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Guthrie Corridor Expressway GCE junctions at Elmina to close from April 27 for 3 months due to congestion
Here’s another update from highway concessionaire Prolintas regarding the Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE), and this involves junction closures taking place from tomorrow. Two junctions leading to the highway from Elmina will be closed for three months beginning April 27 for a duration of three months in an effort to enhance traffic flow in the area, Prolintas said in a statement.
The closures involve the junctions for the path from Elmina East heading towards Rawang, and the path from Elmina West heading towards Shah Alam, both on the GCE. Upon taking effect, the closures mean that motorists are advised to make a U-turn at the roundabouts to reach the ramps for both directions of travel, towards Rawang or Shah Alam, respectively.
These will be trial closures for the three-month duration until July 26, and the junction closures will become permanent should the trial successfully solve congestion at the location, Prolintas stated. The highway operator has found that motorists’ use of the junction have impacted traffic flow and caused heavy congestion at the location, especially during peak hours.
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Guthrie Corridor Expressway GCE Lagong northbound lay-by to close for four months from April 29
The Lagong northbound lay-by on the Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE) will be closed for a period of four months from April 29 in order for refurbishment works to be carried out, Highway concessionaire Prolintas has announced.
All facilities at the lay-by, including public toilets and prayer rooms will be closed during this period, and “the refurbishment works are part of Prolintas’ continuous commitment in providing the best service to its highway users,” the highway operator stated.
Highway users are advised to proceed to nearby rest and service areas and lay-bys such as R&R Rawang Northbound (PLUS) or R&R Kundang westbound (LATAR) in order to access public toilets and prayer rooms which are in operation.
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2024 BMW iX3 Final Edition EV in Malaysia – M Performance accessories, 461 km range; RM299,800
BMW Malaysia has announced the BMW iX3 Final Edition, which is priced at RM299,800 on-the-road without insurance. The Final Edition of the electric SAV (BMW’s term for SUVs) builds upon the specification of the iX3 M Sport with M Performance accessories.
Using that model’s ‘Impressive’ trim level as a basis, the M Performance additions are comprised of carbon-fibre mirror covers, carbon-fibre door sills, rear spoiler, and the Adaptive M Performance suspension upgrade, which offers the selection of a standard comfort setting or a Sport mode for sportier handling.
Standard equipment that comes with the iX3 Final Edition also includes a panoramic glass roof, three-zone automatic climate control, driver and front passenger electrically adjustable sports seats, and 20-inch 890 M Bicolour aero alloy wheels.
Assistant systems which are standard-fit on the iX3 Final Edition are the Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assist Plus, and headlamps are of the BMW Laserlight specification. Inside, the iX3 Final Edition also gets a Harman Kardon surround sound audio system, a head-up display and acoustic glazing for the window glass.
Powertrain for the iX3 Final Edition continues as before, featuring a rear-mounted electric drive motor that outputs 286 PS and 400 Nm of torque, enabling the 0-100 km/h acceleration run to be elapsed in 6.8 seconds. A 80 kWh battery (73.8 kWh usable) gets battery range of up to 461 km on the WLTP testing standard.
The BMW iX3 Final Edition is available in Malaysia six exterior colours – M Carbon Black Metallic, Cashmere Silver, Sophisto Grey, Mineral White, Phytonic Blue and Piemont Red, while interior upholstery can be specified as either Vernasca leather in Mocha with Décor stitching, or Vernasca leather in black with blue contrast stitching.
GALLERY: 2022 BMW iX3 M Sport in Malaysia
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Transport ministry to introduce Komuter service to aid Johor RTS Link; 70% complete as of March 31
The transport ministry plans to introduce a Komuter service to support the Rapid Transit System Link (RTS Link) that is due to become operational in 2027, Bernama has reported.
This is because the RTS Link station in Bukit Chagar will also house the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double Tracking Train Project that is located below the RTS station, according to transport minister Anthony Loke.
“The Komuter service is already available in Kuala Lumpur and [the] north; in the south there is none yet. We have the ETS between Gemas and JB, we are discussing how to integrate the ETS track with the RTS. So, people staying in Senai, Kluang and Kulai can take the Komuter service to Bukit Chagar, and then take the RTS to Singapore,” Loke said.
