THE curtains have closed on the year 2023, which seemed like a busy period for the Malaysian electric vehicle market, thanks to the influx of new offerings coming on to the local EV scene.
So without further ado, let’s revisit the 10 most exciting EVs launched in our market throughout last year. Not that the cars in this list is not sorted in order.
Tesla Model 3 Highland
The Model 3 facelift, also known as the Highland, was launched shortly after Tesla marked its entry into Malaysia with the Model Y.
The electric sedan is arguably the most anticipated EV of the year, and this is not surprising as it looks even better than before and comes with various improvements and competitive pricing.
Unfortunately, we have yet to try the new Model 3 but we have a feeling that the driving experience will be rather different from other EVs with the omission of the gear selector and turn indicators.
Audi e-tron GT
Unlike the Porsche Taycan, the Audi e-tron GT can definitely make you feel you’re Mr Stark himself.
The e-tron GT is easily one the most attractive EVs on the market, and its on-track performance has also been proven during a test drive session at the Sepang International Circuit a while ago.
For the Malaysian market, you can get the e-tron GT in the base version or the RS version, which has higher power output, a rear differential lock, rear-wheel steering, and an adaptive air suspension system.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has been actively expanding its EQ electric vehicle lineup, this time with the launch of yet another model, the EQS SUV.
Available in the sole EQS 580 4Matic AMG Line variant, it is equipped with a 107.8 kWh battery that offers a range of up to 615 km on a full charge. Rapid DC charging at 200 kW allows the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in 31 minutes.
There’s a long list of standard features on board, which include AMG Line body kit, 22-inch AMG wheels, MBUX infotainment system with Hyperscreen, and Airmatic air suspension system.
BMW i7
Say what you want about exterior design of the i7, but this car has earned BMW’s “most powerful EV” title with a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3.7 seconds for the M70 variant.
In the xDrive60 M Sport guise, this electric limousine has 544 PS and 745 Nm, enabling acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 240 km/h. Its range is equally impressive at 625 km.
If performance is not your priority, the i7 still offers a high level of comfort and luxury that can be expected from the 7 Series. There’s plenty of new tech and gadgets inside, including a 31.3-inch drop-dpwn screen for the rear passangers.
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Following the encouraging response received for the Ioniq 5, Hyundai has decided to introduce another EV model to the local market, namely the Ioniq 6.
This streamliner-shaped sedan is available in Max RWD and Max AWD variants, offering ranges of up to 614 km and 519 km, with prices ranging from RM289,888 to RM319,888.
If that seems expensive, Hyundai also offers Lite and Plus variants priced from RM219,888. Most of the standard features are retained, but both variants have a lower power output, and the range is shorter at 429 km.
