BMW 3-Series G20

2022 BMW 330i M Sport Runout Edition in Malaysia – fr RM289k; 19-inch wheels, sunroof, Harmon Kardon

In BMW, Cars, Local News / By Gerard Lye / 3 October 2022 3:42 pm / 17 comments

Here’s a full gallery of the BMW 330i M Sport Runout Edition, which is one of two limited edition variants of the G20 3 Series introduced by BMW Malaysia in July this year. The asking price for the 330i M Sport Runout Edition is RM288,680, making it RM5,000 more than a regular 330i M Sport that retails at RM283,680.

The figures are on-the-road without insurance and inclusive of a standard two-year warranty, and if you want the five-year extended warranty and service package, the Runout Edition’s price goes up to RM304,800.

For the RM5,000 premium paid over a standard 330i M Sport, the Runout Edition gains additional features like a Harman Kardon sound system instead of the default HiFi loudspeaker system, as well as a powered sunroof.

Elsewhere, the Runout Edition is fitted with 19-inch M double-spoke (style 791 M) alloy wheels, which are an inch larger than the regular variant’s 18-inch (style 790 M) alloys. Available exterior paint finishes include Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey and M Portimao Blue, all paired with a Vernasca Black leather interior.

The rest of the kit list is identical to the 330i M Sport, including adaptive LED headlamps, an M Sport styling package, M Sport brakes with blue-painted calipers, M Sport suspension interior trim finisher Aluminium Tetragon with highlight trim finisher in Pearl Chrome, BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen, ConnectedDrive services, Comfort Access, three-zone climate control and an ambient lighting system.

Also present are the Driving Assistant (lane departure warning, lane change warning, front collision warning with brake intervention, rear cross-traffic alert and rear collision prevention), along with Attentiveness Assistant, cruise control with braking function, Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant and a rearview camera.

Mechanically, you’ll still get a a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 258 PS (255 hp) from 5,000 to 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 1,550 to 4,400 rpm. The mill is paired with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission that sends drive to the rear wheels.

With the 3 Series facelift already revealed as of May, the Runout Edition is likely a swansong offering ahead of the revised executive sedan’s arrival. When that will take place remains to be seen, but if you’re curious about the changes made, we have a detailed comparison for your consideration.

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2022 BMW 320i M Sport Runout Edition – limited edition with M Sport Package, suspension, RM263k

In BMW, Cars, Local News / By Danny Tan / 18 July 2022 11:37 am / 5 comments

Always wanted the G20 BMW 320i but in M Sport form? Your wish has been answered with the BMW 320i M Sport Edition a.k.a. the BMW 320i M Sport Runout Edition, which BMW Malaysia calls a limited edition. Basically it’s a runout special for the pre-facelift G20 – the LCI was unveiled globally in May and should be coming very soon.

All this while, the base G20 model has been sold here in Sport trim, and if you wanted the M Sport package, you would have to pay more for the 330i, 330Li or the 330e plug-in hybrid. Now, the entry-level G20 can be had with the desirable sporty package.

As you’d know by now, the M Sport Package comes with different front and rear bumpers that look more aggressive. The wheels are 18-inch M light alloys in double-spoke style 790 M. Looks familiar? This is the 330i M Sport rim. Personally, I think the regular 320i’s 18-inch V-spoke style 780 items look sportier than this multi-spoke design – what about you?

Along with the M Sport Package and M Aerodynamics Package are Variable Sports Steering and M Sport Suspension, so there’s a difference in the drive too. The rest of the kit list is unchanged, except for the M leather steering wheel and full-black anthracite roof lining. The upholstery is Vernasca Black leather.

The exterior colour options for the 320i M Sport are Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey and M Portimao Blue. It is priced at RM262,800 on-the-road without insurance. This price includes a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service programme, roadside assistance and accident hotline, BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App with BMW Privileges Card and BMW Service Online.

If you want the 320i M Sport at is absolute lowest price, it’s RM246,680 with the standard two-year warranty and no free service. With the Easy Drive Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services, the new 320i M Sport can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting from RM2,663, based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure.

So, what’s the premium? With sales tax back in the picture, the regular 320i Sport is priced at RM241,680 for the standard warranty package, which means that the M Sport package is yours for just RM5k more. The extended warranty and service package is listed as RM16,120 for all non-M 3 Series variants.

