Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.
Latest Featured Stories
Jaecoo J7 PHEV review - cheapest PHEV on sale!
Latest Carro Malaysia Cars For Sale
10% discount when you renew your car insurance with us
Search oto.my Car Classifieds
Latest Stories
-
Firefly EV shown at Auto Shanghai 2025 – compact EV confirmed for Singapore; will it head to Malaysia next?
Officially unveiled at the end of last year, the Firefly EV has now been shown at the ongoing Auto Shanghai 2025 in China. Emerging from Nio sub-brand firefly, the brand had announced earlier this week that the right-hand-drive version of its eponymous compact electric vehicle will be ready by October this year, with the United Kingdom and Southeast Asia being the first markets to receive it.
Having gone on sale in China in two variants, priced from RMB119,800 (RM72k) to RMB125,800 (RM75k) including battery, buyers in China will also have the option of renting batteries through a battery-as-a-service (BaaS) programme, which is expected to decrease the price of these variants by tens of thousands of yuan.
Safety comes with a five-star C-NCAP rating, a body built using 83.4% high-strength steel, torsional rigidity of 35,700 Nm per degree, nine airbags and ADAS features.
Measuring 4,003 mm long, 1,781 mm wide and 1,557 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,615 mm, the Firefly is slightly smaller than the BYD Dolphin, but larger than the BYD Seagull. Storage in the Firefly is comprised of a 95-litre frunk and a 1,250-litre boot (with the rear seats folded), while turning radius is 4.7 metres.
The display car at Auto Shanghai 2025 offers us a look inside, revealing an interior layout that is of the now-commonplace dual screens on a minimalist dashboard; the steering wheel is a two-spoke multifunction unit.
The flat floor and lack of central tunnel connecting the dashboard and centre console means that front seat occupants have room to move between seats, while the centre console features a cupholder and a storage recess ahead of the centre armrest with its own compartment. Similarly, rear seat occupants benefit from the flat floor, and the rear seat bench can be lifted to reveal two more storage compartments.
With a distributorship in Singapore expected to be signed for the brand this week, the brand’s entry into a right-hand-drive market could open the door to an introduction to Malaysia as well. What do you think of the Firefly?
-
-
Geely Galaxy Cruiser debuts in Shanghai with rugged 4×4 looks, PHEV powertrain – Proton eMas off-roader?
Geely’s big debut at the ongoing Auto Shanghai 2025 show is the Galaxy Cruiser, a striking new off-road-ready concept. China’s largest privately-owned carmaker looks to be finally entering the country’s burgeoning 4×4 market with a car that ditches the company’s own design language in favour of a slightly derivative boxy aesthetic.
All the hallmarks are present and correct – a flat roof, an upright glasshouse, a bluff front end, chunky silver bumpers, protruding squared-off fender flares and a sturdy roof rack. The concept even gets a step ladder and a storage box on either side, items that were popularised by the Land Rover Defender.
The front end sports a full-width rectangular grille that integrates the round headlights, which Geely says “embody ancient wisdom.” These, together with the vertical taillights, have been inspired by an armillary sphere. There’s also an external spare wheel that’s typical of this segment.
The angular design language continues on the inside, where the Galaxy Cruiser features several rectangular cues rather reminiscent of BYD’s Fangchengbao series of vehicles. These include the general dashboard design, the horn pad and switches on the steering wheel, the large floating infotainment touchscreen, the toggle switches on the centre console and the rollers to select the drive and off-road modes.
Elsewhere, the distinctive gear selector has been inspired by the throttle on a yacht, while the passenger-side dash is fitted with additional off-road-focused instruments such as a compass. Don’t expect the latter to make it to production, however, as they would complicate the airbag’s deployment.
Geely says the Galaxy Cruiser is able to crab walk, make tank turns and even drive on three wheels, the latter hinting at BYD-style hydraulic suspension that can raise one wheel if, say, the tyre is flat. It is also claimed to be capable of drifting without a driver and pass a moose test at speeds of up to 80 km/h. The car has a water-wading depth rating of 800 mm, and like the Yangwang U8, it can float on water for up to two hours, driving at speeds of up to 8.5 km/h.
This being a flight-of-fancy concept, there are no details whatsoever on what powers the car. Geely does say, however, that the Galaxy Cruiser is capable of switching from full electric drive, hybrid and range extended modes using AI technology, hinting at a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The company already offers such a system in efficient EM-i and performance EM-P variants.
Geely also says the Galaxy Cruiser uses its in-house-developed Aegis short blade battery, comes with satellite communications and utilises G-AES Universal Obstacle Continuous Automatic Avoidance Technology. That last bit allows the car to avoid hazards while off-roading using satellite remote sensing and “drone scouting,” it further claims.
