KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group Malaysia on Friday, July 30 rolled out its the first locally assembled production model of the new BMW 523i at the BMW assembly plant in Kulim, Kedah.

The retail price (on the road, without insurance, with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair) for the locally assembled BMW 523i is RM383,800.

BMW Group Malaysia managing director Geoffrey Briscoe said the BMW 5 Series plays an iconic role in the history and success of the BMW Group.

"Time and time again, the car has proven itself to be the superior choice in its segment and with the introduction of the all-new BMW 5 Series, we at BMW Group Malaysia are confident that the legacy of the BMW 5 Series will be one that continues to grow from strength to strength in Malaysia," he said in a statement July 30.

Briscoe said the introduction of local assembly for the new BMW 5 Series would lead to significant benefits to Malaysian customers by reducing total cost of ownership, waiting time for complete units and spare parts while maintaining the same premium standards and offering that are expected of a BMW car.

"With an iconic legacy to live up to, the sixth generation BMW 5 Series features all the latest innovations that have set BMW apart as the worlds most valued brand in the automotive segment the world over," he said.

The BMW assembly plant in Kulim has been operational since 2008, and has produced more than 4,900 units to date.

With a workforce of over 400 employees and equipped with the latest in manufacturing technologies, the plant generates variants of the BMW 5 Series and BMW 3 Series in Malaysia.

The BMW Assembly Plant is operated in partnership with Inokom Corporation, a subsidiary of SIME DARBY BHD [] at the Inokom factory in Kulim, Kedah. Both BMW and Inokom share factory space but operate separate and independent assembly lines in the facility.

BMW Group Malaysia also confirmed that the organisation will be introducing the much anticipated locally assembled BMW 528i later in the year.