Acquired Taste

Top-line carmakers are keeping busy this year. New car models from Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Toyota and BMW have already reached Malaysian shores, arriving at the tail end of 2019, to the delight of automobilists everywhere. With models ranging from sedans to SUVs and classic sports cars, there’s something for everybody.

Mercedes-AMG A35.

Around two months after its launch overseas, Mercedes-Benz’s new Mercedes-AMG A35 4MATIC sedan has finally come to Malaysia. A competitively-priced sedan that delivers bang for the wider consumer base’s buck, it presents a good alternative to the carmaker’s A45 models.

The smaller A35 sedan gives 306hp and 400Nm from 3,000-4,000 rpm in a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, a step down from the full-fat A45 that will nonetheless keep buyers satisfied with its 4.6-second sprint from 0-100 km/h, aided by the Race-Start launch control system.

The fully-imported car is priced at RM348,888 without insurance, RM81,000 more than the most expensive variant of the standard A-Class sedan, the A 250. The price point is, however, justified; aside from the car’s impressive power, the M260 2.0 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine is paired with a seven-speed AMG Speedshift 7G dual clutch transmission that delivers power to all four wheels through the variable AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel-drive system.

The AMG body kit and trim make for an overall aggressive look, aided by black and silver interior aluminium trim elements, an AMG performance steering wheel finished in Nappa leather, and leather microfibre seats. Other A-Class party tricks include a giant flatscreen display panel with twin 10.25-inch screens, the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system and “Hey Mercedes” Linguatronic voice control.

Lexus ES, Lexus RX300.

Last month, Lexus Malaysia launched the all-new Lexus ES250 and new Lexus RX300. The ES is a new offering built on Lexus’ global platform, an executive saloon wider, longer and more low-slung than its predecessors that features a “smart sporty” design with a 2,870mm wheelbase, according to its makers.

Retailing in Malaysia at RM299,888 without insurance, the Premium variant of the well-handling ES250 – with MacPherson struts at the front and a double wishbone arrangement at the back – has an impressive, detailed, and above all, roomy interior with quality finishing that speaks well of its make. The Luxury variant retails at RM332,288.

Features include a Pre-Collision System which utilises a radar-camera combination, Lane Departure Warning, and Lane Tracing Assist which gently steers you back into your lane. There’s also Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) with a Stop & Go function, and Active Cornering Assist.

The ES250 is powered by an in-line four-cylinder, 2.5-litre engine, with drive sent to the front wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The RX300, on the other hand, is an all-wheel drive, six-speed automatic transmission SUV that comes in three variants, namely Premium, Luxury and F-Sport, the last of which comes with four drive modes over the other two’s three. The Premium is priced at RM399,888 and comes with a 2.0-litre turbo-charged four-cylinder engine with 235hp and 350Nm of torque, while the Luxury and F-Sport retail at RM424,888 and RM439,888 respectively.

The AWD system includes Dynamic Friction Control dampers for the front and rear while the F-Sport gets Adaptive Variable Suspension. The RX300 also gets a Lexus Safety System that includes a Pre-Collision System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist and Active Cornering Assist.

A90 Toyota GR Supra.

The legendary Toyota Supra sportscar is back after a long hiatus since 2002. It now sports a flashy new “GR” in the name, after Toyota Gazoo Racing, the award-winning umbrella organisation for Toyota’s global motorsports programme. Leaning on Gazoo Racing’s success to brand and develop a sportier model range, the GR Supra is the first model of its range to be developed and produced for the global market.

The variant Malaysians are getting is the Supra GTS, a sprinter priced from RM568,000 that runs from zero to 100kph in 4.3 seconds on a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with a twin-scroll turbocharger. Said engine is paired to a quick-shifting eight-speed electronic automatic transmission that sends 340PS and 500Nm of torque to the rear wheels.

The GR Supra comes with Toyota Supra Safety, which includes Forward Collision Warning with braking function, Lane Departure Warning with steering assist, Adaptive Cruise Control at all speeds, Adaptive High Beam System, Rear End Collision Warning and Speed Limit Info.

Other key safety features include an Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Hill-start Assist Control, Blind Spot Monitor, front and rear parking sensors, reverse camera, tyre pressure monitoring system, Emergency Stop Signal and ISOFIX anchor.

BMW 330i M Sport.

Locally assembled at the BMW facility in Kulim, Kedah, the new BMW 330i M Sport is the seventh generation of a world-famous premium sports sedan and is one of nine BMW models assembled at said facility. Powered by a 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo petrol engine, which puts out 258hp and 400Nm of torque from 1,550-4,400 rpm, the 3 Series has an updated eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic transmission, with an official 0-100kph time of 5.8 seconds.

The car is priced at RM288,800 and comes with 18″ light alloy wheels in double-spoke style 790 M bi-colour Orbit Grey. It features adaptive LED headlights with Bi-LED technology, a larger kidney grille and slim three-dimensional tail-lights fitted in an L-shape.

Fitted inside is an M Sport leather steering wheel with multi-function and shift paddles and ambient interior lighting. Other unique key features are the Intelligent Personal Assistant and Digital Key, as well as Park Assist and Reverse Assist by its Parking Assistant system.

The 330i M Sport also features BMW Live Cockpit Professional, which combines customisable and situation-linked displays on a digital 12.3″ instrument cluster and 10.25″ Control Display touchscreen running the latest BMW Operating System 7.0.

Related: ​Why the New Lexus is the Safest Way to Cruise the City