Given that Proton has been redeveloping products from the Galaxy range such as the E5 as eMas, we could very well see the national carmaker offer the production Galaxy Cruiser as an eMas off-roader, which would be a fascinating prospect. Helping matters is the fact that the concept is far more production-ready than last year’s Galaxy Starship, meaning that it should reach Chinese showrooms sooner rather than later.
-
-
Geely Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i shown at Auto Shanghai 2025 – Proton eMas 7 PHEV twin gets 120 km EV range
The Geely Galaxy Starship 7 EM-i is shown at the ongoing Auto Shanghai 2025 in China, and so we can now have a look at the petrol-electric hybrid SUV in the metal. The Galaxy Starship 7 brings a second-generation NordThor 2.0 plug-in hybrid powertrain – a development of the EM-P powertrain used by Lynk & Co – boasting some lofty numbers.
Essentially a Galaxy E5/Proton eMas 7 with a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, the 1.5 litre turbocharger four-cylinder petrol engine used here attains thermal efficiency of 46.6%, enabled by a combustion chamber developed to have increased air swirl. Outputs from this engine are 111 PS and 136 Nm.
This is mated to an 11-to-1 electrified dedicated hybrid transmission (E-DHT) combining a P1 integrated starter-generator and P3 drive motor for outputs of 218 PS and 262 Nm, propelling the Galaxy Starship 7 from 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 180 km/h.
In China, two battery sizes are offered – a 8.5 kWh battery offers 55km of purely electric running on the Chinese domestic CLTC testing standard, while the larger, 12.02 kWh battery increases that figure to 120 km. When combined with the 1.5 litre internal combustion engine and its 51 litre fuel tank, Geely quotes a total range of 1,420 km, at a rate of fuel consumption of 3.75 litres per 100 km.
For charging, Geely says that the Galaxy Starship 7 can take up to 1.9C charging, or 1.9 times its battery capacity, working out to around 36 kW of DC charging. A recharge from 30-80% takes 20 minutes, and Galaxy Starship 7 also offers vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality.
In terms of exterior dimensions, the Galaxy Starship 7 measures 4,740 mm long, 1,905 mm wide and 1,685 mm tall with a 2,755 mm wheelbase, making it 125 mm longer, 4 mm wider and 15 mm taller than the E5, while wheelbase is 5 mm longer than that of its EV sibling.
As seen here, and where the Galaxy Starship 7 differs from the Galaxy E5 and eMas 7 are in the use of conventional exterior door handles, whereas the EV duo get pop-out handles which are flush-mounted within the door panel.
Meanwhile, and also as seen in earlier official images, the Galaxy Starship 7 wears some detail differences which distinguishes it from the E5/eMas 7 EVs. At its front end is a full-width light bar with tiered DRLs on either side, while the main headlamp beams are now lower towards the bumper.
At the rear, the full-width tail lamp assembly is slightly different compared to that on the E5 and eMas 7, while the tailgate and rear bumper are also different, with different designs and shutlines.
Inside, the dashboard architecture is shared with the E5/eMas 7, albeit with a revised layout that is now more symmetrical in its centre console and air-conditioning vents. Meanwhile, the multifunction and air-conditioning controls have also been relocated further down the console.
As for its Malaysian relation, Proton has trademarked the eMas 7 PHEV name, indicating the company’s intent for the Malaysian brand. Should this come to fruition, it would provide an alternative to the battery-electric eMas 7 for those who want added range between battery-enforced stops. 3
-
-
GWM Wey 80 Gaoshan 9 debuts in Shanghai – longer 6-seat luxury version of Malaysia-bound MPV
The über-luxury MPV market is huge in China right now, and GWM is entering the segment in the big way with the Wey Gaoshan 9, a lengthened version of the already ginormous Wey 80, debuting at Auto Shanghai 2025. A massive 365 mm increase in rear overhang allows the people carrier to better compete with rivals such as the Lexus LM, Denza D9 and Zeekr 009 while still offering three rows of seats.
Yes, GWM isn’t jumping on the four-seater bandwagon occupied by the likes of the LM and the 009 Grand. The extra length instead frees up space for a second pair of full-sized captain’s chairs, meaning that the Gaoshan 9 is a strict six-seater. Such is the added spaciousness that not only does the car offer plenty of room in the rearmost pews, but also a decent 315 litre boot even with all seats up. Stow the third row and you’ll get a maximum cargo space of 1,975 litres.
