BANGKOK: This year's Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) saw a surge in car buyers who are buoying Thailand's automotive market.
The show, featuring 54 car and motorcycle brands, was held from March 26 to April 6 at IMPACT Challenger Hall, Muang Thong Thani here and was able to attract more than 1.6 million patrons who helped to secure a total of 79,941 vehicle bookings.
From European marques to Chinese EVs and Japanese hybrids, the following makes and models were chosen for their significance to the Malaysian market.
BMW X3 (G45)
At BMW, the German marque showcased its next-generation X3 (G45), which made its debut featuring a larger kidney grille, sleeker LED headlights, and a more sculpted front bumper, while the rear gets new 3D LED rear light clusters and wider exhaust tips.
Under the hood, it comes in two variants, starting with the diesel-powered xDrive20d M Sport and the range-topping xDrive30e plug-in hybrid - both of which are said to benefit from improved fuel efficiency and smoother power delivery.
Inside, the cabin has been updated with a minimalist design, dual 12.3-inch digital displays, and upgraded materials as well as redesigned climate controls, powered sports seats upholstered in Sensatec leather, improved tech and driver assistance systems.
Photo gallery: BMW X3 (G45)
Nissan continues to push its unique e-Power technology with the latest Serena, which now comes with a few updates to its aesthetics, including a new grille and some interior styling renovations.
Rather than utilising a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated combustion engine as a primary means of propulsion and an electric motor as a "booster", their roles have now been reversed.
The electric motor with 163PS and 315Nm of torque now provides propulsion to the front wheels while a 1.4-litre combustion engine has been relegated to battery-charging duties as per Nissan's e-Power system.
This provides an electric driving experience without the need for external charging and is said to provide up to 20.6km per litre in terms of fuel efficiency, while boasting of advanced safety features for this seven-seater multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).
Photo gallery: Nissan Serena e-Power
At Mazda's camp, the premium Japanese marque has provided a reimagining of its iconic Mazda6 with the advent of the 6e - a sleek, electrified D-segment sedan that blends premium aesthetics with its take on electrification via its Skyactiv EV technology.
The fully-electric 6e can provide up to 552km range via its 80kWh NMC battery that powers up its rear-mounted electric motor rated at 258PS and 310Nm of torque.
Additionally, it comes equipped with features such as a 14.6-inch centrally mounted touchscreen display that integrates many of its onboard functions within, including climate controls and ambient lighting, among others.
Photo gallery: Mazda 6e
From Zeekr, Geely’s premium electric vehicle brand, is the 7X - a fully electric SUV that blends high performance with spacious practicality.
Designed as a luxury five-seater, the 7X caters to tech-savvy drivers seeking long-range capability, smart features, and everyday comfort.
Under the hood, it offers an impressive range of up to 615km and supports ultra-fast DC charging at up to 360kW, allowing the battery to be charged from 10% to 80% in just 13 minutes.
Drivers can choose from six driving modes, enabling this SUV to adapt to a variety of road conditions and driving preferences.
Inside, the minimalist cabin exudes modern sophistication, crafted by Zeekr’s European design team based in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Convenience is further enhanced by the Zeekr Companion App that provides remote access to the vehicle via 5G to its third-generation user interface.
The 7X also boasts of a host of smart features such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), adaptive high-beam matrix LED headlights, and optional powered front and rear doors that can open up to nearly 90 degrees for easier access.
There's also a spacious 539-litre boot, powered front and rear seats and hidden rear bench undertrays for added practicality as well as up to 21-inch wheels for style.
Photo gallery: Zeekr 7X
The Zeekr 001 FR stood out on the show floor as a high-performance electric shooting brake that combines speed with an active air suspension system that helps keep the ride smooth and controlled.
All that takes aim at drivers seeking excitement and innovation within the premium EV segment through a quad-motor all-wheel-drive system that gets 930kW (1,264PS) of performance.
Sprinting from 0 to 100kph will take just 2.02 seconds (with rollout subtracted), while its 800V high-voltage system touts super-fast charging capabilities.