A brief timeline of the G20 320i in Malaysia. The CKD 184 hp/300 Nm variant was launched in January 2020 for RM243,800. It was beefed up with the Driving Assistant package in April 2020 and the Live Cockpit Professional with bigger screens and OS7 in July 2021. By the way, there’s also a Runout Edition for the 330i M Sport, which adds on more kit for RM5k extra.

GALLERY: G20 BMW 320i M Sport Runout Edition

GALLERY: G20 BMW 320i Sport

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2022 BMW 330i M Sport Runout Edition in Malaysia – sunroof, larger wheels, Harman Kardon; from RM289k

In BMW, Cars, Local Car Launches, Local News / By Gerard Lye / 18 July 2022 10:57 am / 15 comments

BMW Malaysia has launched two limited edition variants of the G20 3 Series, namely the 320i M Sport Runout Edition as well as the 330i M Sport Runout Edition. The latter is our focus here, but if you’re curious about the former, you can check it out in a separate post by us.

The 330i M Sport Runout Edition is based on the existing 330i M Sport, but with some extra equipment to make it more enticing. New additions to the kit list include a powered sunroof as well as a Harman Kardon surround sound system.

On the exterior, the new Runout Edition sports 19-inch style 791 M double-spoke wheels, which are an inch larger than the regular 330i M Sport’s 18-inch style 790 M alloys. You can get the special executive sedan in one of four paint finishes (Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey and M Portimao Blue), all with a Vernasca Black leather interior.

The new features do come at a premium, as the 330i M Sport Runout Edition retails at RM288,680 on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of SST and a standard two-year warranty. The figure is RM5,000 more than a standard 330i M Sport, which sells for RM283,680.

Besides the powered sunroof, Harman Kardon sound system and larger wheels, the rest of the 330i M Sport Runout Edition appears to be unchanged from the variant it is based on. Power continues to come from a 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine making 258 PS (255 hp) from 5,000 to 6,500 rpm and 400 Nm of torque from 1,550 to 4,400 rpm. The mill is paired with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission that sends drive to the rear wheels.

Other standard features include adaptive LED headlamps, an M Sport styling package, M Sport brakes with blue-painted calipers, M Sport suspension interior trim finisher Aluminium Tetragon with highlight trim finisher in Pearl Chrome, BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 10.25-inch touchscreen, ConnectedDrive services, Comfort Access, three-zone climate control and an ambient lighting system.

The list of safety and driver assists are unchanged too, with Driving Assistant (lane departure warning, lane change warning, front collision warning with brake intervention, rear cross-traffic alert and rear collision prevention) coming as standard. This joins Attentiveness Assistant, cruise control with braking function, Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant and a rearview camera.

If we had to speculate, the name of the new limited edition 3 Series variant heavily suggests that a facelift for the G20 is coming soon. The rival to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class was updated back in May this year, bringing with it revised exterior and interior styling, along with new technologies.

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G20 BMW 330e M Sport in Malaysia loses digital key, wireless charger due to chip shortage; RM1.6k cheaper

In BMW, Cars, Local News / By Matthew H Tong / 27 August 2021 12:48 pm / 11 comments

The semiconductor shortage continues to disrupt vehicle production, and we’re seeing the effects first hand with the locally-assembled G20 BMW 330e M Sport. At the time of writing, the plug-in hybrid sedan is priced from RM249,849, making it about RM1,600 cheaper than before.

The price drop is due to the removal (or unavailability, rather) of BMW Digital Key and Qi wireless smartphone charging systems. Other markets also seem to be similarly affected, as the two options are presently not offered on online configurators for certain models.

Click to enlarge: 330e M Sport August 2021 Spec Sheet

A source from BMW Malaysia confirmed the matter to be related to the semiconductor shortage, but highlighted that the issue is only temporary. It’s not exclusive to the 330e M Sport, so other models fitted with BMW Digital Key and the wireless charger from the outset – like the 320i Sport and X5 xDrive45e – may also be affected. Luck of the draw, so to speak.

The company assures that once the supply crisis eases, both features will be reintroduced (along with pricing revisions, naturally) on affected models. Hey, at least you’re not being charged full price for something they could have sneakily gotten away with, right?

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REVIEW: G20 BMW M340i xDrive in Malaysia, RM389k

In BMW, Car Reviews, Cars / By Matthew H Tong / 25 August 2021 11:10 pm / 7 comments

What BMW achieved with the seventh-generation G20 BMW 3 Series cannot be understated. The 3 Series mould was considered by enthusiasts to be “broken” for the first time when the F30 shipped with electric power steering and a range of blown four-potters.