The Gaoshan 9 also receives a plush second row with plenty of power adjustment, being able to recline and even tilt at the touch of a button to put passengers in an optimum resting position in concert with the powered ottomans.
These passengers also get heating, ventilation and massage functions, a 17.3-inch roof-mounted monitor with gesture control, a fold-out table and a refrigerated drawer. Other features include voice control for all six occupants, a 23-speaker, 2,440-watt sound system and no less than six karaoke microphones.
The Gaoshan 9 variant (and the shorter seven-seater Gaoshan 8) was introduced as part of a comprehensive update for the Gaoshan, which is what the Wey 80 is called in China. While the design has been left unchanged, the front cabin has been significantly redesigned with the addition of twin 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreens for the centre and front passenger. These screens run the latest Coffee OS 3 with generative AI support, powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip.
Power comes from an updated Hi4-T plug-in hybrid system, consisting of a 170 PS/245 Nm 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 109 PS/170 Nm electric motor and a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), plus another 184 PS/232 Nm motor driving the rear wheels. Total system output is 458 PS and 644 Nm of torque, and with a 51.55 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, the Gaoshan 9 has a WLTP-rated electric range of 201 km, leading to a total range of 963 km.
Will the Gaoshan 9 come to Malaysia? It seems like a distinct possibility – asked by the media yesterday whether it will be sold in ASEAN, GWM chairman Jack Wey said the car is being considered for right-hand-drive production, noting that the car offers several advantages over the all-conquering Alphard.
If a RHD model does end up being made, it will likely be CKD locally assembled in Malaysia alongside the Wey 80, which will enter production at the EP Manufacturing (EPMB) plant in Melaka starting in 2025. That car will be exported to Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries, Wey confirmed.
-
-
Audi Q7 CKD starts production in Pekan – first CKD Audi in Malaysia and Southeast Asia, RM469k-489k est
Production of the second-gen, second-facelift Audi Q7 has begun at DRB-Hicom’s Pekan, Pahang plant at a rate of three units a day (five-day work week), ahead of its launch next month. The SUV, which has been open for booking since April 10 at an estimated price of RM469k-RM489k, is the first locally-assembled (CKD) Audi in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
“This manufacturing plant and its transformation with a modernised and updated product portfolio is really a centre of excellence. Customers will continue to experience the same Audi quality, performance and luxury – now made in Malaysia,” said Volkswagen Group Malaysia MD Dr Susanne Lehmann.
The Pekan plant, which currently assembles Volkswagens Golf, Arteon, Tiguan Allspace and Touareg (the Audi Q7’s sister), is also expected to roll out other Audi models in the future, at a capacity of 5,000 units per annum. An initial investment of over RM12 million has been made towards this.
Offered in a single 3.0 TFSI S line variant, the Q7’s RM469k-489k estimated price range compares favourably against its German rivals – the BMW X5 xDrive50e starts from RM494,800 and the Mercedes-Benz GLE450 (with a four-year warranty) at RM524,888. The Audi and Mercedes have seven seats.
You get a 3.0 litre turbocharged TFSI V6, the same one you’ll find in the Volkswagen Touareg and making an identical 340 PS from 5,200 to 6,400 rpm; peak torque, meanwhile, gets boosted by 50 Nm to 500 Nm, made between 1,370 and 4,500 rpm. Unlike its mainstream-badged sibling, the Audi pairs the six-pot with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, using a belt-driven starter-generator to allow engine-off coasting for up to 40 seconds between 55 and 160 km/h.
All that extra torque means that despite the two extra seats and typical Audi blubber, the Q7 is able to rocket from zero to 100 km/h four tenths of a second quicker than the Touareg, taking 5.6 seconds to complete the century sprint on its way to an electronically-limited 250 km/h. The mill is mated to an eight-speed ZF auto and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
The last Q7 to be sold in Malaysia officially was the pre-first facelift second-gen model in the late 2010s, which was priced up to RM600k. This second facelift gets a new front fascia with sharper headlights – replete with eyebrow-style daytime running lights – allied to an octagonal Singleframe grille with an open hexagonal mesh, while vertical air inlets sit at either corner. You also get OLED taillights, and both the front and rear light signatures can be customised to your liking.
Local models come standard with HD matrix LED headlights with laser high beams and the S line package, the latter throwing on a sportier air intake design, a rear diffuser and body-coloured cladding. They also get the black styling package plus which lends a black finish to the grille, door mirrors and other components for a meaner look. A set of 22-inch Audi Sport V-spoke two-tone alloy wheels completes the look.
