Thursday, April 15, 2021

2021 BMW 330Li M Sport is Launched in Malaysia - Chauffer Driven 3 Series Anyone?

 

This is a bit late in terms of news but on the 9th of April 2021, BMW Malaysia launched the 2021 BMW 330Li M Sport in Malaysia. Somewhat of an enigma in terms of sports sedans, this is the first-ever long wheelbase variant of a compact premium sedan ever made by BMW and also the first ever compact premium sedan ever to be sold in the Malaysian market.  BMW Malaysia calls it a mid-sized premium sedan. But maybe this is due to its length, which is actually quite long - where the extra bit is similar to an average adult's outstretched thumb to their index finger. Or slightly larger than the height of a flagship smartphone. But in car terms, it is like buying a corner lot terrace house compared to an intermediate lot. Not a bungalow mind  you but you do get some extra here and there. in its mid-sized premium executive sedan portfolio for the Malaysian market.


In line with the practice of BMW Malaysia offering more for their customer, the BMW 330Li M Sport, is locally assembled. At an estimated RM300,800 with SST, on the road without insurance, it promises to deliver the great value impression and enhanced premium perception of the BMW 3 Series. And you technically can actually hire that chauffer so that you can be driven around in it. Previously, it would be actually odd to get someone to drive you around in a 3 Series but with that 'L' badging and extra length, that argument would be slightly mute. Of course, you have to thank the China market for this variant, for without their peculiar requests, this longer 3 Series would not have been possible.


It actually does make some sense in countries like Malaysia where car prices are actually high and it is actually still affordable for some to hire a driver/chauffer to drive them around. At RM300k, this is very achievable to most who want that extra space and convenience. This type of car also benefits small families who want that extra legroom in the rear. Their children or elderly would appreciate the extra legroom which is offered by the 330Li. You only lose out on the width compared to say something like a 5 Series.

But being a BMW sports sedan, with a M Sport package, it would still allow a spirited drive. It packs that familiar 2.0liter 4 cylinder turbocharged petrol engine which makes 258hp and 400Nm. This allows the 330Li to hit 0-100kmh in 6.2seconds and onward to a top speed of 250kmh. All very good numbers for a car with extra legroom at the rear. 

The cabin of the 330Li Malaysia spec seems to be nicely specified and looks very premium. Connectivity seems good and the digital display with infotainment system looks good too. BMW has improved in terms of tactile feel in recent years and it shows.

Harald Hoelzl, Managing Director of BMW Group Malaysia said, “The BMW 3 Series has been a consistent chart-topper for the BMW portfolio in Malaysia - with over 2,500 units delivered to satisfied customers across Malaysia in 2020 alone. The success of the BMW 3 Series lies in its ingenious architecture that offers unparalleled versatility, while preserving the sporty DNA that underlines BMW’s Sheer Driving Pleasure.”

“The First-Ever BMW 330Li M Sport emerges as a marvel in new dimensions for the BMW 3 Series, combining the capaciousness of a longer wheelbase with the ever- present sportiness of a BMW mid-sized premium executive sedan, sacrificing neither in the process. Truly, the First-Ever BMW 330Li M Sport opens up an avenue for customers to experience Sportiness in New Dimensions.” Hoelzl added.

2021 BMW 330Li M Sport Official Product Summary

An elegant composition of comfort and sportiness.

The kidney grilles of the First-Ever BMW 330Li M Sport precedes the sporty yet

sophisticated design language of the vehicle, arriving in black struts distinctively

framed in chrome. Flanking the grilles are state-of-the-art Adaptive LED Headlights

capable of automatically adjusting to varying road conditions.


From the sides, an increased overall length of 4,819mm (+110) and an increased

wheelbase length of 2,961mm (+110mm) form the main visual differentiator of the First-

Ever BMW 330Li M Sport from the current BMW 330i M Sport, accompanied also by an

increased height of 1,441mm (+6mm) relative to the latter. Elegance of the new sedan is

enhanced with the new dynamic silhouette design, framed with the BMW Individual

High-Gloss Shadow Line, and complete with a slight coupé-like roofline.