Compared to the E90, it grew considerably as well, ballooning in dimensions that many will find perfectly acceptable for a compact executive sedan, even by today’s standards. Its turbocharged engines were peppy and fuel efficient, plus the brilliant eight-speed auto made light work of just about anything thrown at it.

Short of the F80 M3, enthusiasts who wanted more firepower didn’t really have a viable straight-six Bavarian alternative, because the F30 335i (which later became the 340i) was never offered through official channels. Thankfully, that is no longer the case.

Say hello to the G20 M340i xDrive, BMW’s answer to the W205 Mercedes-Benz C 43 4Matic. At RM389k, it’s the first ever M Performance model to be locally assembled in Malaysia. Sure, it’s a RM120k premium over the 330i M Sport, but it’s also nearly half of what the G80 M3 costs. How’s that for a bargain?

Read the full review of the G20 BMW M340i xDrive here.

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2021 BMW 320i Sport gets Live Cockpit Professional with bigger screens, Operating System 7 – RM231k

In BMW, Cars, Local News / By Jonathan Lee / 1 July 2021 11:31 am / 22 comments

BMW 330i with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional 10.25-inch touchscreen

Launched early last year, the BMW 320i Sport has been updated with a new infotainment system, bringing it up to par with the more expensive 330i and 330e M Sport. This is the second spec revision for the entry-level sedan, having already received the Driving Assistant package not long after going on sale.

We’ll get to the changes in just a bit, but let’s get pricing out of the way first. The 320i now retails at RM230,764, which is exactly RM4,000 more expensive than before. As usual, the price includes both the sales and service tax (SST) exemption and a standard two-year unlimited-mileage warranty; with the optional five-year warranty and service package, the price climbs to RM243,889.

So what do you get for the extra four grand? Well, the 320i is now fitted with the range-topping BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which includes a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen and a fully-digital 12.3-inch instrument display. That’s a big upgrade over the 8.8-inch centre screen and tiny 5.1-inch multi-info display (with analogue dials) fitted to the car before.

BMW 330i with the BMW Live Cockpit Professional 12.3-inch instrument display

The Live Cockpit Professional runs on the latest BMW Operating System 7, adding a new interface with larger tiles, over-the-air software updates and the Intelligent Personal Assistant that can be summoned by saying “Hey BMW.” The 320i was initially launched with the previous sixth-generation system but was quietly upgraded to the new version (still with the small screens) as part of a 2021 model year update.

Otherwise, standard equipment remains largely identical and includes the Sport Line exterior with T-shaped front and rear bumper inserts, adaptive LED headlights, LED fog lights, gloss black side window frames and 18-inch V-spoke style 780 two-tone alloy wheels.

Inside, the car is upholstered in Vernasca leather and features aluminium mesh trim with pearl chrome highlights. Keyless entry, push-button start, triple-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats with driver’s side memory, parking assist, a reverse camera, six speakers and a hands-free opening bootlid are also part of the kit list. One item that has been omitted is the Qi wireless smartphone charger.

The aforementioned Driving Assistant has also been retained, incorporating autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring. Also unchanged are the mechanicals, with the 320i continuing to be powered by the B48 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making 184 PS from 5,000 to 6,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque between 1,350 to 4,000 rpm. It’s mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

GALLERY: 2020 BMW 320i Sport

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VIDEO REVIEW: G20 BMW M340i xDrive in Malaysia

In BMW, Car Reviews, Cars, Video Reviews, Videos / By Matthew H Tong / 9 June 2021 6:51 pm / 4 comments

The G20 BMW 3 Series range in Malaysia is rather diverse, and short of the G80 M3, all of them are locally assembled, including the M340i xDrive. It is the first ever BMW M Performance model to be CKD, and the current SST-exempt price tag is RM402,354 (until December 31, 2021). Without the SST exemption, the sports sedan will cost you RM422,800.

While it may not look like much on the outside, the M340i is very much a weapon. It packs the automaker’s venerable B58 3.0 litre inline-six engine that develops 387 PS at 5,800 to 6,500 rpm and 500 Nm from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. An eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission with Launch Control is standard, allowing the all-wheel drive (xDrive) sedan to do the century sprint in just 4.4 seconds. Mind you, that’s just one-tenth of a second slower than the F80 BMW M3.

