The entry level BMW 218i Gran Coupé now comes with BMW Live Cockpit, but it’s not free.
Few can deny that the BMW 218i Gran Coupé is an interesting looking vehicle and a rather enticing path into the BMW brand for newcomers. It is priced well in Malaysia due to local assembly and the ongoing sales tax exemption. However BMW Malaysia have decided not to rest of its laurels. This week, it’s updating the 218i Gran Coupé with a new BMW Live Cockpit Professional digital instrument cluster.
When we reviewed the BMW 218i Gran Coupé, we did not find its semi-digital instrument cluster to be a big issue. It was one of the many compromises that had to be made to get the pricing right. However, BMW Malaysia are probably feeling a bit of pressure from the Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan, which is now locally-assembled with a 10.25″ digital instrument cluster and 10.25″ MBUX infotainment system.
This latest product update finally gives the BMW 218i GC the two 10.25″ displays they need to compete effectively with the A-Class Sedan. Previously, the vehicle came with a tiny 5.1″ digital element in the instrument cluster and an 8.8″ infotainment unit.
These upgrades do come at a cost, and that cost is passed to the customers in the form of a roughly RM5K price hike.
About BMW Live Cockpit Professional
The new BMW Live Cockpit Professional takes a “content-first” approach in displaying information, with a minimalistic and precise outlook. Fuel level, speed, rpm and engine temperature are now presented in tube rings and have been arranged to free up more space in the centre for navigation display and other functions. Tailoring the driving experience is a list of functions and configurable widgets, which include sports scoreboards, driving data, fuel consumption and efficiency, G-force meter, media, and radio.
Uniform Driving Experience modes.
Reduced colour and graphical clutter also contribute to a more consistent feel and perceptual experience on the road. Depending on the selected Driving Experience mode (Sport, Comfort, Eco-Pro), a uniform colour and look will be displayed across the information display cluster and central information display.
Intelligent Personal Assistant.
For convenient and complete control over vehicle settings, navigation and entertainment systems, the voice-activated BMW Intelligent Personal Assistance can be brought to life with a “Hey BMW!” or an individual personalised activation word.
Pricing for the new BMW 218i Gran Coupé is RM216,367 without Sales and Service Tax, on the road without insurance if you want the 5-year Extended Warranty and Service Package. BMW Malaysia will also allow you to embrace the “YOLO” attitude and buy your 218i Gran Coupé without this Extended Warranty for an RM12,000+ discount.
