A Milestone Year for PML

In 2024, PML marked its 45th anniversary with the opening of Singapore’s largest BMW Retail.Next showroom (over 100,000 sq ft). Alongside this milestone, BMW retained its spot as Singapore’s No. 1 premium automotive brand, with PML as its top dealer. BMW Motorrad also led the premium motorcycle segment for the third straight year.

Lifestyle Experiences Beyond the Showroom

Lawrence Tan summed it up: “We are ready for the next chapter. Performance Motors isn’t just a dealership; we are a lifestyle destination. We are dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that connect our BMW customers, fans, and the wider community.”

Here’s how they bring that vision to life:

Gastronomy: Curated Culinary Experiences

Curated Breakfast: From January 2025, customers can pre-order breakfast when booking car services. Choices include blue pea nasi lemak, smoked salmon gravlax, and sous vide eggs. Grab-and-go options are available for those on the move.

Having gotten a taste of the food firsthand, I was very impressed with the quality. The quantity, as well, was perfect for a Monday morning brekkie.

Other initiatives include PML’s Culinary Experience: a monthly, by-invite-only omakase dinner, starting with Chef Seow Tzi Qin from Jiak Kim House.

Yellow Ribbon Brownies: Supporting the Yellow Ribbon Bakery by offering halal-certified brownies baked by Changi Prison inmates.

Golf & Getaways: Driving Connections

PMGA (Performance Motors Golf Association): Connecting BMW owners through local and overseas tournaments, with events such as the Guangzhou golf trip and the ‘Drive your Golf’ event in April.

Escape the City Road Trips: Scenic drives to destinations like Penang and Desaru, some paired with golfing experiences.

BMW Motorrad Rideaways: Adventure rides for BMW motorcycle owners, including past trips to Malaysia and Thailand.

Sustainability and Digitalisation

PML Green Initiative: Customers can opt out of car washes during servicing, with one tree planted for every 30 opt-outs.

Sky Garden: A rooftop herb garden opened in September 2024, supporting in-house events and eco-tours.

Smart Technology: Facial recognition for lounge access, ANPR for automated service tracking, and contactless service options via the SDMSG OneGo app.

A Destination, Not Just a Dealership

Performance Motors’ evolution goes beyond sales, blending luxury with community, sustainability, and seamless experiences—proving that the journey is just as meaningful as the drive.

I guess you could call it their ‘5G network’ – Gastronomy, Golf, Getaways and Going Green.

How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

Each car that qualified came from a premium brand, or had an expensive price tag, or had both of these ticked. The Overall Best Luxury Car is decided from amongst these candidates.

Meet The Contenders

Maserati Granturismo

The Maserati Granturismo scored better than the Mercedes-Benz SL43 and Porsche Cayman GTS to win Best Premium Sports Car.

This new generation Italian is a huge improvement over its predecessor, and represents a new shift in dynamics for the brand. Fantastic.

Porsche 911 Carrera T

The Porsche 911 Carrera T won against the Lamborghini Huracan STO to win Best Supercar.

Agile, practical, and stylish. The 911 needs no introduction, and the Carrera T is arguably one of the best variants you can buy.

Range Rover PHEV

The Range Rover PHEV locked horns and won against the Lamborghini Urus S to win Best Luxury SUV.

If sublime pantomime is what you’re craving, you’ll get tons of love in the Range Rover. It’s simply the kings of the roads.

Porsche Cayenne

The Porsche Cayenne battled hard against the Range Rover Velar, Land Rover Defender, Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe, BMW X5, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Alfa Romeo Stelvio to win Best Premium SUV.

The Cayenne was the pioneer, and it still leads the SUV charge after all of the years.

Porsche Panamera

The Porsche Panamera fought hard against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-AMG C63 and Alfa Romeo Giulia to win Best Premium Sedan.

Like the Cayenne, the Panamera was initially gawked when it first debuted, but has since turned into a regal premium sedan that folks dream about.