Mechanical highlights include an M Sport differential (fully-variable rear-wheel locking function), valve-controlled M Sport exhaust system, M Sport brakes (four-piston front, single-piston rear calipers finished in blue) variable sport steering, and Adaptive M suspension with new valves and revised control algorithm.

Unique to it are the full LED headlights with BMW Laserlight, mesh kidney grille with Cerium Grey highlights, 19-inch double-spoke 792 M two-tone light-alloy wheels wrapped with 225/40 front and 255/35 rear run-flat rubbers, model-specific badges in Cerium Grey, a low profile rear spoiler, as well as dual integrated exhaust finishers.

Four exterior colours are available for the car – Portimao Blue, Sunset Orange, Black Sapphire and Alpine White. The cabin can be had in either black or cognac colours, whereas the BMW Live Cockpit Professional is standard, comprising a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument display and a 10.25-inch centre screen. There’s also an electrically-operated sunroof, a head-up display, and a 16-speaker, 464 watt Harman Kardon audio system. Watch our review, and let us know what you think of the car!

GALLERY: G20 BMW M340i xDrive

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REVIEW: 2021 G20 BMW 330e M Sport in Malaysia

In BMW, Car Reviews, Cars, Video Reviews, Videos / By Matthew H Tong / 18 May 2021 12:45 pm / 8 comments

The G20 BMW 330e M Sport, the direct successor to the popular F30 BMW 330e, has been on sale in Malaysia for close to eight months now. In terms of specifications, it’s almost identical to the petrol-powered 330i, though available at a slightly lower price point of RM264,613.

In case you’re wondering, the price is inclusive of the full sales and service tax (SST) rebate for this CKD model, which makes it nearly RM22,000 less expensive than the 330i. Also included in the price is a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty and a five-year free service package.

Now, powering the sedan is the ubiquitous B48 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, making 184 PS and 300 Nm of torque on its own. Those figures are identical to the entry-level 320i, by the way. A 50 kW electric motor provides propulsion assistance, thus bringing the total output up to 252 PS and 420 Nm. An XtraBoost function (accessible via Sport mode) can temporarily provide an additional 30 kW, bringing output to 292 PS.

Performance figures include a zero-to-100 km/h sprint time of 5.9 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than before) and a top speed of 230 km/h (up 5 km/h). The rated combined fuel consumption is 2.2 litres per 100 km. A 12.0 kWh lithium-ion battery offers up to 56 km of range on a single charge, and can travel at speeds of up to 140 km/h. Boot space is reduced slightly, from 480 litres to 375 litres.

As mentioned, the kit list is similar to the 330i, both coming as standard with the M Sport package, adaptive LED headlights, 18-inch double-spoke Style 790 M two-tone alloy wheels and M Sport brakes. Keyless entry with proximity locking and unlocking is also fitted, complete with a Digital Key function for smartphones. You may read our written review, here.

GALLERY: G20 BMW 330e M Sport

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G20 BMW M340i xDrive launched in Malaysia – 382 hp and 500 Nm, CKD, RM402k with sales tax exemption

In BMW, Cars, Local Car Launches, Local News / By Anthony Lim / 22 October 2020 10:35 am / 65 comments

A week after we broke the news of its upcoming arrival, BMW Malaysia has officially launched the G20 BMW M340i xDrive in the country. The variant, which was introduced alongside the 330e M Sport plug-in hybrid today, now sits at the top of a four-model Malaysian 3 Series line-up that includes the 330i M Sport and 320i Sport.

The M340i, which was first revealed in Los Angeles back in November 2018, has the honour of being the first-ever locally-assembled CKD M Performance variant. It’s also the only one in the local quartet to be equipped with an inline-six powertrain.

The said mill is the 3.0 litre twin-scroll turbocharged B58 in its revamped B30O1 form, offering 382 hp (or 387 PS) at 5,800 to 6,500 rpm and 500 Nm from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm in the way of output. The power output is 13 hp more than when the car was first announced and when briefly trialled on track by this publication during the international media drive for the G20, although torque remains unchanged.

The lump is paired with an eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, which features a Launch Control function and short ratios for the lower gears to improve acceleration. As denoted by the model suffix, xDrive all-wheel drive is present, and in terms of performance the M340i will do the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.4 seconds, with top speed capped at 250 km/h.

