crystalline surface structure, and a Harman Kardon audio system.
The centre console in the new X5 features a restructured layout and additional touch-sensitive function keys, with gear changes now executed using a rocker switch. Other creature comforts includ BMW Comfort Access, Driving Assistant Professional, and Parking Assistant Professional.
Like the xDrive45e variant that was offered previously, the X5 xDrive50e continues to be powered by the 3.0-litre inline-six cylinder engine combined with an electric motor, but the plug-in hybrid powertrain is now more potent with a total system output of produces 489 PS and 700 Nm, an increase of 95 PS and 100 Nm.
In addition to higher system output, the electric driving range has also increased to 110 km (WLTP cycle), while the charging can now handle up to 7.4 kW, allowing the vehicle to be charged from 0 to 100% in 4.5 hours.
The X5 xDrive50e M Sport will be offered in four exterior colors, namely Black Sapphire, Manhattan, Mineral White, and Skyscraper Grey. For the interior, customers get a Merino leather upholstery in Black or Tartufo.
Official pricing for the X5 xDrive50e have not been announced yet but according to BMW Malaysia, it is estimated to retail for RM530,000.
A Facebook post made by Armorblaze seems to have confirmed that the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) will be adding 20 BMW R 1250 RT motorcycles to its fleet.
According to Armorblaze, the motorcycles will be deployed for Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister escort duties.
Armorblaze is a vehicle detailing center in Ampang and according to the post, had been tasked with designing the livery for the motorcycles.
As seen, the R 1250 RT units feature the trademark blue-white colour theme synonymous with PDRM as well as reflective strips, with ‘POLIS’ wording on the windscreen, fairing and panniers. There are also blue strobe lights at the front and rear.
The R 1250 RT is powered by a 1,249 cc two-cylinder boxer engine capable of producing 136 hp and 143 Nm, allowing it to reach speeds of more than 200 km/h.
Key features include the Telelever and Paralever front and rear suspension system, ABS Pro, Adaptive Cruise Control, Dynamic Traction Control, three riding modes, and a 10.25-inch TFT screen.
TOYOTA has clinched the title of the most valuable automotive brand in the world for 2023, for the second consecutive year. This was announced in a report by Interbrand’s Best Global Brands 2023.
The Japanese manufacturer secured the sixth position out of the overall 100 global brands. Only three automotive brands made it to the top 10, with Mercedes-Benz and BMW being the other two.
Outside the top 10 positions, other automotive brands listed include Tesla, Honda, Hyundai, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Ford, Nissan, Ferrari, and Kia. Overall, 13 automotive brands made it to the list in 2023, down from 15 brands in 2022.
According to Interbrand, each brand is evaluated based on three main factors: the financial performance of their products or services, their role in purchase decisions, and the strength of the brand in fostering customer loyalty.
With a brand value of USD 64.5 billion (RM 301.4 billion), Toyota maintains its position at the top of the automotive segment. Following closely is Mercedes-Benz with a value of USD 61.4 billion (equivalent to RM 286.92 billion).
Meanwhile, BMW’s brand value of USD 51.2 billion (RM 239.26 billion) is sufficient to place it in third position, surpassing Tesla, which has a value of USD 49.9 billion (RM 233.18 billion).
Honda maintains its fifth position, followed by Hyundai and Audi. Porsche, another German brand, has improved its brand value, surpassing Volkswagen and Ford to claim the eighth position.
BMW is one of the manufacturers in Malaysia that offers a wide range of electric vehicle (EV) models, including the i4, i7, iX1, iX3, and iX. This time, Engear was given the opportunity by BMW Malaysia to spend the weekend with the iX3.
There is a secret, although the iX3 is a relatively new, futuristic, and state-of-the-art EV model, it possesses the characteristics of a traditional BMW. Why? Because it is a true rear-wheel-drive vehicle.
Yes, the BMW M3 now has all-wheel drive with the xDrive system, but the iX3, an EV SUV, is rear-wheel drive. Truly, it’s a strange world we live in now.
RWD Configuration
The BMW iX3 has a rear-wheel-drive configuration because it is powered by a single electric motor installed on the rear axle, with an output of 282hp and 400Nm of torque. This motor draws power from a 73.8kWh battery that gives the iX3 a driving range of up to 453km.
We insist on talking about RWD; why is it so important? Perhaps most drivers don’t care. It’s an interesting fact because when the front tires don’t need to deliver power and only bear the responsibility of steering, it results in a very precise and direct steering feel.
So, does this mean the car is fast? Not necessarily. It just means that the iX3 has the “feel” or sensation of a true sports car; 100% power at the rear tires, 100% steering by the front tires. When was the last time you drove a car like this?
But to say this BMW iX3 is slow, not quite. The performance is still solid. Despite weighing 2,200kg, it’s still capable of accelerating to 100km/h in 6.8 seconds, faster than most cars. The maximum speed is capped at “only” 180km/h, as is common with EVs.
However, it’s true that throughout the writer’s experience driving the BMW iX3, handling in corners was quite balanced and satisfying. Its weight is centered, the steering provides plenty of feedback, and the 400Nm of torque is accessible most of the time.
Driving at night is accompanied by BMW Laser Light, which not only looks sophisticated but also provides strong visibility for the driver. Indirectly, this also adds to the safety aspect.
Luxurious and practical for everyday use
The BMW iX3 we drove is an M Sport Impressive variant, so it gets a sporty body kit despite the presence of blue EV elements.
The blue elements can be seen on the closed grille, air intakes on the front bumper, and rear diffuser. However, the sporty elements dominate the exterior design of this iX3 M Sport, such as the 20-inch rims, aggressive side bumpers, and prominent rear diffuser design, in addition to the roof spoiler.
The side profile of the BMW iX3 is still classic SUV, and resembles the X3, signaling its familial aspect with other models. It should also be noted that the lower floor of this iX3 is nearly flat like a sports car, and it works in conjunction with the rear diffuser.
Only the overall cabin area feels ordinary and not too special. Its dashboard displays a design that we are already familiar with, not bad, just perhaps a bit dated.
However, if you diligently delve into its central screen, there is a lot of exclusive content for the electric model. This includes power distribution menus, regenerative mode, and charging planning.
The writer quite likes the 464-watt Harman Kardon audio system in this iX3, which can make you enjoy driving this car because it can play your favorite songs with a very pleasant sound. Even if your spouse asks you to buy a packet of sugar, you will be eager to drive the BMW iX3 even for short distances.
Space is not an issue for the iX3, it is quite spacious with sufficient leg and headroom for five adults.
Travel data
Well, now we shouldn’t forget the fact that the BMW iX3 is an EV, so how about its performance and daily practicality? Is 453km sufficient? In all honesty, when we got the car, its battery was at 95 percent with only 313km of driving range. Oh dear! How did that happen?
It should be noted that the EV car’s range reading is calculated based on the previous driving behavior. Perhaps the previous driver of the iX3 didn’t hold back, enjoying the 400Nm torque it offers.
From the writer’s experience, despite the displayed range being 313km, the writer managed to drive over 350km with 25km of range left when returning the iX3. How so? The writer did a lot of city driving at speeds below 120km/h, with frequent stop-and-go situations.
So, the car’s 2.2-ton weight gave momentum for the regenerative system to replenish energy back into the battery every time the writer slowed down. It can be said that in 90 percent of the writer’s driving situations, the brake pedal wasn’t pressed; simply lifting the foot off the accelerator pedal, and the iX3 used regen to stop, rather than the disc brakes.
Its regen system can also be adjusted at various levels, depending on the conditions and suitability. From the writer’s experience, you can use maximum regen in the city and for slow driving, while minimum regen for faster highway driving.
So, the writer didn’t run out of battery over several days of driving the iX3 around Kuala Lumpur, which is a good thing, isn’t it? But for your information, the iX3 will take seven and a half hours for a full charge if using AC. If using fast DC charging, it supports up to 150kW, meaning 80 percent of the battery can be reached in just 32 minutes.
Should I buy it?
The EV market in Malaysia has indeed been disrupted by the presence of Tesla, offering models with a driving range of over 500km at prices below RM200,000.
So, how about the BMW iX3? The M Sport Inspiring variant starts at RM307,160, while the M Sport Impressive variant that we tested is priced at RM328,160.
In the writer’s opinion, true car enthusiasts don’t mind all that, especially BMW enthusiasts. The iX3 is suitable for BMW owners who want EV technology after having a 5-Series or X3 at home.
The iX3 will be a practical EV for urban use, while maintaining a sporty image and appeal to “petrolheads”. In fact, it doesn’t immediately look like an EV at first glance, if that’s what you prefer.