BMW i5 Touring

The BMW i5 Touring out-wagoned the Skoda Octavia Combi and Subaru WRX Wagon to win Best Wagon.

Wagons are your practical friend, and the BMW i5 Touring proves that you can have an engaging ride whilst being extremely functional too.

Lotus Emeya

The Lotus Emeya fought well against the BMW i5, Polestar 2 and Porsche Taycan and won Best Premium Sedan EV.

Like a spaceship on wheels, the Lotus Emeya’s features are truly out of this world.

Lotus Eletre

The Lotus Eletre battled hard against the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Audi SQ8 e-tron and Polestar 4 to win Best Luxury SUV EV.

Lotus has come a long way since its roster of sports cars, and the Eletre proves it can rock in a new direction with confidence.

Porsche Taycan

The Porsche Taycan fought hard against the Lotus Emeya, Polestar 2, Polestar 4 and Audi SQ8 e-tron to win Best Performance EV.

You can’t beat the king, and that king is the Taycan. It is simple exhilarating to drive, and truly showcases what true performance EVs are capable of pushing.

Denza D9

The Denza D9 locked horns and won against the MG M9 and Opel Combo-e Life to win Best MPV EV.

BYD has made sure that the Denza’s first impressions were on point, and it truly delivered on all fronts.

So who won?

We got luxury in spades, but we in the judging panel had a job to do, and that was to choose an overall winner.

Where the points tally in Round 1 was the final determinant of each category’s winner, here in Round 2, points are taken into consideration but are not the final arbiter of victory.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Overall Best Luxury Car
Lotus Emeya

And our overall winner is the Lotus Emeya! In an era where electric saloons are all big, heavy machines, the Emeya offers a fresh and exciting take on what a modern luxury EV can be.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points in Round 1 here.

Congratulations to the Lotus Emeya for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2025 Overall Best Luxury Car!

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The BYD Seal has always been a contender in the electric vehicle market, but with the latest updates, it’s bound to turn even more heads—particularly with the enticing Category A COE that makes the Seal Dynamic more attainable than ever.

Smooth Sailing on Rough Roads

The first thing that strikes you is its cushy and soft ride. It’s almost as if the car floats above the imperfections of our ever-evolving cityscape. “How smooth,” remarked my wife as we glided effortlessly through a road that was more patchwork than pavement along Upper Paya Lebar.

With its impressive suspension and swift acceleration, the Seal manages to transform everyday driving into a serene journey; it really is that good. Being a low-noise EV always helps too.

Look and Feel

It’s not just about how it feels but also how it looks. The Seal is a head-turner, drawing attention like pricier sports cars do. Porsche will hate me for saying this, but the ‘mini-Taycan’ boasts a low-slung stance with steeply-raked A-pillars and a design that manages to be muscular without being overtly aggressive.

Features like pop-out door handles and LED lights that round out its modern aesthetic definitely make it a nice car to look at. Perhaps they could have done without the fins at the bottom of the side skirts, and the rear diffusers seem a bit much too. Other than that, to me, it looks better than the Tesla Model 3.

Interior and Features: Where Comfort Meets Tech

Inside, the Seal Dynamic doesn’t skimp on luxuries. It retains the sports seats and large screens (a 10.25-inch instrument panel and a whopping 15.6-inch Intelligent Rotating Touchscreen Display) found in its higher-end siblings. This setup looks futuristic and is highly functional, allowing for both landscape and portrait orientations with a simple touch of a button.

For tech lovers, an integrated wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay make connectivity seamless and straightforward, and let’s not forget the Karaoke function—an absolute delight for those long drives where entertainment is key. We sang to quite a few tunes at our carpark, all with the guilt of polluting the air.

Performance That Fits

While it might not match a sportscar in raw power, the Seal Dynamic is no slouch. It’s equipped with 134bhp and a healthy 310Nm of torque, ensuring that it feels lively from a standstill.

