Occupying a total built up space of up to 1383 sq ft on the first floor of the Auto Bavaria dealership, the new BMW i showroom features the newest brand identity, furniture and fittings for the BMW i brand. The space also displays a unit of the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, along with the BMW i Wallbox, the wall mounted charging accessory for BMW i.
Currently, the BMW i8 is the sole i model sold in Malaysia. Unveiled at the BMW World Malaysia 2015, the coupe is powered by a 1.5 litre BMW TwinPower turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine paired with a BMW eDrive electric drive system. The petrol engine cranks out 231hp and 320Nm of torque, powering the rear wheels of the i8, while the 131hp electric motor is channeled to the front wheels.
The i8 can be driven on pure electric power at speeds up to 120 km/h for approximately 32km, producing zero tailpipe emissions. When the petrol engine joins forces with the electric motor, together they are capable of propelling the i8 from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 250km/h.
The i8 wears a retail price of RM1,188,800, on-the-road without insurance, and currently all the first 15 units that entered our local market in April this year have been sold, but more are on the way and BMW M’sia are still taking orders for them.
At the moment, the company has no plans to bring the all-electric BMW i3 into our country due to lack of public charging stations and the creation of other infrastructure-related elements. BMW Group Malaysia is in talks with the government for infrastructure expansion and when the time comes, they will then announce the availability of the i3 in Malaysia.
Officiating the opening of the new BMW i facility, Mr. Alan Harris, Managing Director & CEO, BMW Group Malaysia said, “Introduced earlier this year at the BMW World Malaysia 2015, BMW i is about the development of futuristic vehicles and mobility services with inspiring design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability. With BMW i, the BMW Group has changed the premium automotive industry and with this new BMW i facility from Auto Bavaria, we are able to develop the BMW i brand further here in the country.”
Harris added that the BMW i brand goes beyond just vehicles but also includes services that complement the vehicle. “With BMW i, we have seen a new wave of technology that interacts drivers and passengers with their vehicle for a better experience and easier user ability. Solutions and Apps such as the BMW i Remote App and the BMW i ConnectedDrive suite of solutions have enabled BMW i vehicle owners to interact with their cars as well as the cities and the communities they live in.”
Mr. Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Auto Bavaria said, “Auto Bavaria is extremely proud to be given the honour by our principal BMW Group Malaysia to introduce the very first BMW i Showroom and Service Centre in the country. With the introduction of our newest facility, we are now able to better serve our BMW i customers here in the country.”
“Customers of the all-new BMW i8 can be rest assured that our BMW i centre will offer excellent day to day support for their BMW i vehicle. This includes service and maintenance appointments as well as vehicle repairs and on the road assistance with a dedicated mobile charging service for owners courtesy of our BMW i Mobile Care Centre,” he added.
The new Auto Bavaria BMW i Dealership is located at 362, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan. For more information, visit www.autobavaria.com.