Construction for the RTS Link rail infrastructure had reached 70.45%, while the Bukit Chagar immigration, customs and quarantine (CIQ) complex infrastructure stands at 7.02% completion.
“When the ETS track between Gemas and JB is ready, we do not want it to be used for just one service. It would be great if it could also be used for the Komuter service. This matter is being studied, [and] we will look at it in detail before introducing it in Johor Bahru,” the transport minister added.
The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link station in the Bukit Chagar area is set to be a hub for the main public transport system in the state, Loke said. “Our vision is that when the RTS Link is ready, it will be a catalyst and hub for various public transport systems in the future. It is our policy to encourage the use of public transport in the future,” he added.
A new multi-storey park-and-ride facility is also being constructed for RTS Link passengers, and it will be comprised of 1,000 parking spaces. There will also be 700 parking spaces provided at Coronation Square specifically for RTS Link passengers, which is located 400 metres from Bukit Chagar. “This means that there will be 1,700 parking bays for RTS Link passengers,” the transport minister said.
In January this year, a symbolic connection for the Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link was made between Malaysia and Singapore, witnessed by prime minister of Malaysia Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his Singaporean counterpart, Lee Hsien Loong. The RTS Link had attained 65% completion as of the end of last year, and is on track for completion in December 2026.
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Tesla Malaysia drops prices by RM8k – Model 3 now from RM181k, Model Y from RM191k
Following reported price drops in several markets internationally, Tesla has announced reductions in prices for its models in Malaysia, with price reductions of RM8,000 across the board save for the 2024 Model 3 Performance that was just announced for the Malaysian market this week, from RM242,400.
Here are the latest prices of Tesla vehicle models in Malaysia:
- Rear-Wheel Drive – RM181,000 (launch RM189,000)
- Long Range AWD – RM210,000 (launch RM218,000)
- Performance – RM242,000
- Rear-Wheel Drive – RM191,000 (launch RM199,000)
- Long Range AWD – RM238,000 (launch RM246,000)
- Performance – RM280,000 (launch RM288,000)
The Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive does 513 km on a full charge, while the Model 3 Long Range AWD does 629 km. The Model 3 Performance, with its stronger acceleration and top speed figures, does 528 km; all figures are based on the WLTP standard.
The Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive does 455 km on a full charge, while the Model Y Long Range AWD attains 533 km; the Model Y Performance manages 514 km. As with the Model 3, all range figures are based on the WLTP standard.
All fully imported (CBU) electric vehicles in Malaysia are tax-exempt until the end of 2025, which means EVs such as those from Tesla are exempted from import duty and excise duty.
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Beijing 2024: Honda Ye EVs on display – P7 and S7 to launch in 2024; production GT Concept in 2025
Honda Ye P7 Earlier this month, Honda announced a trio of electric vehicles (EVs) that will form its new Ye line-up in China. All three have since made their public debut at the ongoing Auto China 2024 in Beijing, so here are some live photos of them.
We start with the P7, which is an SUV that is scheduled to be launched by the end of 2024, with sales and production handled by the carmaker’s GAC Honda joint venture. It is joined by the S7, another SUV that will be marketed by Dongfeng Honda this year.
Honda Ye P7 Both models are built on an EV-dedicated platform called Architecture W and will be offered with single-motor, rear-wheel drive or dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrains. The platform also features double-wishbone suspension at the front, while the rear is a five-link setup. Detailed specifications such as outputs and range are unknown for now.
The P7 and S7 follow in the footsteps of other Honda models that are mechanically very similar but have differing designs. Shared cues include a wraparound windscreen, a sloping rear windscreen, large D-pillars, retractable door handles as well as branding trim near the side mirrors. Both Ye models (the name means “bright and shining” also wear a flattened version of the traditional ‘H’ logo.
Honda Ye S7 The P7 is set apart from the S7 by its front and rear ends, the former sporting LED headlamps with a C-shaped daytime running light signature linked by a light bar. By comparison, the S7’s DRLs are Y-shaped, also with a light bar connecting them, while the main headlamp clusters are diagonal in layout.