The 0-100km/h in 10 seconds might not set your pulse racing, but it’s more than adequate for city driving and zippy enough for quick overtakes and getting you out of busy traffic when you need to slot into small gaps (yes, I’m one of those).

Drawbacks? Few, But Noteworthy

However, it’s not all sunshine and smooth rides. In its quest for comfort, the Seal may feel too pliant for those who prefer a firmer ride. You never feel racecar-confident when piloting it through a series of corners, especially since it also runs on comfort-based tyres.

Additionally, the steering could offer more feedback to satisfy driving enthusiasts who crave a more engaging experience. But then again, the car wasn’t made for that kind of driving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re still deciding whether to join the EV bandwagon with BYD, the Seal Dynamic might just sway you. It’s a well-rounded, rear-wheel-drive sedan that packs enough features, technology, and aesthetic appeal to justify its price tag of under $200,000.

[ Fun fact: did you know that the BYD logo upside down, spells “che” – which is hanyu pinyin for “car” in Mandarin? ]

Technical Specifications

BYD Seal Dynamic 61.4kWh

Powertrain: Single Electric Motor
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 135 bhp
Torque: 310 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 10 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 180 km/h
Battery Capacity: 61.4 kWh
Drive Range: 460 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 6.5 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$196,888 (accurate and time of publishing)
Contact: BYD Singapore

Photo Credits: Joel Tam (@carboy_365)

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Since its debut at the 1991 Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW 5 Series Touring has been synonymous with modern functionality. Now, this model enters a new era with its first all-electric variant.

The all-new BMW i5 Touring, like its sedan counterpart, is built on a flexible drive architecture at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing. Remarkably, only around 620 grams of residual waste are produced per vehicle, with the electricity used for production coming entirely from renewable sources.

The BMW i5 Touring’s 2-box design is highlighted by a long roofline, a gently sloping rear, and dynamically stretched side windows. 

Measuring 5,060 millimetres in length, 1,900 millimetres in width, and 1,515 millimetres in height, with a wheelbase of 2,995 millimetres, the i5 Touring’s front end boasts a modern interpretation of the typical BMW grille, featuring the BMW Iconic Glow contour lighting.

The interior of the BMW i5 Touring features a new BMW Curved Display (consisting of a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display), steering wheel, and sports seats. The cabin’s progressive premium ambience is reflected in the standard BMW Interaction Bar, a fully vegan interior, and innovative digital services.

The wagon body shape translates to abundant shoulder room in the front and generous leg, shoulder, and elbow room in the rear.

The boot has a capacity of 570 litres, which can be increased to 1,700 litres by fully folding down the rear seat backrest.

The BMW i5 eDrive40 Touring is powered by an electric motor located in the rear axle, generating 250 kW (340 hp) and 400 Nm.

It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, with a range of up to 548 kilometres. The vehicle’s high-voltage battery has a usable energy content of 81.2 kWh.

With the longest wheelbase in its segment, large track widths, and a 50:50 axle load distribution, the vehicle claims to offer optimal conditions for a dynamic driving experience.

BMW Asia offers comprehensive charging solutions for BMW EV customers in Singapore, including a home charging package with a BMW Wallbox and a public charging package with a subscription of 10,000 kWh over three years at Shell Recharge stations. The BMW Wallbox provides fast home charging at a rate of up to 22 kW, while BMW Charging gives drivers access to a large network of public charging stations across Singapore.

The BMW i5 Touring can also stay up to date with the latest software through Remote Software Upgrades. Customers can also test selected functions free of charge for a period of one month and then book them for a specific term.

Lars Nielsen, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia, shared: “The first-ever BMW i5 Touring is an extraordinary addition to our lineup that our fans in Singapore have eagerly awaited. Its popular touring body type makes it a hot new entry in our electric range, expanding choices for our customers.”

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At Goodwood, Maserati will unveil two special editions of the MC20: the MC20 Icona and MC20 Leggenda. These limited-edition models, with only 20 units each, celebrate Maserati’s storied history in FIA GT competitions. 