Various tweaks over several years have made the Q7’s interior look very similar to the Q8‘s, with acres of silver and gloss black trim, and three screens – a 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit instrument display (which can now show surrounding road users in 3D), a 10.1-inch upper centre touchscreen with Volkswagen’s third-gen modular infotainment system (MIB 3), and an 8.6-inch display below it to control certain vehicular functions and the four-zone climate control.
Again, the S line pack proffers a sportier look, with a flat-bottomed steering wheel and power-adjustable sports seats plus upholstered in quilted Valcona leather. The pews, by the way, come with heating, ventilation and memory, along with powered lumbar support.
Other bits of standard equipment include a head-up display, soft-closing doors, rear door sunshades, Audi Connect navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Qi wireless charging, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium 3D sound system, a 360-degree camera system, park assist, sports-tuned adaptive air suspension, rear-wheel steering and a hands-free powered tailgate.
Safety-wise, the Q7 comes fully kitted with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane keeping assist, evasive steering assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, reverse AEB, a door opening warning and adaptive high beam.
Click to enlarge
-
-
GWM Tank 300 Hooke shown in Shanghai – hardcore off-roader with solid axles and possible V8 power
Unveiled alongside the facelifted GWM Tank 300 at the ongoing Auto Shanghai 2025 show is a new hardcore off-road version called the Tank 300 Hooke. The 4×4 gains some serious off-road hardware and is similar in theme to the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or Ford Bronco Raptor.
Named after the Hooke Trail in western China, the Tank 300 Hooke gets a beefier front bumper with built-in tow hooks, 18-inch beadlock alloy wheels wrapped in chunky Cooper Discover all-terrain tyres, rock sliders/side steps and a new rear bumper with a tow hitch attached.
Peek under the car and you’ll find a live front axle to join the one at the rear, as well as uprated suspension that almost certainly raises the Tank 300’s ground clearance, allied to a strengthened ladder frame. Expect the final version to also feature bash plates to protect sensitive components from any impact.
No details on what powers the Hooke just yet, but coincidentally GWM also unveiled its new in-house-developed 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged V8, built specifically for the Tank sub-brand. The mill bears some striking similarities to Mercedes-AMG’s V8, sharing the same nominal capacity and “hot V” turbo configuration; it also is claimed to offer IPX8 water resistance, meaning it will be able to be submerged.
The company did not specifically say the engine will be fitted to the Hooke, but it’s clear the car has been reengineered to accept a larger powertrain. Nowhere is this more evident than in the longer dash-to-axle ratio, subtly disguised by the Hooke-branded fender vents.
-
-
iCar V23 in Shanghai – compact EV off-roader with up to 211 PS, 550 km CLTC range; Malaysia-bound?
This is the iCar V23, an electric vehicle (EV) that was jointly develop by Chery and Xiaomi’s subsidiary Zhimi Technology (also known as Smartmi). In China, the V23, which is present at this year’s Auto Shanghai, is priced between 109,800 and 149,800 yuan (about RM66k and RM90k) and is available with either rear- or all-wheel drive.
RWD variants are equipped with an electric motor rated at 136 PS (134 hp or 100 kW) and 180 Nm of torque. Power for the electric motor is provided by either a 59.93-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) or 81.76-kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery. The LFP battery provides a range of 401 km following China’s generous CLTC standard, while the NMC option bumps it up to 550 km.
As for the AWD variant, it can only be had with the NMC battery. This variant adds an electric motor at the front serving up 75 PS (74 hp or 55 kW) and 112 Nm, with the total system output being 211 PS (208 hp or 155 kW) and 292 Nm. The increased grunt does diminish range, which is up to 501 km. Both variants come with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system capable of delivering 3.3 kW, and DC fast charging will get the batteries from a 30-80% state of charge in about 30 minutes.
iCar doesn’t provide 0-100 km/h times on their official website, but we do get 0-50 km/h times, which are 4.8 and 3.5 seconds for the RWD and AWD respectively. The V23 has a kerb weight of between 1,710 and 1,825 kg, and it measures 4,220 mm long, 1,915 mm wide, 1,845 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2,735 mm.
While the performance is nothing to shout about, the V23 appeals in other ways. As a start, it looks rather attractive to those who find rugged-looking off-roaders appealing. The company isn’t shy when mentioning influences for the V23’s design and “saluted classics” like the Toyota Landcruiser, Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Land Rover Defender on stage.
In following these cars, the V23 is has minimum ground clearance of 200 mm, a wading depth of 600 mm, an approach angle of 42 degrees and a departure angle of 40 degrees.
The retro-inspired design is also meant to be modular and highly customisable, with the company showcasing a variety of accessories and concepts so buyers can make their V23 look exactly how they want it. You want a bed at the back? Remove the rear cab and slap on some sports bars. You want it to look even more retro? Change out the grille.
