BMW Malaysia has launched the 5-Series and 6-Series GT that are updated for the 2021 model year.
While the outgoing W213 Mercedes-Benz E-Class is also due for a facelift in Malaysia, it seems that Malaysians will be served with new facelifted models from Munich first.
The 5-Series facelift is available in two trims, namely 530i and 530e, while the sole Sixer is the 630i GT, with all cars kitted in M Sport and are locally-assembled.
"The latest variants of the iconic BMW 5-Series offer a dynamic driving experience that is beheld in its class, and we are honoured to be able to lead this change towards electromobility in Malaysia to much greater heights for both our loyal customers and enthusiasts of the brand," said BMW Malaysia managing director Hans de Visser.
"With its distinctive vehicle character, the new BMW 6-Series Gran Turismo (GT) occupies a class that is unparalleled in the automotive world and yet is still undeniably BMW."
530I AND 530E M SPORT
Design-wise, both the 530i and 530e get reshaped LED headlights, making them appear in closer resemblance to the 7-Series.
The headlights on the 530i M Sport feature the BMW Laserlight system while the lights on the 530e M Sport are Adaptive LED units.
Elsewhere, both cars can be distinguished by larger front air intakes, new L-shaped LED taillights with 3D effect, and 19-inch M light alloy Y-Spoke 845 M dual-tone jet black wheels with run-flat tyres.
Since both cars come with the M Sport package, they are fitted with sportier components, including adaptive suspension, M Sport brake with blue-painted callipers, and twin exhaust tailpipes with trapezoidal design and more pronounced diffuser.
The major difference between the two is, of course, the powerplant, with the 530i M Sport boasting a pure, more conventional internal combustion engine while the 530e M Sport has a plug-in hybrid engine.
Under the hood of the 530i is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine making 252hp and 350Nm of torque.
It can go from zero to 100kph in 6.4 seconds with a 250kph top speed, and consumes 6.7 litres of petrol per 100km.
The 530e is powered by the similar 2.0-litre engine but aided by BMW's latest eDrive electric motor for a total system output of 292hp and 420Nm of torque.
It can complete the century sprint in 5.9 seconds but has a lower top speed of 235kph.
The 530e also has lower fuel consumption at 2.3 litre per 100km and is capable of up to 67km of pure electric drive (according to NEDC).
Both cars are equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission that channels power to the rear wheels.
The 530e will take approximately three hours and 35 minutes to charge fully via the BMW i-Wallbox, or under six hours with a conventional main socket.
Further enhancing the driving experience of the new BMW 530e M Sport and the BMW 530i M Sport are the dynamic stability control that is complemented by dynamic traction control, cornering brake control, dynamic brake control and the anti-lock braking system with brake assist.
Safety is also uniquely offered in the BMW 530e M Sport via a specially-created sound emitted through a loudspeaker system that alerts pedestrians and cyclists of the vehicle.
This is activated when the vehicle is travelling in full electric mode at speeds of up to 30 kph.
In the interior, both cars boast comfortable yet elegant design language, furnished with Aluminium Rhombicle trim, Dakota Leather upholstery and BMW individual anthracite headliner, but the electrical glass roof is exclusive to the 530i.
The M Sport items are also present, including the leather steering wheel, sports seats and side sills.
Both cars are pretty loaded with technologies, too, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster ahead of the driver and an equally larger central infotainment unit with BMW Operating System 7.
The new BMW 530i and 530e are available in five colours, namely Alpine White or Carbon Black (paired with Black or Cognac Leather Dakota Upholstery), Phytonic Blue and Sophisto Grey or Bluestone (paired with Black Leather Dakota upholstery).
The BMW 530i M Sport is priced at RM384,941.86 while the 530e M Sport sells at RM334,353.95.
630I GT M SPORT
If the 5-Series may look a little too "regular", the BMW 630i GT is perfect for those who want to be different.
It is not a traditional sedan nor a sport utility vehicle but rather what BMW calls a "Gran Turismo" (GT).
Also a facelift, the 6-Series GT gets redesigned headlights, a larger kidney grille, new front and rear bumper, and new LED Laserlight with high-beam assist.
Just like the 530i and 530e, the 630i GT arrives in M Sport trim, meaning it is dressed in a sporty package consisting of 20-inch M light alloy wheels, run-flat tyres, blue painted M Sport brake callipers, and a new diffuser flanked with twin trapezoidal exhausts.
Unique feature to the 6-Series GT is an active rear spoiler for the tailgate that automatically raises at 120kph and is retracted once the car slows to 80kph.
Under the hood of the 630i GT is a B48 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that serves up 258hp and 400Nm of torque.
Paired to an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic, the car can go from zero to 100kph in just 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 250kph.
The car features a luxurious interior and slightly elevated seats, and the equipment includes Dakota Leather upholstery.
It also gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, four-zone climate control and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.
The BMW 630i GT M Sport is retailed at RM417,659.05.
All prices are without the sales tax but come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, free scheduled service programme, BMW roadside assistance and accident hotline service.