BMW Malaysia Launches Z4 & M5
Kuala Lumpur, 1st March 2012 – BMW Group Malaysia today unveiled two variants of the all new BMW Z4 as well as the new BMW M5, in an event held at the BMW Malaysian Open 2012 in Kuala Lumpur.
The new BMW models come with the latest technologies derived from BMW’s EfficientDynamics strategy to improve efficiency whilst maintaining BMW’s design objectives encompassed in the Sheer Driving Pleasure brand slogan.
“Both the BMW Z4 and the BMW M5 hold a special place for us at BMW. Both cars were built with sports performance and the thrill of the drive in mind and both cars have managed to achieve that and more by also being the most efficient cars in their segment.” said Mr. Geoffrey Briscoe, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia.
Briscoe further added that the BMW Z4 and BMW M5 were widely regarded as “ambassadors” of BMW’s iconic ability to design the worlds most dynamic and enjoyable automobiles and that their introduction into the local market was part and parcel of BMW Malaysia’s ongoing promise of making available to customers BMW’s full range of vehicles.
“In 2011, we achieved yet another record breaking performance with a total of 5,604 BMW, MINI and Motorrad vehicles sold. In 2012, the premium segment continues to show significant opportunities for growth and we are confident that through our strategy of providing the full range of our vehicles, as well as the game changing benefits of our BMW EfficientDynamics proposition, we will continue to grow from strength to strength here in Malaysia.
The New BMW Z4: Increased Power and Efficiency – The Modern Roadster
Widely admired for it’s fashionable roadster design, the BMW Z4 has been touted as one of the most remarkably designed convertibles to date, earning itself the Red Dot award in 2009 as well as the CAROLINA trophy at the Internet Auto Awards competition in the same year.
Now introduced in the form of the new BMW Z4 sDrive20i and BMW Z4 sDrive28i M Sport, the new cars feature the BMW Group’s newly introduced two litre four-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology for both increased power and fuel efficiency.
The two-litre turbo engines of both variants come with twin-scroll turbocharging, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and Double-Vanos variable camshaft control, with outputs of 135 kW/ 184 hp and 270 Nm of Torque in the BMW Z4 sDrive20i and 180 kW/ 245 hp and 350 Nm of Torque in the BMW Z4 sDrive28i M Sport. Through the use of lightweight all-aluminium crankcases both variants also feature lower front-axle loads which have further improved agility and handling compared to their predecessors. The new BMW Z4 sDrive20i achieves
0-100km/h in 7.2 seconds whilst the new BMW Z4 sDrive28i M Sport does it in 5.7 seconds.
In addition to significantly improved pulling power, the new BMW four-cylinder engines provides drivers with more assured and efficient driving at low engine revolutions which further helps to minimise fuel consumption as well as engine noise. In terms of efficiency, both models consume a total of 6.8 liters per 100 kilometer with carbon emissions amounting to a mere 159 grams per kilometer. The new BMW Z4 also features Brake Energy Regeneration as a standard feature.
Both the variants also feature BMW’s revolutionary 8-speed automatic transmission with paddles on the sport steering wheel, replacing the 6-speed automatic transmission of its predecessor.
The New BMW M5 – The Ultra-Dynamic Business Sedan
The newly introduced BMW M5, meanwhile, provides the modern businessman with a sophisticated and comfortable executive sedan for everday driving with the instant ability of being a racetrack capable high-performance sports car. Unlike it’s predecessor, the new fifth generation BMW M5 is now powered by a new high-revving 4.4 litre V8 engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology including two TwinScroll turbochargers, a single exhaust manifold serving each cylinder bank, BMW’s High Precision Injection direct injection system, VALVETRONIC infinitely variable inlet valve lift control and Double-Vanos variable camshaft control.
This new engine is the most powerful engine available from the BMW M GmbH range with an output of 412 kW/560 hp, a 10 per cent improvement over the previous edition’s V10 engine. Maximum torque has also been raised by 30 per cent giving the new BMW M5 a staggering 680 Nm’s of torque which allows the car to hit the 0-100 km/h mark in 4.3 seconds.
The personality of the new car’s V8 engine can also be influenced at the touch of the button which is placed on the centre console where drivers are able to choose from “Efficient”, “Sport” and “Sport Plus” modes. The individual modes change the engine’s response time in line with driver preferences and allows for instantaneous adaptation from a focus on comfort and maximised fuel efficiency to sporty dynamic performance or an extremely fast engine response.
“What customers will most appreciate about the new BMW M5 is the brutal and enduring pulling power which is instantly available from the moment the driver presses down on the accelerator pedal. What they will likely find most endearing, however, is the tremendous amount of fuel saved when doing this in the M5 in comparison to any other car in its class. This is what the new BMW M5 is all about – sheer performance and sheer efficiency. ” said Briscoe.
Consuming an average of just 9.9 litres for every 100 kilometres, the new BMW M5 requires over 30 per cent less fuel than its predessor which combined with an increased fuel tank capacity to 80 litres, gives it a range extension by more than 50 per cent. Familiar BMW EfficientDynamics features such as Brake Energy Regeneration and the Auto Start/ Stop function are also fitted as standard in the new BMW M5, improving consumption levels even further.
Externally, the new BMW M5 is based on the 5 Series, but with subtle additions that add to ‘muscle’ to its looks, and I must say that it is a job quite well done, for the M5, despite its legendary performance, continues to look like a business sedan. The M5 badging will stirt the hearts of the enthusiast, but those not in the know will never realize that this is actually a muscle car.
At the front, the new BMW M5 carries BMW’s trademark kidney grille and large air inlets which help to cool the high-performance V8 engine. The shape of the new BMW M5 is further articulated to optimise airflow for highly dynamic driving conditions while xenon headlights with LED light rings provide the car with the iconic BMW “corona rings” for improved daytime visibility. Moving to the sides of the car, powerfully flared wheel arches and wheels which are flush to the vehicle’s body emphasise its wide track. The BMW M gill elements towards the front of the car have been further restyled to support the side indicators of the car as well as the BMW M5 logo.
At the rear of the car, an integrated diffuser has been included to further optimise underbody airflow control while a discreet rear spoiler further increases downforce and control. Naturally, the new BMW M5 also sports the characteristic dual-twin exhausts for which the BMW M range has been historically known for.
Interior wise, the new BMW M5 provides a combination of sports car appeal with premium-class ambience. Controls around the car’s gear selector enable the driver to choose settings for Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), engine response, steering and damper parameters as well as the BMW M Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) Drivelogic gearshift program. Cockpit displays are further accentuated by the characteristically M style red indicator needles and white lighting of circular dials. Multifunctional BMW M seats and a BMW M leather steering wheel are also equipped as standard.
The new BMW M5’s package of features include Dynamic Damper Control, M Servotronic steering assist, High-performance compound brakes, and M-specific BMW Head-up Display which projects vital driving information directly into the drivers line-of-sight.
“As the apex predator of its segment, the new BMW M5 will provide customers with the Ultimate Driving Machine in terms of daily useability and instant sports performance.” said Briscoe.
The retail prices (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair) for the new BMW Z4:
• BMW Z4 sDrive20i – RM 358,800
• BMW Z4 sDrive28i M Sports – RM 488,800
The retail prices (on the road, without insurance, without BS+RI) for the All New BMW M5:
• BMW M5 – RM 898,800