This modularity extends into the cabin, which looks utilitarian and has various types of mounting points for things like a phone mount, extra cupholders and more. The dashboard is as simple as they come: upright and with a large 15.4-inch touchscreen serving as the digital instrument cluster and access to the infotainment system.
In keeping with the rugged theme, there are large dials and toggle switches, the latter including two that are ready to be linked to auxiliaries like extra lights or winches. As you’d expect, the V23 comes with a suite of sensors that enable a range of ADAS functions like autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring and more.
The V23 is iCar’s second model after the 03, the latter also known as the Jaecoo J6 that was previewed in Malaysia last year. The 03/J6 was spotted here last month, which suggests that iCar vehicles are coming our way. Are you hoping the V23 is launched here too?
-
-
AUDI E5 Sportback EV shown in Shanghai, ditches Ingolstadt design for Chinese style; 770 km range
Audi’s new China-exclusive brand, inexplicably still called “AUDI” but in all caps and unaccompanied by the trademark four rings, remains one of Ingolstadt’s most bizarre decisions. At the ongoing Auto Shanghai 2025 show, the company unveiled the first model of the unfortunately-named marque, called the E5 Sportback.
Essentially the production version of last year’s E concept, this big hatchback was developed in collaboration with Audi’s Chinese partner SAIC, built on the brand new Advanced Digitised Platform (ADP). Spinning off AUDI from Audi (yes, I know how ridiculous that sounds) enables the E5 to be catered specifically for the Chinese customer by ditching the main brand’s iconic design cues, such as the “quattro” box flares and the singleframe grille.
In their place are rounded haunches and a new Light Frame – a black ring that encircles the entire front end, incorporating the slim matrix LED headlights, the AUDI script, driving assistance sensors and air inlets. This is framed by an illuminated tessellated pattern made up of more than 1,000 lighting elements.
Moving further back, you’ll find a black roof and a kinked window line that leads up to the thick body-coloured D-pillars, while the rear end receives the same Light Frame as the front, here forming the taillights. A front spoiler, flush pop-out door handles and an elongated rear wing improves aerodynamic efficiency.
Inside, the E5 Sportback adopts several design cues already common in Chinese vehicles. These include a full-width 27-inch display panel that houses screens for the driver, centre and front passenger, as well as headrest speakers and an expansive centre console with storage for two phones and a 50-watt Qi wireless charger. You also get ambient lighting strips built into the wood inlays and an electrochromic glass roof.
The E5’s infotainment is underpinned by a new AUDI OS, running on the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chip and coming with an AI-powered AUDI Assistant and an app store that incorporates facial recognition. The aforementioned ADP includes a zonal electrical architecture, allowing next-generation connectivity and over-the-air updates for all vehicle systems.
This is a car designed for China, so of course the E5 gets highly-automated city and highway driving in the form of AUDI 360 Assisted Driving. Thanks to a lidar sensor, Adaptive Cruise Assist can evade obstacles, identify red lights and perform automated lane changes; it can even detect tricycles and delivery riders, Audi says.
The E5 is available in either rear- or all-wheel drive with power outputs of 299 PS (220 kW), 408 PS (300 kW), 578 PS (425 kW) or 787 PS (579 kW). Battery sizes ranging up to 100 kWh enable a range of up to 770 km (likely on China’s ridiculously lenient CLTC cycle), while an 800-volt electrical architecture means you can get up to 370 km of additional range with just 10 minutes of DC fast charging. Adaptive dampers and rear-wheel steering are also offered.
-
- AUDI E5 Sportback Static photo
-
- AUDI E5 Sportback Detail
-
-
2025 Lexus ES in Shanghai – 8th-gen debuts striking new design, big screens, EV option with 682 km range
One of the biggest debuts at Auto Shanghai 2025 is the new eighth-generation Lexus ES, replacing its seven-year-old predecessor. Once one of the brand’s most conservative models, the front-wheel-drive executive sedan has been radically redesigned, including the addition of a pure electric option.
The sharp exterior has been inspired by the LF-ZC concept and features distinctive Twin-L LED daytime running lights flanking the “spindle body” front graphic, with the shrunken main headlights now integrated into the blacked-out bumper corners.
Along the side, the six-window glasshouse has been extended towards the rear, giving the sedan a more fastback-like profile, while the doors feature a plunging L-shaped graphic that connects the shoulder line to the side sills. Capping off the car’s polarising looks is a tapered rear end with slim full-width taillights and L-shaped “signature” lights in the bumper corners. The ES will be offered in seven colours, including a new light blue hue called Sou.