Moving to the rear, the P7’s taillights mimic the design of the front DRLs, extending deep into the tailgate to meet with a central Honda script. The S7 takes a different approach with a H-shaped lighting signature thanks to vertical taillight elements connected by a light bar running just above the same script on the tailgate.
Honda Ye S7 While the exteriors of the P7 and S7 are distinctive, the interiors are nearly identical with the main highlight being a large, portrait-format touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard. This provides access to all vehicle functions, including climate controls, while the rather bare centre console – apart from gear selector buttons – sees some buttons (like the drive mode selector) be placed at the base of the screen housing.
Sitting deep in the dashboard ahead of the driver is a slim digital instrument cluster, with other noteworthy items being air vents on either side of the nearly hexagonal-shaped steering wheel. You’ll also notice screens near the A-pillars that show a video feed from the side-mounted cameras on the outside.
Honda Ye GT The third Ye model is being presented as a show car for now. Called the GT Concept, it previews a production sedan set to be launched in 2025. The sporty four-door model features a sleek silhouette as well as an X-shaped DRL signature similar to the S7.
At the rear, the GT Concept gets ultra-slim taillights, while other cues include pop-out door handles, side cameras, 22-inch wheels, forged carbon trim and a rather prominent pixel theme.
Honda Ye GT Inside, you’ll find a futuristic (and rather edgy) dashboard design that is completed by a yoke- and racing-inspired steering wheel as well as an abundance of screens. Whether all that we see here will make it into the production version remains to be seen.
This trio is just the start of the Ye range of EVs, as Honda says it will have three more coming by 2027. The company also has its e:N series of products, which will form a line-up consisting of 10 EVs, with more possibly added in the future.
GALLERY: Honda Ye P7 at Auto China 2024
GALLERY: Honda Ye S7 at Auto China 2024
GALLERY: Honda Ye GT Concept at Auto China 2024
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2024 Toyota Yaris G Limited in Malaysia – performance and handling upgrades, 600 units; RM99,600 OTR
UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced today introduction of the Toyota Yaris G Limited for the Malaysian market, and this time around there is not only cosmetic revisions – there are upgrades applied to the B-segment hatchback’s chassis and powertrain as well.
Capped at a run of 600 units, the Yaris G Limited starts with the regular Yaris as its base, employing the familiar Dual VVT-i 2NR-FE 1.5 litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine. Changes to the engine include a cold air intake (CAI) to aid the intake of oxygen-rich air courtesy of a pod intake filter, in order to achieve better combustion efficiency.
The improved breathing is paired with a throttle controller that improves the vehicle’s pedal input to output ratio to achieve better engine response. This is also claimed to “improve horsepower and enhance acceleration”, though UMWT does not state any claimed engine output or performance gains with these changes.
Click to enlarge As standard, the Yaris outputs 107 PS at 6,000 rpm and 140 Nm at 4,200 rpm. Here, the Yaris G Limited continues to use the continuously variable transmission (CVT) with seven virtual ratios as before.
Chassis revisions featuring on the Yaris G Limited are comprised of new dampers which are stiffer in order to reduce body roll, improve grip and gain steering precision, in order for the driver to ‘switch lanes with confidence’, says UMWT. A chassis brace set is also included for increased body stiffness to improve stability, it adds.
Aesthetics are treated on the Yaris G Limited as well, with an aerokit that brings red highlights to the front bumper extensions, side skirts and rear bumper diffuser.
Elsewhere, equipment for the Yaris G Limited builds upon that of the regular G variant, which is comprised of LED headlamps with follow-me-home function, LED DRLs and foglamps, LED tail lamps, halogen rear foglamps, automatically folding side mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels, acoustic windscreen, front parking sensors and rear disc brakes.
Inside, the cabin of the Yaris G Limited gets Optitron-equipped instrumentation, a 4.2-inch multi-information display leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear lever, automatic air-conditioning, six-speaker audio system and an electrochromic rear-view mirror.