Aside from the rear-biased xDrive system, the variant features an M Sport differential, which offers an electronically-controlled, fully-variable rear-wheel locking function. Also standard fitment is a
valve-controlled M Sport exhaust system, which provides oodles of noticeable growl in Sport and Sport+ drive modes.

Other mechanical highlights include an M Sport brake system, comprising four-piston front and single-piston rear units, with the calipers finished in blue, as well as variable sport steering. As for suspension, BMW Malaysia has specified the car with an electronically-controlled Adaptive M suspension, which features new valves and a revised control algorithm to enable load-dependent control of the damping forces.

As previously reported, the M340i’s exterior comes dressed with an M Aerodynamics package, M rear spoiler and BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line trim elements. Elsewhere, the model-specific mesh-styled front grille, front air inlet surrounds, side mirror caps and tailpipe trim are finished in a signature Cerium Grey metallic shade to further highlight the variant by sight.

Click to enlarge.

Speaking of the tailpipes, dual trapezoidal exhaust finishers find their way on, and the local specification sees the car being equipped with BMW Laserlight headlamps and 19-inch double-spoke 792 M two-tone light-alloy wheels, wrapped with 225/40 front and 255/35 rear runflat rubbers.

Inside, the M340i features front sports seats and Vernasca leather upholstery, with two colour scheme choices being available, namely black or Cognac, as it is with the 330e M Sport. Other cabin styling elements include aluminium tetragon interior trim, with highlights in pearl chrome, and BMW Individual headliner finished in anthracite.

Interior kit includes an M leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles, M-specific alloy pedals and front aluminium door sills with dedicated “M340i” lettering. The variant designation also adorns the digital instrument cluster, so you’ll always be reminded of what you’re driving.

Other standard fit bits include a BMW Live Cockpit Professional infotainment system featuring a 10.25-inch centre screen and a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument display, three-zone auto air-conditioning, 11-shade ambient lighting, an electrically-operated sunroof, a head-up display and a 16-speaker, 464 watt Harman Kardon audio system.

In terms of driving assistance systems, the M340i comes with cruise control with braking function, parking assistant, a rear view camera and a Driving Assistant package, which contains front collision warning with brake intervention (or autonomous emergency braking), lane departure warning, lane change warning, rear cross traffic alert and rear collision prevention in its kitbag.

Four exterior colours are available for the car, and these are Portimao Blue, Sunset Orange, Black Sapphire and Alpine White. Finally, pricing. The locally-assembled G20 BMW M340i is priced at RM422,800 (on-the-road without insurance), but the current SST exemption in place brings the retail price down to RM402,354 until December 31, 2020.

GALLERY: G20 BMW M340i xDrive, LHD

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REVIEW: G20 BMW 330e M Sport – ever-present cake

In BMW, Car Reviews, Cars / By Danny Tan / 22 October 2020 10:34 am / 4 comments

They say you can’t have your cake and eat it too. That’s true for most things most of the time – and indeed, with cake – but the BMW 330e has been one of those attempts to challenge conventional wisdom. Satisfy both camps, win here, win there.

For the Bavarian carmaker, rolling out electrified cars is a must – after all, we’re living in a time where policymakers across the globe are declaring when they plan to phase out fossil fuelled cars. Think of today as a transition period between the internal combustion engine and an all-electric future, with hybrids as the balancing act.

A car like the 330e sees its maker fulfil responsibility and regulations, and because it’s based on a format everyone knows and loves (the sports sedan), it will sell, too. Doing what you have to do while reaping profits from it is surely win-win.

Car buyers also stand to gain. A plug-in hybrid provides both eco friendliness and fuel savings, while twin propulsion satisfies the need for performance. There’s also the benefit of reduced costs, whether it’s in the form of benefit-in-kind tax savings in Europe or a lowered purchase price in Malaysia thanks to CKD locally assembled hybrid incentives by the government.

The latter is why the previous-generation 330e sold well in our market. The electrified F30 was an on paper no-brainer, and many followed both head and heart – as is usually the case with the 3er – to own the first ever PHEV 3 Series. The case for a 330e is even stronger with this second attempt, as we find out over a day’s drive in Munich.

