BMW 316i now available in Malaysia
BMW Group Malaysia has added yet another new variant to its F30 3 Series range, with the all-new BMW 316i joining the line-up as the sixth variant of what is still regarded by many as the benchmark vehicle in the compact luxury car segment. The new BMW 316i is locally assembled at BMW’s SKD facility in Inokom’s plant at Kulim, Kedah.
Introducing the new model variant, Dr. Gerhard Pils, Chief Executive Officer of BMW Group Malaysia said, “Today, we introduce yet another BMW for Malaysia that is built right here in Malaysia – the all-new BMW 316i. As an addition to our strong portfolio of locally-assembled premium vehicles, the all-new BMW 316i further underlines our commitment to this country which has been our home for the last ten years.”
A familiar engine powers the 316i, although this is the first time Malaysians are seeing it mounted in a north-south orientation. Codenamed N13B16 in its BMW application, the engine serves the 316i in a relatively moderate state of tune, producing 135hp and 220Nm, sent astern by the company’s highly-acclaimed 8-speed automatic transmission sourced from ZF.
Quoted performance figures state 9.2 seconds for the century sprint and a maximum speed of 210kph. Tested in the EU cycle, the highly-efficient 316i, equipped with auto start/stop, sips fuel at a rate of 5.9 l/100km and spews 137 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre traveled.
Gone are the days where BMW’s entry-level models are specced liked a poor man’s car. The 316i is equipped with a comprehensive array of BMW ConnectedDrive innovations, and it features BMW Live and BMW TeleServices made available through the 6.5” free-standing LCD panel and BMW iDrive controller as standard. BMW Live enables the car and driver to receive weather and news information services via RSS feeds inside the car. USB and Bluetooth connectivity are both standard.
The BMW 316i is officially available for booking at all authorized dealerships nationwide. Colour options available to customers are Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Melbourne Red, Glacier Silver, and Mineral Grey. All have their interiors trimmed with Leather Dakota Black as standard.
BMW Group Malaysia’s announced price of RM209,800 on-the-road before insurance for the 316i remains subject to Government approval as we publish this article; but with lower motor vehicle prices being repeatedly promised to the people, surely BMW won’t be asked to price the car higher?
Pictures: Official BMW release.