Safety kit includes Toyota Safety Sense which is comprised of a pre-collision system with AEB, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert as well as a 360-degree camera system.
The Toyota Yaris G Limited can be had in Silver Metallic, Red Mica Metallic and Platinum White Pearl, the latter two also available as a two-tone scheme with a black roof and pillars for a total of five colour combinations.
Finally, pricing. The Toyota Yaris G Limited is sold for RM99,600 on-the-road without insurance, and comes with a five-year, unlimited mileage manufacturer’s warranty, while the performance parts featured in this variant are covered by a one-year, 20,000 km warranty.
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Beijing 2024: Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV flagship SUV debuts – 2.0T plug-in hybrid joins ICE model, Q4 launch
Chery has given the Tiggo 9 PHEV a world debut at Auto China 2024, which opens in Beijing today. The just-concluded Chery Group launch event also saw the company reveal a new tagline for its Tiggo SUV range – Conquer with you, Guard for Love.
The Tiggo 9 PHEV is a clean and handsome large SUV, and the design team deliberately kept things simple. Based on the ‘conquer’ and ‘guard’ concepts, the Tiggo 9 PHEV wears a very bold ‘Saturn’s Ring’ grille design (illuminated Chery logo as usual) and very clean sides.
The profile features a chrome-framed daylight opening with a subtle accent on the rearmost pillars. One tornado line and only one ‘light catcher’ panel in the lower area – that’s all. Those multi-spoke wheels are 20-inch items and they fit the luxury look very well. At the back, there’s a full-width LED light strip, twin pipes and a very big PHEV emblem that looks like an afterthought.
Size wise, the Tiggo 9 is 4,810 mm long, 1,925 mm wide and 1,741 mm tall. For context, that’s 88 mm longer, 65 mm wider and 36 mm taller than the Tiggo 8 Pro, which is no small car. There’s an option for a third row of seats to fit seven adults, Chery says.
Inside, the flagship of the Tiggo range gets plenty of plush materials, and the showcar is trimmed in cream and blue leather. Unlike what we’ve seen from Chery so far with the Mercedes-Benz-style conjoined screens, the screens here are visually separated, and the central one is a large 15.6-inch 2.5K HD screen. The seats are ‘3D stitched’.
Under the hood is a PHEV powertrain combining a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission and Chery’s ‘3DHT’ electric motor. The ICE makes 235 hp/385 Nm while the motor is good for 221 hp. Chery claims fuel economy of 5.2 liters per 100 km in China’s WLTC mode, which translates to over 1,400 km of range.
The Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV will be available alongside pure-ICE versions in the fourth quarter of 2024. The name Tiggo 9 sounds familiar? It was deja vu for this writer too, as he shot a big SUV with the same name at Auto Shanghai 2023. That was a pure-ICE car with a different interior though, so the look we see here could either be a PHEV-specific design or a finalised update for the Tiggo 9 range.
What do you think of the Tiggo 8 Pro’s big brother?
GALLERY: Chery Tiggo 9 PHEV at Auto China 2024
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Beijing 2024: Lynk & Co 07 in China – 1.5L turbo four-cylinder plug-in hybrid; 102 km of EV range
Unveiled in March, the Lynk & Co 07 is a D-segment sedan that sports a plug-in hybrid powertrain and is positioned above the 03 sedan, and here we can now bring live images of the 07 sedan from the ongoing Auto China 2024 in Beijing.
The 07 is therefore the second sedan in the brand’s line-up, and under the bonnet of the 07 is a BHE15 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that outputs 163 PS and 255 Nm.
This is paired with a 218 PS/350 Nm electric motor and a three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), for a combined output of 381 PS and 610 Nm. An AWD version adds a rear-mounted 212 PS/290 Nm motor to bring a total system output of 593 PS and 905 Nm.
The more modest of the two variants has a 18.99 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that brings 102 km of EV range on the CLTC protocol, while for reference the 08 EM-P with a larger battery pack will do in excess of 200 km on electricity alone.
Built on the manufacturer’s CMA Evo platform, the 07 measures 4,827 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,480 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,843 mm. Compared to the 03 sedan that is built on the CMA platform, the 07 is 143 mm longer, of which 113 mm is from its wheelbase.
Interior equipment for the 07 sedan features a pair of screens; a 12.3-inch instrumentation display for the driver, and a centrally mounted 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment unit that also controls air-conditioning functions.
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Beijing 2024: Toyota bZ3C and bZ3X concepts debut – previews upcoming EVs to be sold in China this year
At the ongoing Auto China 2024, Toyota unveiled two concepts which preview upcoming electric vehicles (EVs) that will be added to its bZ line-up. If these concepts look familiar, that’s because they are further developments of the bZ Crossover Concept and bZ FlexSpace Concept presented at last year’s Auto Shanghai.
We start with the bZ3C, which is a fastback crossover with a sleek silhouette, the brand’s signature hammerhead-style lighting (front and rear), retractable door handles, a roof-mounted ADAS sensor (likely lidar) as well as a diffuser-like element in the rear.
Inside, the concept has a minimalistic dashboard design and a large infotainment touchscreen that integrates many of the controls for various functions, including the climate system.
There’s also a dual-tier centre console with a plenty of storage space below the cupholders and gear selector. The expressive ambient lighting may or may not make it into the production version.
Moving on to the second concept on display, the bZ3X is a two-row SUV that also carries the hammerhead-style lighting at the front (with the main headlamps positioned lower down), although the rear is a simpler full-width light bar.
Like its sedan stage partner, most vehicle functions are accessed via a central touchscreen, and there’s also a practical dual-tier centre console. Both the bZ3C and bZ3X feature large panoramic sunroofs as well.
At the time of writing, Toyota did not mention anything about powertrain specifications, but it did note that the latest advance driver assistance systems and smart cockpits will be part of the kit list.
Additionally, the carmaker also mentioned that both models are born out of its joint ventures with local Chinese automakers. In the case of the bZ3C, partners include BYD Toyota EV Technology, FAW Toyota Motor and Intelligent ElectroMobility R&D Centre by Toyota (IEM by Toyota).
Meanwhile, the bZ3X is jointly developed by Toyota, Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC Group), GAC Toyota Motor and IEM by Toyota. Both models are expected to go on sale in China this year.
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Beijing 2024: Chery Exeed E08 luxury EV MPV debuts – ‘One Box’ with ‘Wind Aesthetics’ design language
We’re live at Chery’s booth at Auto China 2024 in Beijing, and the top Chinese auto exporter has a few new cars here, most of which are under wraps and waiting for the official reveal later. But the Exeed E08 is not, and we have a gallery of the luxury electric MPV concept for you.
Chery’s first electric MPV is being parked under its high-end Exeed brand, but could well appear elsewhere wearing another of the group’s badges, such as Exlantix. The E08 was designed at Exeed’s European and Shanghai design teams and the ‘Fusion Luxury concept’ is pretty bold looking.
The E08 implements Exeed’s design language of ‘Wind Aesthetics’ on a ‘One Box’ MPV body. The integrated design concept sports ‘smooth and natural’ body lines and ‘simple and pure’ surfaces for a super-low drag coefficient (actual Cd not revealed) for lower energy consumption and extended range.
The E08’s front end is inspired by Exeed’s ‘Cyber Butterfly’ theme. We don’t know what that means exactly, but the front end is made up of a vast empty space, putting emphasis on the Exeed logo and the eye-catching lighting, which are visually connected via the front apron. It’s very obviously electric powered, this car.
It’s consistent at the rear, which stands out for having a stark centre area, framed by L-shaped lights on both top (glass) and bottom sections. The latter flows into the sides, highlighting the E08’s long wheelbase. The rear LED lighting concept is called ‘Wings of the Wind’.
Part of the wow are those massive flower-like wheels, which design is said to be inspired by Eastern symmetrical aesthetics, with two squares overlapping to form eight corners. This symbolises a stable and smooth ride in all directions. Chery says that the E08’s door openings are ‘ultra-wide’ to allow easy direct access to the third row.
