BMW Malaysia today unveiled the all-new BMW 3 Series, the seventh generation of the iconic sports saloon.
“The BMW 3 Series is the model that established the premium sports sedan segment,” said BMW Group Malaysia managing director Harald Hoelzl.
“For over 45 years, the 3 Series has continuously raised the benchmark for ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ in the premium automotive industry.
“Today, the all-new BMW 3 Series in its seventh generation, takes the signature characteristics of a BMW to another level with a new dynamic design, superior driving dynamics as well as technology and innovation never seen before in the Malaysian automotive industry.”
The new “ultimate sports saloon” is introduced in the M Sport package exclusively for Malaysia, and features a dynamic sporty design with new dimensions.
The new 3 Series arrives equipped with the Parking Assistant which also features the new Reversing Assist which records the cars journey every 50 metres, enabling it to semi autonomously reverse at low speeds through narrow corners.
An in-line four-cylinder petrol engine sits at its heart – the most powerful of its kind to ever be fitted in a BMW vehicle.
Even so, the revamped engine guarantees lower fuel consumption and carbon emission, thanks to the further developed eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
‘Clear, precise expression of sporting prowess’
Exuding strength and athleticism while still maintaining an air of elegance in its precise lines and taut surfaces, the new 3 Series is 76mm longer (4,709mm), 16mm wider (1,827mm) and just 6mm taller (1,435mm) than its predecessor, improving the comfort of passengers in the rear seat. The wheelbase is also longer by 41mm (2,851mm).
The classic kidney grille is now notably larger and wider. It extends to the twin headlights that are fully LED-equipped and boasts a Bi-LED technology.
Slim, three-dimensional taillights are fitted in an L shape with emphasis on the use of smoked glass for a classy appeal – giving onlookers a sophisticated first impression.
A remarkable characteristic is the aerodynamic spoiler lip affixed to the rear along with two distinct 90-millimetre tailpipes, giving the new BMW a sporting edge.
Its “formidable” 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine, the most powerful of its kind yet to be fitted in a BMW model, is introduced in the 330i M Sport generating a top speed of 250 km/h.
It outputs 258hp with a peak torque of 400Nm from 1,550 to 4,400rpm., resulting in a 0 to 100km dash in just 5.8 seconds.
With the updated 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, the new 3 Series only consumes 6.4 litre of fuel for every 100km.
Owners can look forward to a lighter, more rigid vehicle as the total weight has been reduced by 25 kilograms (kerb weight of 1,545kg), which can be accredited to its intelligent lightweight construction.
With a drag coefficient of 0.23, the vehicle boasts best-in-class aerodynamics.
The M Sport package includes M Sport suspension,blue-painted callipers that display the M logo fitted onto the M Sport brakes, M Sport leather steering wheel, 18-inch M light alloy wheels in double spoke style and “bi-colour Orbit Grey”.
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is set to revolutionise driving pleasure as it enters a new era in which drivers will increasingly be able to operate their car and access its functions and information simply by speaking.
For example, the driver can control various vehicle functions such as navigation and air-conditioning simply by interacting with it.
It can also explain vehicle functions, provide status updates on things like the oil level and help detect warnings.
The intelligent system will pick up on the driver’s habits and preferences and will then adjust the vehicle to suit the driver.
Seamless updates performed via Remote Software Upgrade will continuously add new capabilities to the new 3 Series.
With the BMW Digital Key, the new 3 Series can be conveniently locked and unlocked with the use of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which is available on a selection of Samsung Android smartphones when placed at the door handles.
The engine of the car can then be started by placing the smartphone in the designated charging tray.
The new 3 Series also arrives with the Parking Assistant, a highly-capable system that can easily manoeuvre out of tight parking spots.
When activated, the Park Assist can park the vehicle in spaces parallel or perpendicular to the road.
Plus, the new Reversing Assist provides an incredible form of support when operating in narrow spaces.
The intuitive system remembers the last 50 metres of the drive to the parking space and will use that knowledge to assist the driver in exiting the spot by taking over the wheel.
Complementing the extensive line of innovations is the latest generation of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional.
It combines the customisable and situation-linked displays on a fully-digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster and 10.25-inch Control Display.
Intuitive operation can be chosen from the Control Display’s touch control, the iDrive Controller, the steering wheel buttons and voice control.
All these features are made available thanks to the new BMW Operating System 7.0.
From optimising the control and display system with the advanced BMW Live Cockpit Professional to running a customisable smart system like the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, this Operating System shows that BMW stands unrivalled as the most advanced sport saloon ever created.
The all-new BMW 3 Series comes in Portimao Blue, Black Sapphire, Alpine White, Mineral Grey and Sunset Orange, paired with premium Black or Cognac Leather Vernasca upholstery and interior trim finished in Aluminium Tetragon.
Price? This new 3 Series goes for RM328,800 (without insurance).
The new 3 Series is available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from today.
The Z4 is back!
BMW Malaysia also previewed the all-new BMW Z4, the premium automaker’s newest open-top roadster, boasting an emotion-packed body design and a purist, driver-focused interior.
