BMW – AutoApp Dev https://www.autoapp.sg/dev Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:29:51 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 Performance Motors Reignites The Motorsport Spark At Salzburgring https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=284016 Wed, 05 Nov 2025 08:29:51 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=284016 Performance Motors Limited (PML) whisked a group of BMW owners from Munich to Salzburg for the PML BMW M Experience.


The journey opened at BMW Welt and the BMW Museum. Participants were personally welcomed by Ms Ritu Chandy (Senior Vice President) and Mr Sebastian Ahlers (Regional Area Manager, BMW Group, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa).

“The PML BMW M Experience is true to our promise that once you become a BMW owner with Performance Motors, you will be entering an exclusive world of exceptional experiences beyond the sale. Whether it is a passion for the drive, a taste for exquisite cuisine, or a love for golf, we are focused on engaging our customers in meaningful ways that reflect their lifestyle interests.”

Mr Lawrence Tan, Managing Director, Performance Motors Limited (PML)

A first look at the Neue Klasse iX3

The customers were also provided an up-close encounter with the fully electric BMW iX3, the first model of the revolutionary Neue Klasse.

Salzburgring shakedown

The highlight of the trip was a shakedown at the 4.2-kilometre Salzburgring. Behind the wheel of the BMW M4 Competition, 13 drivers put precision to the test: timed slalom runs, double-lane changes, and controlled drifts. Each participant left not only faster but sharper, graduating with a BMW M Race Track Training certificate as proof.

Mr Tan added, “When someone chooses BMW, it is often because they have a deep appreciation for its precision, power, and sheer driving pleasure. We (Performance Motors) promise to bring more exciting drive experiences so that our BMW owners can fully indulge this passion, be it an exclusive racetrack adventure in Salzburg or curated convoy road trips to Malaysia.”

When the soundtrack is an S58 at full chat and the classroom is Salzburgring, you don’t mind repeating the lesson.


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All Access to Joy: Auto Selection’s First-Ever Breakfast Drive https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=283970 Tue, 04 Nov 2025 10:46:12 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=283970 It’s not every Saturday that you find yourself on the road before sunrise, surrounded by a convoy of cars and an equally excited bunch of people chasing breakfast across the Causeway.


But that’s exactly how the very first Auto Selection Breakfast Drive unfolded, also known as the All Access to Joy: Breakfast Drive Edition.

Organised by Auto Selection, a Sime Motors company known for accessible and well-priced pre-owned cars, this was a celebration of customers, community, and the simple joy of being on the open road.


A Morning Worth Waking Up For

The day began at Auto Selection East Coast. The car park was already buzzing with a bevvy of BMWs, iX3s, X3S, a 2 Series Gran Coupé, and even an i8. Not a showroom-only lineup, but real cars owned by real customers. Anyone with a BMW and a sense of adventure was welcome.

Coffee was poured, names were exchanged, and engines warmed up. By 5.30 am, the convoy was on the move, heading into Malaysia. B-roads, highways, gentle sunrise light, the kind of drive that reminds you why we love cars in the first place.

A quick stop at Petronas Gelang Patah gave everyone time to stretch and chat before continuing to Layang Layang for wantan mee breakfast at Guan Fatt.

Even Christopher Chin, Managing Director of Auto Selection, was right there with everyone, not watching from the sidelines, but sitting with different groups, checking in on guests, and making sure everyone felt included.

People First, Always

What made the event feel different was its personal nature. Chris did not just flag off the convoy; he joined breakfast tables, moved around at lunch, chatted with families, and made sure no group was left out.

A few Sales Executives also joined the trip, a thoughtful gesture that showed Auto Selection still values relationships between SEs and customers, even after a car has been sold; that connection remains.

Convoy, Kampung Roads, and Snacks

After breakfast, the group visited a nearby pepper farm. There was shopping, laughter over walkie-talkies, and even a grandma riding along with her family. One of the kids even bravely held a durian, a photo that perfectly captured the spirit of the trip. It was a reminder that these drives are truly for everyone, regardless of age.

By lunchtime, the convoy arrived at Restaurant Loon Sing at Sunway Iskandar’s Big Box. Chris once again moved from table to table, greeting everyone personally. Just when you thought the morning could not get any warmer, the Auto Selection team brought out birthday cakes for guests who were celebrating their special day. Smiles, claps, candles.