It may look like a flight of fancy, but knowing how fast things turn from concept to production over at Wuhu, we bet that the Exeed E08 electric luxury MPV will hit Chinese roads very soon. Malaysia’s rich love the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire – do you think a big and bold Chery electric MPV would get a good reception?
GALLERY: Chery Exeed E08 concept at Auto China 2024
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Beijing 2024: Mazda Arata concept shown – EV and PHEV variants; production version for China in 2025
The Mazda Arata concept has been shown at the 2023 Beijing Auto Show, along with the China-only EZ-6 that is to succeed the current Mazda 6. The Arata concept takes on the form of a crossover, with styling that could reach the successor of the current CX-5.
The Arata concept appears to be earlier in its gestation process, and it employs the carmaker’s latest interpretation of its Kodo design language, through the design themes of being “soulful, futuristic and modern”, according to Mazda’s official material.
As part of Mazda’s EV push, the Japanese manufacturer plans to offer a production version of the Arata next year in China, Japan Times has reported Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro as saying. This productionised Arata is also planned to be offered with two powertrain variants; a full BEV, as well as a plug-in hybrid.
For reference, the EZ-6 with the fully electric powertrain is comprised of a rear-mounted drive motor that outputs either 218 PS or 258 PS, depending on variant; peak torque in both cases is 320 Nm. The battery pack in the EZ-6 ranges from 58.9 to 66.8 kWh, offering range of between 530 km and 610 km on the CLTC testing standard.
A version of the plug-in hybrid powertrain in the EZ-6 is also likely to feature in the productionised Arata, which, in the EZ-6 is a 1.5 litre inline-four petrol engine with a battery of either 19 kWh or 28.4 kWh, and electric motors rated at either 218 PS or 238 PS, with 320 Nm of torque.
In the EZ-6, these will offer EV-only ranges of 135 km to 200 km, and hybrid mode ranges of between 1,140 km and 1,200 km, depending on battery size. The production version of the Arata concept is expected to feature similar range figures, according to Japan Times.
While the productionised Arata is set for the Chinese market, would you fancy an all-electric successor to the CX-5 that looks similar to this? Let us know in the comments.
Mazda Arata concept, official images
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Beijing 2024: Geely Galaxy L7 – Boyue L-based PHEV, 390 PS, up to 90 km EV range; next-gen Proton X70?
Also shown at the Geely stand at Auto China 2024 is the Galaxy L7 plug-in hybrid. Launched in China last June, it’s based on the latest Boyue L SUV and thus offers a glimpse of what a next-generation Proton X70 might look like.
Galaxy is Geely’s new energy sub-brand, and the L7 utilises the NordThor BHE15 Plus plug-in hybrid system, centred around a 163 PS/255 Nm 1.5 litre turbocharged Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine. This is paired with a 145 PS/338 Nm electric motor and a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) to provide a total system output of 390 PS and 535 Nm of torque.
Juicing the motor is an Aegis battery with a capacity of either 9.1 and 18.7 kWh, resulting in an all-electric range of 43 and 90 km respectively on the WLTP cycle. Fuel consumption is rated at 2.35 litres per 100 km – or 1.3 l/100 km with the larger battery – and even with the battery exhausted, this figure only rises to a still-impressive 5.23 l/100 km. With DC fast charging support, it takes half an hour to charge the battery from 30 to 80%.
The L7 shares the Boyue L’s general proportions, silhouette, doors and angular wheel arches, but receives unique front and rear treatments. These incorporate split headlights with a full-width upper light bar, the Galaxy line’s trademark grille-less front end with the rectangular six-section badge, horizontal full-width taillights and a sportier rear bumper design with a large diffuser.
Inside, you get the Boyue’s 10.25-inch digital instrument display, 13.2-inch floating portrait touchscreen and 25.6-inch head-up display, but the L7 adds a 16.2-inch passenger touchscreen. The Galaxy N OS infotainment system that underpins all of this comes with a smartphone-inspired interface and runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor.
