The continuous evolution of the executive car segment and its many sub-segments within has seen it grow into more than just a large sedan or coupe that ranks higher on the premium, and not to mention price, list. The term ‘executive car’ now stretches to include an ever-growing variety of cars that fall under its jurisdiction via a number of sub-segments such as ‘premium executive’ cars that sit a rung above the traditional Japanese D-segment entrants that have defined the class for so long.
Competition has been "cut-throat" in the hotly-contested segment with just the entry level qualifiers numbering around 10 models, not inclusive of the individual variants under each model. Every year, the executive car segments are among the most active with new models or facelifts being actively introduced, especially in the upper echelons of the segment. This year will see a shot in the arm for the segment as no less than seven new or significantly facelifted models are expected to be launched and reinvigorate the one of the most popular segment among car buyers.
Toyota Camry Hybrid
UMW Toyota have already confirmed that the Toyota Camry Hybrid will be assembled locally in the second half of 2014 and will be available for sale toward the end of the year. A thinly-veiled concept on display at last year’s Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show is the strongest indicator yet of the specifications that will hit the showrooms here. It will be a full-hybrid system that comprises of a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine paired to an E-CVT transmission and an electric motor for a combined output of 205hp.
The interior’s biggest change is the addition of a B-mode for increased engine braking and an Energy Monitor on the display By virtue of a customised incentive for environmentally-friendly vehicles that was ironed out and set in stone before the NAP announcement, UMW Toyota will be keeping the prices lower but the Camry Hybrid will still be priced above the most expensive variant of the Camry currently sold here.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205)
An all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be making its way here and the popular compact premium executive sedan will be up to 100kg lighter and look more like its luxurious sibling, the S-Class. A new Modular Rear-drive Architecture sees almost half the body constructed from aluminium, translating into weight that is up to 100kg lighter than its predecessor. It will be longer, wider and have an extended wheelbase for more room. Engine options include an array of turboharged mills that are Euro 6 compliant. For the first time too, Airmatic self-levelling air suspension will be offered in the C-Class.
BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
A sedan based on a coupe of an existing sedan model. That pretty much sums up the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe but the sheer beauty of it makes all that ridiculousness negligible. It is longer and wider than the 3 Series but is shorter in height and features a longer more sloping roofline and lower stance.
Expect interior headroom and rear legroom to be a smidgen smaller than the 3er and the hatchback boot lid should make the boot area easier to access. Powertrains and the interior should carry over from the existing 3 and 4 Series range. An adaptive M suspension and variable sport steering options should make the car a lot more engaging to drive than its 3 Series brother.
While most would argue that the 4 Series Gran Coupe is unnecessary, this could very well be the 3 Series that we have always wanted, with the sporty silhouette and sharper handling.
Ford Mondeo
Sime Darby Auto Connexion is expected to bring in the new Ford Mondeo towards the end of 2014 that shares the front facade of the Ford Fusion. The fifth generation Mondeo will be available with three engine options but the most likely to hit our shores will be the 2-litre EcoBoost petrol. The entry-level engine is a 1.5-litre inline four that should produce around 178hp and 240Nm of torque. It might be a long shot to get that engine in the Mondeo here but it would certainly be an interesting option to have.
It is the company’s first model to feature a new integral rear link suspension configuration and just like the Fiesta, Focus and Kuga, will come with Ford’s Sync connectivity system with voice control.
Infiniti Q50
Steer-by-wire technology makes its debut in the Infiniti Q50, going a step further than electric steering. Infiniti’s Direct Adaptive Steering turns the wheels based on its read of the driver input on the steering wheel and they claim it works faster than a traditional mechanical system.
While driving enthusiasts lament the death steering feedback, the Q50 will be powered by the same 3.7-litre V6 found in its predecessor, the G37, with a seven-speed automatic linking it to the rear wheels. Good for 328hp and 364Nm of torque, it should give the Q50 a huge power advantage against rivals although the large displacement would not bode well here.
A hybrid version is available as well. Infiniti have revised the rear multilink rear suspension that is carried over from the G37 by increasing camber stiffness and ride.
Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet has long lacked a D-segment competitor here and Naza Quest look set to address that by bringing in the Chevrolet Malibu this year. Going down the global route, the current Malibu takes after the Cruze, in that it was designed as a global model that will reach close to 100 markets.
The Malibu sits on GM’s Epsilon II platform and is available with a wide variety of engines that include a 2-litre turbo four with 260hp and 353Nm of torque, a 2.4-litre Ecotec good for 165hp and 225Nm of torque and a 2.5-litre inline-four with direct injection and variable valve lift control that makes 196hp and 253Nm of torque, which are the most likely candidates for the Malaysian variants.
A facelift mid-2013 saw a number of minor enhancements that combined for a major improvement as an overall package that included increased rear legroom, more torque for the 2-litre turbo mill, revised suspension and additional safety features as well as updated transmission software for quicker shifts.
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