The comprehensive revamp continues on the inside, where the ES has clearly been designed with the demanding Chinese market in mind. That much is evident in the tech on board, which includes not only a 12.3-inch digital instrument display but also a widescreen display panel housing large infotainment touchscreens on both the centre and passenger side.
Below the centre display sits a row of hidden-until-lit buttons for the temperature controls and certain vehicular functions; they look like capacitive switches but actually offer up a tactile click when pressed to prevent accidental operation. Also on offer are an electrochromic panoramic glass roof, a Mark Levinson surround sound system and a reclining rear seat option, the latter featuring a passenger-side ottoman and a one-touch folding front passenger seat to increase rear legroom.
The interior design of the ES draws plenty of inspiration from bamboo, including the new Aotake light green upholstery option and 3D-printed layered trim with see-through ambient lighting. Spaciousness has been improved by extending the length by some 165 mm, with the wheelbase also growing by 80 mm.
Built on a redesigned Global Architecture – K platform (GA-K), the new ES is available with the usual range of hybrid powertrains. The ES300h pairs a 2.0 litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 197 PS, with all-wheel-drive versions instead gaining a 2.5 litre NA mill for a total of 201 PS. The ES350h gets an uprated 2.5 litre powertrain with a total output of 247 PS.
New to the ES is a pair of fully electric powertrains. The front-wheel drive ES350e produces 224 PS (165 kW) and has a range of around 685 km on China’s ridiculously lenient CLTC cycle, while the ES500e delivers dual-motor all-wheel drive and 343 PS (252 kW), with a slightly shorter range of 610 km.
Safety-wise, the ES’ Lexus Safety System+ suite of driver assists has been upgraded with a new eco function for the adaptive cruise control, navigation-based curve speed reduction, smoother lane change assist, increased junction support for the autonomous emergency braking, a camera-based driver attention monitor, an emergency stop assist and high-definition adaptive high beam.
GALLERY: 2025 Lexus ES official photos-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
- 2025.03.31
-
-
2025 Indian Challenger Elite and Pursuit Elite revealed
That other American motorcycle company has revealed two new limited edition cruisers, the 2025 Indian Challenger Elite and Indian Pursuit Elite. Just 350 Indian Challenger Elites and 250 Indian Pursuit Elites will be made available for purchase worldwide.
Both cruisers come with Indian Motorcycle’s championship-winning, liquid-cooled PowerPlus 112 motor, producing 126 horsepower and 181.4 Nm of torque. This race winning engine was developed for the King of the Baggers factory race team in 2021 and has since given Indian championship victories in 2022 and 2024.
As befits bagger style race bikes, the Challenger Elite and Pursuit Elite are fitted with premium components. These include upside-down forks and dual Brembo brake callipers on the five-spoke machined front wheel.
2025 Indian Pursuit Elite Electronics and riding conveniences abound on the Elites, with hill hold control, electronic combined braking, blind spot warning, tail gate warning and collision warning. There are three ride modes, along with keyless ignition, cruise control, and USB charging.
Inside the cockpit, a seven-inch LCD display is loaded with Indian Motorcycle’s Ride Command, integrating with the rider’s smartphone and offering on-screen navigation, call and message management and music control. The on-board entertainment system is powered by PowerBand Audio.
2025 Indian Challenger Elite The system features Bass Boost and four 100-watt speakers on the Indian Challenger Elite and six 100-watt speakers on the Indian Pursuit Elite. This is complemented by a nine-channel equaliser that compensates automatically for road, wind and engine noise.
Also standard is electronically adjustable rear suspension preload. The electronic system allows riders to seamlessly adjust their preload setting of their rear shock directly within the Ride Command system.
-
-
Zeekr 9X three-row flagship SUV debuts in Shanghai – 2.0T petrol hybrid, 898 PS e-motors, L3 ADAS
A day after initial images emerged, the three-row Zeekr 9X flagship SUV has made its debut at the 2025 Shanghai Motor Show.
This is a large vehicle as befitting its flagship “ultra luxury” positioning, with the 9X measuring 5,239 mm long, 2,029 mm wide and 1,819 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,169 mm. In front, the 9X boasts what it calls the world’s largest integrated grille at 1,245 mm across its widest side at the bottom. Above that is also what Zeekr claims to be the world’s largest clamshell cover, covering an area of 2.15 sq m.
No access to the Zeekr 9X interior was granted at this time, but for rear seat passengers, Zeekr claims that the 9X features the largest rear doors of any new-energy (China’s term for electrified) SUV. These rear doors open to an angle of up to 80 degrees, also aiding access for third-row passengers, says Zeekr.
Confirming earlier rumours, the 9X is the brand’s first hybrid powertrain-equipped model that touts a pure electric range of 380 km on the CLTC Chinese domestic testing standard, which Zeekr claims is the longest EV range attained by any hybrid vehicle.
Electricity for the Zeekr 9X is stored in a CATL Xiaoyao battery, which is part of a 900-volt electrical architecture combined with a 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol internal combustion engine which outputs 205 kW (279 PS) on its own.
Combined with electric drive from a 290 kW (395 PS) front motor and 370 kW (503 PS) rear motor for a combined output of 898 PS, the 9X is capable of a claimed three-second 0-100 km/h sprint, on to a top speed of 240 km/h. The 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine is paired with a three-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels, in conjunction with the dual electric motor setup.
Zeekr claims the 9X is the world’s fastest-charging hybrid SUV, with a rate of 6C charging (six times the kW rating of its battery capacity) enabling a 20-80% replenishment of state of charge in just nine minutes. The official battery capacity has yet to be confirmed by Zeekr.
Rolling stock for the 9X is a set of 22-inch forged alloy wheels; Zeekr says that each of these receive 30 hours of manual polishing to gain the desired mirror-finish. Chassis equipment for the 9X includes dual-chamber air suspension system, with dual-valve continuous damping control.
This can raise the 9X by up to 110 mm for maximum ground clearance of 288 mm, while the hybrid SUV is capably of climbing gradients of up to 70% in deep snow, according to the company.
This is complemented by 48-volt electric active roll stabilisation, which Zeekr says is a first for an SUV from a Chinese brand. This aims to maintain nearly-zero body roll during high-speed cornering, while traversing rough roads is aided by de-coupling the left and right wheels to reduce the effects of bumps.
For driving assistance systems, the Zeekr 9X also brings the debut of the brand’s G-Pilot H9 autonomous driving system, which Zeekr claims brings Level 3 assisted driving capabilities. This is powered by dual Thor chips for a combined computing power of 1,400 TOPS, facilitating five lidar sensors.
The Zeekr 9X shown here will go on sale in the Chinese market in the third quarter of this year. According to Zeekr Malaysia, there has yet to be confirmation of the 9X for the Malaysian market, though if it does, specifications may differ to those of the debut show unit.
2025 Zeekr 9X at Auto Shanghai, China
Zeekr 9X, official images
-
-
SAIC’s MG to launch 17 new models in the next 3 years – ICE, hybrid, PHEV, EV; from city car to full-size
MG will be launching 17 new models over the next three years, the company announced at Auto Shanghai 2025, which opens to the press today. The product blitz of Chinese giant SAIC Motor’s global brand will include seven SUVs, seven passenger cars, two pick-up trucks and one MPV.
These new models will cover all segments, from A-segment city cars to full-size models. Likewise, powertrain options will range from pure internal combustion engine (ICE) to full EVs, with regular hybrids and plug-in hybrids (PHEV) in between.
Offering ICE, HEV, PHEV and BEV is a rather unique strategy for a Chinese carmaker, and SAIC Motor president Gerald Jia Jianxu admitted that Chinese buyers are likely to buy only PHEVs and EVs. However, MG is SAIC’s global brand and a full range of powertrain options will be offered to suit various markets. MG has its eggs in all baskets, so to speak.
The company also revealed efficiency targets for its powertrains – below 4L/100 km (above 25 km/l) fuel economy for HEVs, over 200 km pure electric range for PHEVs, which will also have combined total range of over 2,000 km, and over 1,000 km range for its best EVs.
For the latter, MG says that we can expect solid-state batteries to enter mass production in 2027, and they will have over 400 Wh/kg of energy density. Solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte instead of a liquid one, which enhances cell safety and allows for the use of new anodes like lithium metal. This gives S-S batteries a performance advantage over conventional lithium-ion cells, including higher energy densities.
Higher energy density will translate to higher driving range, although cost will be a factor – we’ll see what MG has up its sleeves. On its part, the company says that it invests 20 billion yuan (RM12.07 billion) in R&D annually.
Models that will be part of the 17 new car blitz includes the MG S6 EV (a larger, more premium sibling of the S5 that will launch in Malaysia soon), the MG P9 pick-up truck, an unnamed compact hatchback EV that’s 4m-long (the MG4 is 4,287 mm long) and a seven-seater ‘mid-size’ SUV. The latter is a HEV with 4WD.