Other features include a 50-watt wireless charger (just one of these, I’m afraid), an 11-speaker Infinity sound system with headrest speakers, a camera-based driver attention monitor, 256-colour ambient lighting and a built-in ottoman and massage function on the very plush-looking front passenger seat.
Safety-wise, the L7 comes with a roof-mounted passenger airbag and a full range of driver assists, including a Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving capabilities similar to Tesla’s Navigate on Autopilot. This enables the car to change lanes by itself, using the navigation system to help get it to its destination.
Prices of the Geely Galaxy L7 range from 125,700 (RM83,000) to 169,700 yuan (RM112,000). Would you get a Proton version of this if it ever comes to Malaysia? Sound off in the comments after the jump.
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2024 BMW i4 gets refreshed – new 401 hp xDrive40
BMW has given the BMW i4 some updates for the 2024 model year. Not quite substantial enough to be considered an “LCI” facelift, but there are some differences nonetheless.
It gets new headlamps, a new design for the kidney grille, the option for BMW Laser Light rear lights, and some updates to the interior. There are also two new colours – Cape York Green Metallic and Fire Red Metallic. The top of the range M50 model also now gets M-specific wing mirror caps.
Previously if you wanted all wheel drive with the i4 you had to go all the way to the top of the range M50 model. Now, you can opt for the new xDrive40 variant, which offers 401 hp and can go from 0-100km.h in 5.1 seconds.
Will this new motor config come to Malaysia? Previously we had the eDrive40 which was less powerful, then a cheaper eDrive45 was introduced.
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Beijing 2024: Geely Galaxy Starship concept previews flagship SUV with AI tech, over 2,000 km PHEV range
Ni hao! We’re live at Auto China 2024 in Beijing, where Geely has just revealed the Galaxy Starship concept. This massive SUV previews the Galaxy sub-brand’s upcoming flagship as well as a suite of AI technologies that will soon be filtering into its existing lineup.
The Starship continues to feature Galaxy’s “Expanding Cosmos of Light” design language, sporting slim LED headlights, an illuminated grille-less front end and full-width taillights. Added to that are a number of typical concept car styling cues, including massive, intricate multi-spoke alloy wheels, a “smart light curtain”, a panoramic glass roof, an active rear spoiler, a sizeable rear diffuser and even something called a Dynamic Island (we can already hear Apple’s legal team working on a response…).
But the highlight of the Starship is of course the enormous gullwing doors that provide unencumbered access to the outlandish interior. You’ll find two front seats, a separate centre seat and a couch-like bench at the rear. What’s interesting is that the aforementioned centre seat can not only be reclined flat but it can even be driven out of the car to provide last-mile transportation.
Other features include an in-house Flyme Sound system with an output of over 2,000 watts, as well as a multi-modal AI-driven voice control that features WeChat integration. The latter is slated to make its way to the Galaxy E8 electric sedan through an over-the-air update in the second quarter of the year.
Beyond that, the Starship comes with a customisable hologram avatar that is displayed on the driver display and even an external display on the doors. It’s also said to offer integration with AI phones (through chairman Li Shufu’s smartphone maker subsidiary Meizu), smart glasses and drones.
Under the skin, the Starship is based on Geely’s new Global Intelligent New Energy Architecture (GEA), which supports full electric, range extender, plug-in hybrid and methanol technologies. These include the next-generation NordThor PHEV powertrains that is claimed to offer a total range of over 2,000 km.
It will also feature the company’s new in-house Aegis Dagger lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, as well as “11-to-1” electric motors said to possess 90.04% efficiency. Additionally, the car features an 800-volt architecture that reduces the use of silicon carbide by more than 75%.
The GEA platform also uses what is claimed to be the world’s first “AI digital chassis” that integrates the powertrain, steer-by-wire and autonomous driving systems. This enables lightning-fast reactions of as low as four milliseconds, compared to 100 ms for a human driver. Geely managed to test this technology by achieving the world’s first autonomous drift in a prototype Galaxy E8.
Geely has not confirmed when the production Starship will enter production, but it’s understood that some of the car’s less outlandish features will make their way to future Galaxy models – some of which may be offered in Malaysia under the Proton badge.
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