Read The Full Story ›

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G20 BMW 330e M Sport plug-in hybrid now in Malaysia – 292 PS and 420 Nm; 56 km electric range, RM264,613

In BMW, Cars, Local Car Launches, Local News / By Jonathan Lee / 22 October 2020 10:25 am / 29 comments

At long last, the G20 BMW 330e plug-in hybrid has been launched in Malaysia. Replacing the popular F30, this model carries an almost identical specification to the petrol-powered 330i at a significantly lower price point, all while adding a healthy dose of electric propulsion.

That price, in case you were wondering, is RM264,613 on-the-road without insurance, inclusive of the full sales and service tax (SST) rebate for this locally-assembled vehicle. That makes it nearly RM22,000 less expensive than the 330i.

This figure is only valid on cars built before December 31, after which the 330e reverts to the SST-inclusive price of RM268,800. As always, a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, a five-year free service package and a two-year tyre warranty are included in the purchase.

Of course, the biggest difference between the 330e and its 330i sibling is under the bonnet. Here, B48 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine has been detuned to 184 PS from 5,000 to 6,000 rpm and 300 Nm of torque between 1,350 and 4,000 rpm. For those keeping score at home, those are exactly the same figures as the entry-level 320i.

Supplementing the internal combustion engine’s output is a 50 kW (68 PS) electric motor, bringing the total up to 252 PS and 420 Nm. New for the G20 model is an XtraBoost function that enables the motor to deliver an extra 30 kW (41 PS) of power under acceleration, resulting in a temporary 292 PS. This is accessible via the Sport drive mode, under kickdown and in the gearbox’s sport and manual modes.

Performance figures include a zero-to-100 km/h sprint time of 5.9 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than before) and a top speed of 230 km/h (up 5 km/h). Meanwhile, the car delivers a fuel consumption figure of 2.2 litres per 100 km and carbon dioxide emissions of just 50 grams per kilometre.

Juicing the electric motor is a 12.0 kWh lithium-ion battery that allows for nearly double the pure electric range, at 56 km. It will also travel in this mode at speeds of up to 140 km/h – 20 km/h up compared to before. The battery sits under the rear seats, reducing boot space from 480 litres to 375 litres, though you can increase the amount of cargo you can carry by folding the 40:20:40-split rear seats.

Charging the battery takes six hours with a 230-volt domestic socket, or 3.6 hours using an AC wallbox or public charger with a maximum output of 3.7 kW. Those figures are 4.3 and 2.6 hours respectively when charging up to 80% of maximum capacity. As usual, the charging port door is on the left front fender, this time sitting just under the M badge of this M Sport model.

As mentioned, the kit list reads similarly to the 330i, both coming as standard with the M Sport package, adaptive LED headlights, 18-inch double-spoke Style 790 M two-tone alloy wheels and M Sport brakes. Keyless entry with proximity locking and unlocking is also fitted, complete with a Digital Key function for smartphones. As yet, it is unclear if it supports Apple’s new CarKey feature.

Click to enlarge

Inside, you get an M steering wheel, M-specific alloy pedals and power-adjustable sport seats with driver’s side memory. You’ll also find Aluminium Tetragon trim, black headlining and Vernasca leather in either black or cognac. In terms of infotainment, the 330e comes with the top BMW Live Cockpit Professional system, adding a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Other bits of kit include LED fog lights, triple-zone automatic climate control, 11-colour ambient lighting, a 10-speaker, 205-watt sound system and a hands-free opening boot lid. One crucial new feature that the 330i lacks is the adaptive M suspension, which should smoothen the brittle ride somewhat.

Just like the rest of the local 3 Series lineup (finally!), the 330e is offered with the Driving Assistant package, which includes autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring and rear collision prevention.

GALLERY: G20 BMW 330e M Sport official photos

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FIRST DRIVE: 2020 G20 BMW 320i Sport M’sian review

In BMW, Car Reviews, Cars, Video Reviews, Videos / By Danny Tan / 17 July 2020 6:59 pm / 63 comments

The G20 BMW 3 Series is a desirable piece of kit, but with the 330i M Sport priced close to RM300k (was RM293,800, now RM286,187 after the 2020 sales tax exemption), a more accessible variant was needed. BMW Malaysia answered the call earlier this year when they introduced this car – the BMW 320i Sport.

Priced at RM241,794 (was RM248,800 before SST exemption), the new entry-level 3 Series carries much of the G20’s goodness but is cheaper by the price of a Myvi. Of course, you get less power and kit.