Finally, there will be an all-new MG6, which will be available in three bodystyles – hatchback/crossover, sedan and wagon. What’s an MG6? The MG5 has a C-segment body, so the 6 is likely to be a sleek D-segment global model.
Unfortunately, none of the above are on display at MG’s Auto Shanghai 2025 booth, which star is the super cool MG Cyber X SUV, which you can check out here.
-
-
Mercedes-Benz Vision V concept revealed at Shanghai 2025, previews upcoming VLE and VLS luxury EV vans
What in the blazes? This is the Mercedes-Benz Vision V concept, a crystal ball for the brand’s future portfolio of VAN.EA (Van Electric Architecture)-based luxury EV vans that will include the new VLE and VLS. The EQV will have to give way soon to these.
It’s… striking, definitely. Blobby overall shape, illuminated bonnet ornament, 24-inch wheels, four squinting eyes joined by a light bar and that massive oval of a closed-off grille. No less shocking at the back, with a tail lamp that completely encircles the tailgate – reminds me somehow of Panther’s Ferrari Daytona shooting brake from the 1970s (go on, look it up).
Reports indicate the platform features an 800V electrical system and can be optioned with single- or dual-motor configurations, with flagship variants said to deliver over 500 km on a single charge. At launch, the vans will come with Level 2 self-driving systems, with Level 3 and Level 4 features set to arrive later.
Inside, there are four fully-reclinable tubular-cushioned seats, a tray table that can be used as a chessboard (glass chessmen stored in transparent cabinets), 42 Burmester speakers with Dolby Atmos, plus a glass driver-passenger partition that can be electronically frosted for privacy.
Said partition can also serve as a 65-inch screen for the seven projectors in the headlining and floor. Not enough screen for you? You can project on to the side windows, too.
Mercedes says the production version will not change much from this when it debuts next year to take on the likes of the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire, Lexus LM, Volvo EM90 and an avalanche of Chinese offerings.
Mercedes-Benz Vision V concept at Auto Shanghai 2025
Mercedes-Benz Vision V concept official images
-
-
GWM Ora 07 Touring wagon debuts at Shanghai 2025
Making its world premiere at the ongoing Auto Shanghai 2025 show is the GWM Ora 07 Touring, adding the wagon body style to the Ora sub-brand’s flagship electric vehicle. The longroof is becoming somewhat of a trend in China, with the Zeekr 007 and the Neta S already having their own wagon variants.
The six-window glasshouse of the Porsche Panamera-esque design has been stretched, meeting the more upright rear windscreen that forms part of the new tailgate. There’s also a new lidar sensor at the top of the windscreen, while the 19-inch black “cat claw” wheels – shod with Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres – were added to the sedan’s range last year.
The display car is locked, but a peek through the windows reveals a new instrument display design that ditches the current car’s hooded binnacles, a larger infotainment touchscreen (presumably the same 14.6-inch screen from the facelifted Tank 300) and a new “floating” centre console that dispenses with physical air-con controls in favour of a larger Qi wireless charging pad and dual cupholders (previously single). The wagon body style should also result in more boot space and a much-needed increase in rear headroom.
No details have been revealed just yet, but the car will likely share the same mechanicals as the regular 07 sedan. That means it should be available with either a single front motor with 204 PS (150 kW) and 340 Nm of torque or dual motors with a sum total of 408 PS (300 kW) and 680 Nm.
Standard fitment is a 64 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) that delivers a WLTP-rated range of 440 km on the FWD model, while an 83.5 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) pack extends the range to 640 km (NEDC) with FWD and 483 km (WLTP) with AWD.
-
-
No physical road tax for individual private vehicles from Apr 18 to May 18 due to supplier printing issues?
ARroadtax.my has posted on Facebook what appears to be an April 17 memo from the road transport department‘s (JPJ) vehicle licencing director. It seems the physical road tax supplier’s hologram printer is down (which could take two weeks to repair), and as of April 16, there were only 40,000 pieces of physical road tax stock left, which cannot satisfy a month’s demand nationwide.
The JPJ director-general has therefore agreed that no physical road taxes will be printed for individual private vehicles belonging to Malaysian citizens from April 18 to May 18, except for the purposes of going out of the country. You can of course renew digitally on MyJPJ, and if you absolutely do need a physical road tax (windscreen display is no longer required by law), you can go and get it printed after May 18.
All other vehicles (individual private vehicles owned by non-citizens, company private vehicles, commercial vehicles, goods vehicles etc) that do not have digital road taxes on MyJPJ can continue to print physical road taxes during this period.
BTW, if you want to renew your vehicle insurance and road tax you can use our Paul Tan Insurance service with a 10% rebate and instalment payment options.