These cars pay homage to the MC12 and mark two decades since Maserati’s return to racing in 2004, after a 37-year hiatus.

Each car features unique liveries inspired by the MC12 Stradale and MC12 GT1 Vitaphone, showcasing the best of Maserati’s Fuoriserie personalisation programme.

Joining the MC20s in the Supercar Paddock will be the iconic MC12 Versione Corse. Developed in 2006 and based on its racing counterpart, the MC12 Versione Corse was designed for exclusive track use, with only 12 customer units and one prototype.

Also on display will be an exclusive MC20 Cielo in Blu Victory. This immersive spyder features bewitching paintwork and a retractable glass roof for a superior experience. The metallic Blu Victory colour pays homage to the MC12 from 20 years ago.

The MC20 Icona, MC20 Leggenda, and MC20 Cielo will participate in the unmissable Hillclimb as well.

Maserati’s presence at Goodwood is further enhanced by the debut of the GranCabrio Folgore, the first 100% electric convertible in the luxury segment and the fastest on the market.

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BMW has spruced up the 3 Series, but you’d need a keen eye to spot the changes. The aesthetic tweaks include new aprons at both ends and a fresh duo of paint options: Arctic Race Blue and Fire Red metallic, adding a splash of colour to the lineup.

Rolling on either 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in Jet Black or a bi-colour finish, the car’s stance is much sportier.

Slide into the cabin, whether it be the sedan or wagon, and you’re greeted by a newly designed sports leather steering wheel.

Opt for the M Sport package, and you get an even sleeker M leather steering wheel, complete with a flat-bottomed rim and a subtle centre marking at the 12 o’clock position, glowing with illuminated multifunction buttons and gearshift paddles.

The cockpit is quite the command centre with updated air-conditioning controls and cascade lighting integrated around the central seam vents, now a standard feature. Tech-wise, the 12.3-inch information display and 10.25-inch infotainment screen now come with BMW’s latest Operating System 8.5.

The BMW 3 Series Touring packs functionality with standard features like automatic tailgate operation and a versatile 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat backrest – optional in the sedan. 

And it’s not just cosmetic changes; the suspension has been fine-tuned with stiffer mounts for the rear dampers, enhancing comfort no matter your driving style.

Under the hood, the range starts with the 318i, boasting a 154bhp 2.0-litre engine. The 320i offers 181bhp, while the 330i ramps it up to 241bhp.

For those leaning towards efficiency, the plug-in hybrid 330e, available as both sedan and estate, now features a 19.5kWh high-voltage battery, pushing out 288bhp and reaching an electric-only range of about 100km.

Come July 2024, the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and Touring models will roll off the assembly lines in Munich, with additional production in San Luis Potosi, Mexico for the sedan, and in Shenyang for the Chinese market by the BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture.

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The lush greens of Sentosa Golf Club have recently hosted the spirited swings and focused gazes of participants in the first qualifying round of the esteemed BMW World of Golf.

This prestigious golf series promises to elevate local talents, showcasing their skills across several of Singapore’s premier courses, including upcoming rounds at the Singapore Island Country Club and Tanah Merah Country Club.

As the calendar pages flip to September 4, 2024, the National Final will unfold at Tanah Merah Country Club, setting the stage for three skilled winners to earn the honour of representing Team Singapore at the World Final in 2025.

This year’s event also offers a touch of personal flair thanks to partnerships with leading brands FootJoy and Titleist. Competitors reaching the National Final will have the unique opportunity to customise premium golf gear, such as a FootJoy MyJoy shoe or a Titleist Vokey Wedge.

Even the spectators aren’t left out; those engaging with the BMW Golf personality quiz can snag Titleist x BMW golf balls at a friendly price of $25 each, not to mention a stylish gift set that includes a suite of golfing essentials.