Under the hood is the 330i’s 2.0 litre turbo-four, but instead of 258 hp/400 Nm, the B48 is tuned down here to produce 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque from 1,350 to 4,000 rpm. Drive is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, and 0-100 km/h is done in a respectable 7.1 seconds (5.8s for 330i). Top speed is 235 km/h.

The G20 320i comes in Sport trim, which means the exterior is less overtly sporty as the 330i M Sport. Very handsome in this Mediterranean Blue to these eyes. Sport gets gloss black window surrounds, and the wheels are also 18-inch items, although this car loses the 330i’s mixed tyres with wider rear rubber. A signature Sport cue is the sideways T fog lamp housing on the bumper, repeated at the rear, which also has dual exhaust tips.

Inside the G20’s much improved cabin, the 320i Sport comes with BMW Live Cockpit Plus (instead of Professional), which combines a set of analogue gauges with a 5.7-inch digital display. The centre touchscreen measures 8.8 inches, which is noticeably smaller than the 10.25-inch item in the 330i. The 320i also comes with Qi wireless charging, three-zone auto air con and an 11-colour ambient lighting system.

The base G20 also gets aluminium mesh effect trim, black Vernasca leather upholstery, a powered driver seat with memory, steering shift paddles and contactless boot opening, among other things.

In April, the two CKD G20 models were finally given the Driving Assistant package, which adds on Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning (with speedometer visual)m Rear cross traffic warning and rear collision prevention, Front collision warning with brake intervention (AEB) and Speed limit info with manual speed limit assist.

Sounds like a very compelling package, but don’t take it from this typist on the couch. Instead, check out the G20 BMW 320i Sport with Hafriz Shah, as I will do after finishing this post. As usual, he’ll go through the car’s design and driving performance, and share some notes on how the BMW compares to the other German.

GALLERY: 2020 G20 BMW 320i Sport

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G20 BMW 320i Sport – now with AEB, RM248,800

In BMW, Cars, Local News / By Anthony Lim / 8 April 2020 5:13 pm / 22 comments
Earlier today, we revealed that BMW Malaysia had updated the price of its G20 330i M Sport and 320i Sport variants, with the price of both CKD models going up by RM5,000. The 330i M Sport is now listed at RM293,800, up from the RM288,800 when the locally-assembled version was introduced last September. The 320i Sport, meanwhile, is now priced at RM248,800 on-the-road without insurance (previously, RM243,800).

The price increase introduces additional kit to the car – the local 3er now finally comes with a Driving Assistant package, which adds on the following items to its safety equipment list:
- Lane Departure Warning
- Lane Change Warning (with speedometer visual)
- Rear cross traffic warning and rear collision prevention
- Front collision warning with brake intervention (AEB)
- Speed limit info with manual speed limit assist
Click to enlarge.

It was confirmed in our earlier report that the new raft of driver assist features was going on the 330i M Sport, but there was no mention of the pack for the 320i Sport on the official price list this morning, despite the increase in pricing. Documents we saw from earlier however indicated that the pack was slated to go on, and now it is confirmed that it is.

The 320i Sport price list has now been updated, and now includes the Driving Assistant package with all the kit as listed above, identical to that on the 330i M Sport. The update for the car comes just three months after it was introduced in locally-assembled form, in January this year.

GALLERY: 2020 G20 BMW 320i Sport, CKD
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G20 BMW 330i M Sport and 320i Sport prices increased to RM294k and RM249k – 330i now comes with AEB

In BMW, Cars, Local News / By Anthony Lim / 8 April 2020 12:03 pm / 42 comments

BMW Malaysia has updated the price of its G20 330i M Sport and 320i Sport variants, and this has seen the price being increased for both CKD models. The 330i M Sport is now listed at RM293,800, up by RM5k from the RM288,800 when it the locally-assembled version was introduced last September.

The price of the 320i Sport has also been increased by RM5k, to RM248,800 (previously RM243,800). This is a rather quick price revision, given that the car was launched here in locally-assembled form only in January this year.

In the case of the 330i, the price increase brings along additional kit – the local 3er now finally comes with a Driving Assistant package, which adds on Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning (with speedometer visual), rear cross traffic warning and rear collision prevention as well as AEB, in this case front collision warning with brake intervention. Also on, a speed limit info feature, which comes with manual speed limit assist.

There is strangely no mention of the Driving Assistant package on the 320i Sport official price list, its Driver Assistance category still listing the same kit as available at point of introduction, and that’s Attentiveness Assistant, passive cruise control with braking function, parking assistant with reversing assist, and rear view camera.