Other features that complete the exterior of the First-Ever BMW 330Li M Sport are the M

Aerodynamics and M Sport Packages, a set of 18” M light alloy wheels in Double-Spoke

style 848 M bicolour with mixed tyres and run-flat tyres, double-sided exhaust tailpipe

finishers with a trapezoidal design in the rear, as well as the panorama glass roof, and

welcome light carpet on both sides.


At the heart of the First-Ever BMW 330Li M Sport is a four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo

petrol engine capable of a maximum output of 258 hp at 5,000 – 6,500 rpm and a peak

torque of 400 Nm at 1,550 – 4,400 rpm. Power is transmitted via a Steptronic Sport

transmission. Accelerating from 0-100 km/h is done in only 6.2 seconds, and the new

sedan’s top speed is capped at 250 km/h. Fuel consumption is marked at 6.4 litres per

100 km of travel, while carbon emission is measured at 147 g/km.


As for the interior, a modern ambience and luxurious design are paramount, with interior

trim finishers in Aluminium Tetragon with highlight trim finishers in Pearl Chrome

furnishing the cabin. The new dimensions are reflected in an increase of 4mm in

headroom compared to the BMW 330i M Sport, as well as an additional 42mm legroom

available for rear passengers – providing unparalleled spatial comfort and luxury. Boot

space is measured at 480 litres, improved with the storage compartment package that

offers more stowage possibilities.


In the cockpit, drivers are greeted with an M leather steering wheel and M-specific

pedals. For greater utility, automatic anti-dazzle function is also equipped for both

interior and exterior mirrors, as well as electric seat adjustment with memory function for

the driver. Other interior highlights of the First-Ever BMW 330Li M Sport are velour floor

mats, ambient lights with 11 predefined lighting designs, automatic air-conditioning with

three-zone control, and a HiFi loudspeaker system for entertainment on the road. The

Comfort Access System that also comes standard provides an added layer of

convenience for owners of the First-Ever BMW 330Li M Sport.


The infotainment, navigation and driver display systems in the First-Ever BMW 330Li M

Sport come in the form of the BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a fully digital 12.3-

inch instrument display, as well as the BMW Navigation System Professional with 10.25”

touch sensitive display. Instrument panel in Sensatec and Galvanic Embellishers for

controls further lends an exclusive ambience to the interior, integrating functionality and

luxury.

To enhance convenience and assistance, the First-Ever BMW 330Li M Sport comes

comprehensively equipped with Cruise Control with braking function, Parking Assistant

with rear view mirror, and the BMW Active Pedestrian Safety system. Driving Assistant

also comes standard and includes features such as lane departure warning, lane

change warning, front collision warning, cross traffic warning and rear collision

prevention. The Intelligent Emergency Call functionality also ensures live assistance and

support are available at all times.


Owners will now be able to have greater digital interaction with the First-Ever BMW

330Li M Sport via the new My BMW App that provides easy access to a wide range of

remote services, on-the-go navigation, and e-mobility features. The application will

replace the BMW Connected App come July 2021, and is now available for download on

both Android and iOS-enabled smartphones.


The First-Ever BMW 330Li M Sport comes in two colour offerings – Mineral White and

Carbon Black. Leather Vernasca upholstery in Mocha with black stitching complement

both the exterior colour offerings.


Customers may now register interest for the First-Ever BMW 330Li M Sport via the

BMW Shop Online platform at https://shop.bmw.com.my/.

Dynamic financial programme.


With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the

First-Ever BMW 330Li M Sport can be owned with a monthly instalment plan starting

from RM 3,338.00 (based on estimates of an 80% loan on a five-year tenure).

Complete premium ownership experience.

Owners of the First-Ever BMW 330Li M Sport will receive the complete BMW Group

Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:

 BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Programme

 BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline

 The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App - BMW Privileges Card

 BMW Service Online


The estimated retail pricing for the First-Ever BMW 330Li M Sport with Sales and

Services Tax (on the road, without insurance) are:

The First-Ever BMW 330Li M Sport RM 300,800.00





























No comments: