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Hyundai will unveil the production IONIQ 3 in April 2026. The compact electric SUV rides on the E-GMP 400V platform, sporting a closed grille, split LED light strips and a fast-back tail with integrated spoiler; a high-performance IONIQ 3 N is slated for 2027.

MITI’s Jan 2 update confirms that from Jan 1, 2026, any CBU BEV not approved before Dec 31, 2025—regardless of brand presence—must retail for ≥ RM250k and deliver ≥ 200 kW (≈268 PS); models granted AP in 2023-2025 keep the RM100k floor. Import-duty exemption ended Dec 31, 2025, restoring 30% import + 10% excise duty and raising prices ~15%. CKD remains tax-free until end-2027, prompting BYD, Leapmotor, Xpeng et al. to accelerate local assembly plans, while Tesla has yet to confirm a Malaysian plant.

The 2026 Raize in Indonesia gains a GR Sport aero kit with front lip, diffuser-style rear skirt and black-to-red decals, plus a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto across the range. Engines carry over—1.2L NA or 1.0T—and the GR Sport keeps the 98 PS turbo-three with D-CVT. Safety starts at two airbags; six airbags and full ADAS remain optional only on GR Sport. Prices now IDR 243.5-292.1 million, slightly undercutting better-equipped Malaysian twin Perodua Ativa.

Mercedes will unveil the heavily facelifted W223 S-Class on Jan 29, revising 2,700 parts—over half the car. Airmatic suspension now pre-loads dampers via V2V road-data; the S580 gains a 537 PS flat-plane-crank V8 mild-hybrid. Illuminated bonnet star and enlarged hexagonal grille headline the design; inside, physical steering-wheel controls return and rear seats add ottomans. MB.OS debuts with L4 autonomous pilot tests underway, pending global homologation.

BMW released the 2026 iX1 compact electric SUV: four trims priced ¥228-268k, X-Line and M Sport packs carried over. The facelift keeps rhombus-filled kidney grilles, L-shape air curtains and 4616×1845×1641mm body on 2802mm wheelbase, adding half-flush handles and five-spoke wheels for sharper looks.

The Geely EX2—sold as the Proton eMas 5 in Malaysia—has gone on sale in Indonesia as a CKD model with 46.5% local content. A 40.8 kWh LFP battery assembled by Gotion supplies 395 km NEDC range. Prices start at IDR 229.9 million (≈RM54.6k) for the Pro and IDR 259.9 million (≈RM62.1k) for the Max, both undercutting Malaysian equivalents. A 116 PS/150 Nm rear motor delivers 11.5 s 0-100 km/h; LED headlamps are standard and the Max adds a power driver’s seat. Gotion is also in talks to build a plant in Johor, potentially future-proofing Malaysian assembly.