Documents sighted by this publication show that the 320i Sport is also supposed to get the Driving Assistant package as seen on the 330i, which means LDW, Lane Change Warning, front collision warning with brake intervention and rear cross traffic warning/rear collision prevention goes on, along with the speed limit info function.

UPDATE: A few hours after this story was published, BMW Malaysia updated its official price list for the 320i Sport, and mentions that the car now includes the Driving Assistant package with LDW, Lane Change Warning, front collision warning with brake intervention and rear cross traffic warning/rear collision prevention goes on, along with the speed limit info function.

Whether or not this is the case remains to be officially confirmed, but there should be something added given the RM5k increase for the variant, as in the case of the 330i M Sport. We’ll check with BMW Malaysia on the driving assistance pack availability for the 320i Sport and update when we get further details.

GALLERY: 2019 G20 BMW 330i M Sport, CKD

GALLERY: 2020 G20 BMW 320i Sport, CKD

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GALLERY: 2020 G20 BMW 320i Sport – RM243,800

In BMW, Cars, Local News / By Matthew H Tong / 10 January 2020 1:14 pm / 41 comments

Yesterday’s launch of the G20 BMW 320i Sport made it to the top of the news pile, and since there’s quite a bit of hype surrounding the new CKD sedan, we’re bringing you guys a full gallery to check it out in detail. The entry-level 3 Series is priced at RM243,800, and it comes with the usual BMW five-year unlimited mileage warranty with free scheduled service, 24-month run-flat tyre warranty, and BMW Roadside Assistance.

The car you see in this set of photo is finished in Mediterranean Blue, which is one of five exterior colours available, the rest being Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Mineral Grey, and Sunset Orange. It gets BMW Individual high-gloss shadow line as standard, complete with adaptive LED headlights with LED DRLs, conjoined kidney grille with chrome surrounds, and a less aggressive lower bumper with T-shaped LED fog lamps and integrated air curtains.

Rolling stock measures 18-inches in size, shod with 225/45 profile Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3 rubbers on all four corners. Do note that the 330i M Sport has wider rear tyres (255/40 R18) to better manage the extra grunt. This being the Sport model, the window surrounds are finished in gloss black, which is the same treatment as that on the 330i M Sport.

Over to the back, the sedan gets full LED tail lights, dual exhaust pipes, and a more subtle bumper with the same T-shaped inserts. Other exterior design bits include keyless entry (with BMW Digital Key), shark fin antenna, and a reverse camera.

Inside, the 320i Sport settles for BMW Live Cockpit Plus instead of the more advanced BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which comprises a traditional set of analogue gauges with an integrated 5.7-inch digital display along the bottom. The centre touchscreen display now measures 8.8-inch diagonally, and looks noticeably smaller than the fancier 10.25-inch unit from the BMW Live Cockpit Professional.

Besides the thicker bezels, the head unit also runs on the older BMW Operating System 6.0. As for the sound system, there are only six speakers here, but at least there’s Qi wireless charging tray, three-zone automatic climate control, and 11-colour ambient lighting system.

Elsewhere, the cabin gets aluminium ‘mesh effect’ trims finished in pearl chrome, black Vernasca leather upholstery, powered driver seat with memory function, a new three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles, as well as contactless boot opening.

For engine, it gets the same B48 2.0 litre four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo, albeit tuned down to produce 184 hp at 5,000 to 6,500 rpm and 300 Nm at 1,350 to 4,000 rpm. Drive is sent to the rear wheels through an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox, sending the sedan from 0-100 km/h in 7.1 seconds. Top speed is 235 km/h, while the combined fuel consumption is 6.3 litres per 100 km.

In the safety department, it only gets six airbags, Isofix child seat mounts on the two outer rear seats, and the usual active safety systems such as Dynamic Stability Control with Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, and Dynamic Brake Control. As for driver assistance systems, there’s only Attentiveness Assistant, passive cruise control with braking function, and parking assistant with reversing assist.

Finally, the 320i Sport comes with BMW ConnectedDrive services with Intelligent Emergency Call, Teleservices, BMW Digital Key, and welcome lights. Once again, the BMW 320i Sport retails at RM243,800, and can be purchased via the Balloon Financing Plan (offered by BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia) from RM2,788 monthly (figure is based on 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

GALLERY: 2020 G20 BMW 330i M Sport (CKD)

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