BMW Group Malaysia has started off the new year with a bang with the introduction of new and refreshed models to its lineup.
First off is an update to the popular BMW 3 Series in the form of three M Sport variants: 320i, 330i, and 330e.
The 320i M Sport houses an inline four-cylinder engine that delivers a maximum of 184hp and 300Nm of torque. It is capable of sprinting from zero to 100kph in 7.4 seconds with a top speed of 235kph.
The 330i M Sport has an inline four-cylinder engine that delivers a maximum of 258hp and 400Nm of torque. It can complete the century sprint in 5.8 seconds, with a top speed of 250kph.
The 330e M Sport's new four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain delivers a maximum combined output of 292hp and 420Nm of torque. The electric motor delivers 109hp (80kW) and 265Nm of torque on its own.
It can accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 5.8 seconds, with a top speed of 230kph (electric top speed is capped at 140kph)
Physically, the three have received virtually identical updates for the most part, with a more dynamic-aggressive look at the front, central air intake with honeycomb pattern for the M Sport package, front apron with lateral air curtains and redesigned LED headlights.
The BMW Curved Display makes its 3 Series debut here, accompanied by the BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch information display and a high-resolution 14.9-inch control display with touchscreen functionality.
All of these run on BMW Operating System 8.
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional suite features BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, Control Display, the BMW iDrive Controller and touch-only direct access controls, and the BMW Head-Up Display.
Other standard features are the comfort access, remote software update and BMW ID. The Connected Package Professional includes digital services such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The standard driving assistant features include lane departure warning with active steering interventions, lane change warning, front collision warning with brake intervention, rear crossing traffic warning, rear collision warning, speed limit info and manual speed limit assist.
The Parking Assistant feature consists of park assist, active park distance control, lateral parking aid, reversing assist camera and reversing assistant.
The M Sport package adds M aerodynamics package in high-gloss black, M Sport suspensions (except for the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), M High-glow Shadow Line, M designation on the sides, M entry sills, M driver's footrest and M pedals, sports seats, M Anthracite headliner and instrument cluster with M specific display.
The 320i M Sport is priced from RM283,800, 330i M Sport from RM317,800 and 330e M Sport from RM 298,800.
CE 04
However, the show stealer was BMW Motorrad Malaysia's first publicly available electric scooter.
The futuristic looking CE 04 has a low stretched-out profile and tubular steel main frame that's furnished in Light White and matt black sections (inclusive of "floating" seat) in the front and side areas.
At the front is a telescopic fork that guides the front wheel and equipped with a twin disc brake, while the rear wheel control consists of a single sided swingarm. The suspension and damping are performed by a directly controlled, fully covered spring strut.
Tyres are measured at 120/70 R15 67H for the front and 160/60 R15 56H for the rear.
LED lighting units have been implemented for the headlamp in both high beam and low beam, the rear light, as well as the turn indicators. Adaptive Headlight Pro is also included as standard, alongside daytime running lights and special light functions, such as "Welcome" and "Good Bye".
At the heart sits a magnetic, liquid cooled electric motor mounted in the lower frame that is located between the air-cooled lithium-ion high-voltage battery and the rear wheel - said to contribute to its low gravity design.
The motor generates a maximum output of 31kW (42hp) and 62Nm of torque, allowing for a stop-and-go acceleration from zero to 50kph in 2.6 seconds and zero to 100 kph in 9.1 seconds. Its top speed is set at 120kph.
Battery cell capacity is at 60.6Ah (8.9 kWh) with a maximum range of 130km. The lithium-ion battery is charged using the integrated charging device, which can be done at any regular household power socket, wallbox or public charging station.
A full charge to the battery's maximum capacity takes one hour and 40 minutes with quick charging (output of up to 6.9kW) or four hours and 20 minutes (with output of 2.3kW) with standard charging.
Consumption according to WMTC is an estimated 7.7kWh per 100km.
It has four riding modes (ECO, Rain, Road, and Dynamic), and features Automatic Stability Control and the latest generation BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro.
It comes fitted with a 10.25-inch TFT colour display with Integrated Map Navigation and connectivity function with the BMW Motorrad Connected App.
No official price has yet been given but it has been hinted at an estimated RM60,000.
K 1600 B
The more traditional rider gets the K 1600 B that's available in Black Storm Metallic and Manhattan Metallic Matte (Style Exclusive).
The Bagger has a shortened windscreen, accessorised forged handlebars and rear LED indicators and brake lights integrated into the side cases.
The black four-stroke six-cylinder in-line engine with Engine Protection Guard is paired with a six speed helical-toothed gearbox to deliver 160hp and 180Nm of torque.
It can sprint from zero to 100kph in 9.1 seconds with a top speed of 200kph. It has a range of approximately 130km and a 5.9L/100km rated fuel consumption.
It has a 10.25-inch colour TFT display with an Integrated Map Navigation powered by the BMW Motorrad Connected App.
The Riding Assistance functions include BMW Motorrad Integral ABS Pro, Automatic Stability Control, brake control, dynamic traction control, hill start control, electronic cruise control and tyre pressure control.
It is priced at RM173,500 on-the-road excluding insurance.
ALL-ELECTRIC MINI IN NANUQ WHITE
The all-electric MINI or MINI Cooper SE has now been refreshed with new features to give it an added 2023 edge in the heated electric vehicle (EV) market.
It now comes in Nanuq White exterior colour with Panaromic sunroof and seat heating feature.
The lights package includes Adaptive LED headlights and Exterior Mirror Package while other exterior highlights include 17-inch Electric Power Spoke with RFT Classic Trim wheels, mirror caps in yellow-black, and roof in black.
Interior finishing includes carbon black leatherette and Anthracite headliner.
Returning is a five-inch digital instrument cluster alongside an 8.8-inch touchscreen powered by the MINI Connected infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay.
There's also the 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, MINI Navigation System and a head-up display.
Its Driving Assistant suite includes lane departure warning, approach control warning and light city braking, rear view camera, dynamic traction control, and electronic differential lock control.
The car has a performance of 184hp and 270Nm of torque. It can sprint from zero to 100 kph in 7.3 seconds with a 150kph top speed.
Its battery capacity is at 28.9kWh with a max WLTP rated range of up to 232km. Consumption is rated at 17.6kWh/100km.
Battery charging time is around two hours and 30 minutes to reach 80 per cent through its onboard AC charger that supports up to 11kW of power. This is reduced to 36 minutes with the 50kW DC fast charger.
Its price starts from RM191,546.