More Than Just a Drive

This Breakfast Drive was the first-ever convoy organised for used car customers. And that matters. It showed that PML and Auto Selection are not just focused on new car owners. They want pre-owned customers to feel just as included, valued, and proud to be part of the BMW family.

Any customer with a valid BMW can join future drives. No VIP-only lists. No special treatment. Just shared enjoyment, good roads, and good people.

About Auto Selection

As the only authorised Certified Pre-owned BMW dealership under the worldwide BMW Premium Selection (BPS) programme in Singapore, Auto Selection carries the widest range of Certified Pre-owned BMW cars and Pre-owned BMW.

To ensure quality and roadworthiness for future customers, only BMW cars that are less than 5 years old, with mileage under 120,000 kilometres, are eligible for the BPS programme. Each vehicle undergoes a rigorous pre-sale inspection to ensure safety, quality, and peace of mind.

Auto Selection understands the importance of trust and remains committed to delivering excellent service, long after the car leaves the showroom. Because joy should not only come with a new car, it should come standard with every car.


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BMW Maintains Position As #1 Premium Automotive Brand In Singapore https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=283915 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 04:24:29 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=283915 For the first nine months of 2025, BMW remains Singapore’s #1 premium automotive brand and #2 overall, while capturing nearly half of the premium EV market.


“As we approach the final stretch of 2025, we are thrilled to have further increased our lead in Singapore’s premium automotive segment. These strong results are proof that our customers have confidence in our products, services and technology, and that our dealers are delivering on their promise of providing a 360-degree customer experience,” says Lars Nielsen, Managing Director, BMW Group Asia.

BMW achieved a +4% year-on-year in Q3 2025 and +6% year-on-year for year-to-date September in Singapore. This year, the brand has doubled down on experiences that feel distinctly “BMW”:

  • BMW40, SG60: an August-only Easter egg for owners featuring a festive animation, soundtrack and ambient lighting sequence in national colours, triggered right from iDrive in suitably equipped cars.
  • BMW Golf Cup National Final: over 2,000 amateur golfers took to Tanah Merah’s Tampines Course in mid-August; top performers Tan Lee Hong, Lee Kim Leng and Wang Mei Zhen will fly the flag at the World Final in South Africa next March.
  • Drive Your Golf: a September escape across the Causeway for scenic roads, rounds at Els Club Desaru, and the sort of conviviality that turns prospects into owners and owners into advocates.
  • Gastronomy & the arts: intimate omakase nights at PML’s café bar helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Denis Lucchi, and an invite-only “Paris in Motion” Art Night at W Singapore.

Behind every steady lap time is a disciplined pit wall. Lee Hwee Siong returns to Singapore as Director of Sales Channel & Network Development on 1 November 2025, while Tobias Wulff steps in as CFO, BMW Group Asia from 1 December 2025. Meanwhile, Beate Mueller transitions to Munich to lead Controlling for the Finance Division, People and Real Estate.

With market share, momentum in premium EVs, and a tapestry of owner experiences stitched through the year, the brand feels well set for the final stint.


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Performance Motors Achieves Coveted BMW Retail.Next Lighthouse Accreditation https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=283895 Tue, 28 Oct 2025 03:19:38 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=283895 Performance Motors Limited announced it has been recognised as a BMW Retail.Next Lighthouse, BMW Group’s highest mark for design, digital innovation and customer experience.


It’s the only showroom in Singapore to wear the badge, and one of just three within Southeast Asia.

“We are deeply honoured to be recognised as a BMW Retail.Next Lighthouse,” said Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director of Southeast Asia, Sime Motors. “This important milestone will spur our Singapore team to continue raising the bar for customer experience dedicated to our BMW owners.”

BMW’s Retail.Next is a global rethink of the customer journey, rolling out worldwide through 2028. Singapore’s Lighthouse shows what that future feels like today, an immersive space where sleek design meets quietly clever technology.

During a recent visit, Ritu Chandy, Senior Vice-President (Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa), and Lars Nielsen, Managing Director, BMW Group Asia, presented the certification to Lawrence Tan, Managing Director, PML, and Jeffrey Gan.