For all officiated golfers participating, these are the items that they will receive in their lockers at the National Final:

• FootJoy Golf Polo
• FootJoy Arm Sleeves
• Titleist Golf Cap
• BMW Golf Pouch
• BMW Ball Marker With Hat Clip Set
• Titleist Pro V1 Golf Balls
• Golf Umbrella

For enthusiasts keen on following this event or perhaps even aiming to be the next to represent the Lion City, details are available at the BMW World of Golf’s website. 

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Having been at McLaren since 2018, Charlotte brings experience from her decade-long tenure in luxury automotive roles across Europe and the Middle East.

Charlotte’s journey with McLaren has been marked by significant achievements, including expanding the brand’s footprint across the Asia Pacific market, optimising inventory across its extensive network of 17 retailers, and bolstering profitability and sales records in the region.

This has not only cemented her reputation as a formidable leader but also contributed to strengthening the residual values of McLaren’s model lines.

In her new role, Charlotte Dickson will oversee operations across a swath of territories including Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam, represented by 22 showrooms. Her leadership is poised to further McLaren’s legacy as a pioneering luxury supercar brand in these markets.

“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to lead Asia Pacific at a pivotal moment of the brand and product portfolio growth with the recent unveiling of McLaren Artura Spider and the future models that will continue to define McLaren cars,” she added. “I look forward to raising the McLaren brand and its presence for its second decade and beyond in Asia Pacific.”

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Amid the lush greens of the Singapore Island Country Club, Aion and its official authorised distributor, VINCAR EV, brought a spark to the annual May Day Charity Golf Event.

As first-time official sponsors, the duo specced up the New Course with a chance to win three Hole-In-One prizes, featuring the AION Y Plus, the AION Y Plus Premium, and the all-new AION ES.

VINCAR has been a familiar face at this event, a relationship that dates back to 2021, showing their dedication to supporting the charity’s noble causes.

The May Day Charity Golf Event has been a cornerstone of the Club’s philanthropic efforts since 1972, supporting over 100 beneficiaries. A beacon of generosity, the charity has raised more than SGD $26 million for health, community welfare, elderly care, and support for the disabled.

Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) recently announced that it had raised approximately S$1.4 million from the May Day Charity initiative, thanks in part to the two golf events which encompass 420 golfers and a range of other activities.

The funds will go to 10 beneficiaries, including the Dyslexia Association of Singapore, the Muscular Dystrophy Association (Singapore), HCA Hospice Limited and the Singapore Hospice Council.

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They’ve secured the rights to sell Smart cars, an EV brand jointly owned by the Chinese automotive group Geely and German carmaker Mercedes-Benz. This deal is the latest in a series of strategic moves by C&C. Not long after they brought in Chinese EV brand Ora, they’re now planning to bring in Smart.

This announcement comes just as Premium Automobiles gears up with the franchise for Zeekr, another brand in Geely’s arsenal.

Speaking of Geely, they’re no strangers to Singapore’s roads. With brands like Lotus, Polestar, and Volvo, represented by Wearnes Automotive, Geely’s influence has already started to spread.

C&C is starting with the Smart #1, a compact crossover set to hit the streets in the first half of 2024.

“We are excited about the product offerings that Smart brings, which fit in perfectly to meet the growing demand for EVs in Singapore,” shares Wilfrid Foo, C&C Singapore’s managing director. 

Smart is getting a dedicated space at C&C’s facility at 301 Alexandra Road, ready by the third quarter. 

As C&C gears up for the launch, plans are in motion to conduct roadshows, sparking interest and bookings for the new EV. 

While micro-cars have had a mixed reception globally, the new and larger Smart models, developed with Geely, are set to turn the tide. The Smart #1, akin to the Toyota Yaris Cross in size and sharing parts with the new Volvo EX30, might just be the game-changer in Singapore’s EV market.

Already making waves in Malaysia, where it launched in late 2023, the Smart #1 is priced competitively. This sets an intriguing precedent for its arrival in Singapore, where it joins the ranks of other Chinese electric car brands like BYD and MG in 2024.

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