Photo gallery: Zeekr 001 FR
Geely also showcased its Geome, which could be Proton's next future potential urban EV variant to join the current e.MAS 7 as the e.MAS 5 perhaps?
The Geome sub-brand is meant to offer an affordably priced, efficient and compact proposition for an EV hatchback that's geared towards urbanites looking for a first electric car that fits both lifestyle and budget.
A 70kWh battery resides within its floorboard and can provide up to 460km (WLTP) of range from its single front-mounted electric motor that's been rated at 150kW (200hp) and 310Nm of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 7.7 seconds.
Other notable mentions include a panoramic roof with a powered screen, ADAS that includes a 540-degree camera system and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the cabin.
Photo gallery: Geely Geome
As Xpeng’s answer to the fully-electrified MPV market, its X9 brings futuristic design, autonomous features, and a focus on spaciousness and comfort.
With Malaysia's options for family-oriented EVs beginning to grow, the X9 may find a niche among tech-forward households seeking zero-emission practicality.
The X9 boasts a starship-inspired exterior design while its futuristic interior utilises a 2-2-3 seating arrangement before fitting in a 21.4-inch touchscreen and a 23-speaker Xopera sound system.
Adding to this is a choice of either a 235kW (315hp) front-wheel drive setup with an 84.5kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery or an all-wheel drive configuration with an additional 135kW (181hp) electric motor on the rear axle for a total system's output of 370kW (503hp) and 640Nm of torque.
This allows the X9 with its larger 101.5kWh ternary NMC battery to shave 2.0 seconds off its 0 to 100kph sprint time at just 5.7 seconds, travel up to 610km and reach a top speed of 200kph.
Photo gallery: Xpeng X9
Thailand's latest contender from China now includes Chery along with its premium make Jaecoo and Omoda range, which features the J6 EV SUV positioned towards adventure-seekers by mixing luxury and toughness.
The J6 - also known as the i-Car 03 in China, is being offered in two variants, namely the Long Range 2WD and Long Range 4WD.
The 2WD variant, with its 65.69kWh LFP battery, powers a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 135kW (185hp) and 220Nm of torque, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100kph 10.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 150kph with up to 371km of range.
In comparison, the 4WD variant uses a dual electric motor setup (one for each axle) and has a total system's output of 205kW (280hp) and 385Nm of torque - shaving its sprint time down to 6.5 seconds and featuring a larger 69.77kWh LFP battery to provide up to 364km of range on a full charge.
Photo gallery: Jaecoo J6 EV
The C5 EV was also seen at the Chery camp and could be the brand's upcoming electric crossover here in Malaysia, with its youthful styling that has the potential of becoming a popular choice for entry-level EV urbanites.
The Omoda C5 EV is equipped with a front-mounted electric motor that provides 150kW (205hp) and 340Nm of torque, allowing it to perform century sprints in 7.2 seconds and achieve a top speed of 172kph.
A 61kWh LFP battery from BYD enables it to travel up to 430km (WLTP) and can be charged via an 80kW DC fast charger, bringing its state-of-charge from 30% to 80% in about 28 minutes.
Last but not least, Haval's H6 PHEV was seen with its latest facelifted looks while boasting of improved efficiency.
The latest H6 PHEV now features a newly designed wide-body grille and showcases the GWM company lettering instead of "Haval" at the rear.
Dubbed as one of China's best-selling SUVs, this plug-in hybrid offers outright fuel economy as well as daily electric driving for those eco-conscious families seeking SUV-like practicality.
Although specifics about its power has yet to be revealed, this PHEV seems to have retained its familiar 1.5-litre turbocharged engine producing 169PS (167 hp) and 285 Nm of torque.
This is further supplemented by an electric motor powered by a 34kWh battery pack to bring its total system's output to 326PS (322hp) and 530 Nm of torque. - all getting managed by a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) before getting sent to the front wheels.
The setup should provide an EV range of around 150km while being equipped with ADAS that would include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), Intelligent Parking (IIP), Automatic Reversing Assist and Automatic Emergency Braking, among others.
Photo gallery: Haval H6 PHEV