“BMW has a rich history of creating roadsters that have stood out as icons of pure driving pleasure; from the BMW 315/1 up to the second-generation BMW Z4 Roadster,” said Hoelzl.
“To this day, both BMW Z3 and the previous generations of the BMW Z4 are among the all-time best-selling two-seater drop-tops in the premium segment.
“The all-new BMW Z4 is back! More captivating than ever to rewrite a new chapter for BMW in its brand-defining roadster history.”
The all-new Z4 is fashioned with striking new proportions, and combines its sporty on-road prowess with a wealth of highly advanced, top-class equipment features and connectivity such as the BMW Live Cockpit Professional and the BMW Digital Key.
Proving itself to be a “real driving machine”, the all-new Z4 is offered in the BMW Z4 sDrive30i M Sport variant, that is capable of hitting the 0-100km/h mark in just 5.4 seconds.
‘Pure aesthetic wrapped in a new design language’
Redefining its iconic, traditional roadster DNA with a modern and contemporary design based on its classic low, elongated silhouette with short overhangs, the all-new Z4 is made available in Malaysia exclusively in the M Sport trim.
The premium roadster from BMW continues to astound with its stunning exterior impression, now featuring a significant growth in length by 85mm (4,324mm), width by 74mm (1,864mm) and a slight bump in its height by 13mm (1,304mm) as compared to its predecessor.
The wider track makes for more stable and agile cornering while the shorter wheelbase provide a smaller turning circle in the all-new Z4.
The lower and more centralised centre of gravity instantly delivers a sportier handling.
A marvellous reinterpretation of its classic elements puts the all-new Z4 above the rest with an intricate kidney grille design that is now affixed lower to the road with an eye-catching grid structure.
Next are the vertically-arranged LED headlights that feature tubes uniquely designed in a hexagonal pattern, and the slim light strips in the inner edge of the headlight function as indicators for the new roadster.
From the back, the slim single-unit 3D taillights and distinct integrated rear spoiler design coupled with its low-slung body and low reversing light lends to a sleeker appeal.
The increased luggage capacity, larger door compartments and additional storage areas behind the seats benefit the driver who is always in need of more space, along with the increased leg room for superior comfort when on the road.
Mighty engines, systematically enhanced chassis
The all-new Z4 features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine offering 258hp with a peak torque of 400Nm from 1,550 to 4,400rpm and a top speed of 250km/h.
“The ultimate premium roadster” from BMW is also ahead of any vehicle in its class with its perfectly tuned suspension, superior steering precision and dynamic rear-wheel drive system that leaves its steering unaffected by drive torque.
The low centre of gravity and equal front-to-rear weight distribution showcases its true classic BMW roadster characteristics.
The BMW Z4 sDrive30i offers its industry leading eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission, M Sport Suspension and Variable Sport Steering.
Driver-focused with a premium character
Inside, the all-new Z4 paints a picture of unadulterated driving pleasure with its driver-focused cockpit design.
The interior is adorned with a sporty two-seater cockpit, a classic canvas roof, minimalist interior trim surfaces and a low seating position to encapsulate the driver in a premium vehicle like no other.
Controls are intelligently grouped into “function islands” for convenience, while the piece-de-resistance is the innovative indirect ambient lighting that allows the drivers to create their preferred lighting moods with calming colours like lilac and mint.
The BMW Live Cockpit Professional strategically placed at the same level as the central touchscreen information display supplements the drivers with information directly within their line of vision.
In terms of industry leading innovation, the all-new Z4 also features the BMW Digital Key that enables the driver to access the vehicle with the use of select Android smartphones.
The Digital Key employs Near Field Communication (NFC) technology to allow the new luxury sports car to be locked and unlocked from a smartphone.
The smartphone simply has to be held up to the door handle to unlock the door.
Once inside, the engine can be started as soon as the phone has been placed in the Wireless Charging or smartphone tray.
Via the BMW Connected App, the Digital Key enables the driver to share the key with up to five people.
Also offered is the Intelligent Parking Assistant featuring the Reversing Assistant.
The Parking Assistant is a highly-capable system that can help owners easily manoeuvre out of tight parking spots.
When activated, the Park Assist can park the vehicle in spaces parallel or perpendicular to the road.
Plus, the new Reversing Assist provides an incredible form of support when operating in narrow spaces.
The intuitive system remembers the last 50 metres of the drive to the parking space and will use that knowledge to assist the driver in exiting the spot by taking over the wheel.
Owners of the all-new Z4 can also look forward to the Connected Package Professional to include more futuristic enhancements to their vehicle or add on more features from the ConnectedDrive store after the purchase.
In terms of colour offering, the all-new Z4 offers four vibrant exterior colours in San Francisco Red, Misano Blue, Black Sapphire and Alpine White, matched with interior options of Black décor with Black stitching, Magma Red with Black stitching or Cognac with Black stitching.
The new Z4 will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from May 2019.
Its estimated retail price (on the road, without insurance) is RM460,000.