As Nielsen put it: “Performance Motors has been a trusted partner for more than 45 years. With the Retail.Next Lighthouse showroom, they have taken their passion for the brand to another level.”

A “living” showroom, not just a sales floor

“Our vision is to have a ‘living’ showroom that is constantly evolving,” says Lawrence Tan. That idea translates into a lifestyle destination: curated displays, digital tools, and hospitality that wouldn’t feel out of place in a boutique hotel.

Tech that fades into the background (as it should)

PML’s Lighthouse stripes are earned through meaningful digitalisation that makes the visit simpler, faster and more personal:

  • Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR): Cameras log incoming vehicles and track their locations across bays and workshops. Useful for staff, reassuring for owners who can check status via the OneGo app.
  • Contactless Key Drop Lockers (24/7): After online check-in, owners can skip the queue and slot in keys securely.
  • Facial Recognition Access: For BMW Luxury Class and M customers, facial recognition enables entry to the third-floor Performance Lounge.

Hospitality with real flavour

The showroom leans into Singapore’s culinary heartbeat. The PML Culinary Experience, an omakase-style dinner hosted monthly, has featured collaborations with stand-out chefs including Seow Tzi Qin (Jiak Kim House), Executive Chef Gabriel Low (Shoukouwa Shinjidai) and Michelin-starred Denis Lucchi (Buona Terra).

Service-day mornings can be elevated with Curated Breakfast or kept swift with Grab & Go bites.

Sustainability that shows up

PML offsets its electricity consumption with Renewable Energy Certificates and observes monthly Earth Hours, while green spaces soften the built environment. The PML Green Initiative swaps some post-service washes for trees (one planted for every 30 car washes saved), amounting to over a million litres of water saved and 150 trees planted with support from staff, partners and customers.

Up on Level 6, the PML Sky Garden grows herbs, veg and fruit for in-house F&B, fertilised in part by recycled coffee grounds, farm-to-table on a rooftop, supported by NParks’ Skyrise Greenery Incentive Scheme.

“We will continue to lead the way. This is only the beginning,” says Tan. If Retail.Next is designed to make every visit a destination rather than a duty, PML’s Lighthouse shows how to do it with Singaporean polish.


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BMW i5 Touring Review https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=283859 Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:03:52 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=283859 The BMW i5 Touring redefines what it means to combine luxury and performance in an all-electric wagon. But does its dynamic prowess and premium build justify its lofty price tag in today’s competitive EV market?


Electrifying First Impressions

From the moment I saw the i5 Touring, it was clear this car was designed to impress. Its sleek silhouette, accented by sharp diagonal lines and signature hockey-stick taillights, exudes understated confidence. While it shares similarities with the i5 sedan, the elongated wagon profile gives it a distinct character—one that strikes a balance between sophistication and practicality.

Finished exclusively in M Sport trim, the i5 Touring boasts 20-inch M Sport wheels and glossy black accents, particularly striking in the Cape York Green shade. It’s a design that doesn’t scream for attention but leaves a lasting impression, much like a well-tailored suit.

The Thrill of Driving

Performance is where the BMW i5 Touring shines. The Singapore-available eDrive40 variant sends 335 horsepower to the rear wheels. With instantaneous torque, the car surges forward effortlessly, offering a composed yet thrilling driving experience. It’s the perfect example of how an electric powertrain can deliver both serenity and excitement in equal measure.

The low-profile tyres on 20-inch wheels might introduce some stiffness, but BMW’s suspension tuning creates a harmonious blend of comfort and agility. Whether cruising along highways or carving through winding roads, the i5 Touring feels planted and responsive, embodying the precision that BMW is known for.

While the steering leans on the lighter side, it’s precise and well-tuned, making the car feel nimble despite its size. Push it hard, and the i5 Touring reveals a sporty character, responding eagerly to driver inputs without ever feeling unwieldy. It’s a wagon that knows how to have fun.

A Glimpse of What’s to Come

Although Singapore misses out on the dual-motor xDrive M60 version, the eDrive40’s performance is more than adequate for daily use and spirited driving alike. The promise of an M5 Touring in the near future hints at even greater performance potential—something enthusiasts will undoubtedly look forward to, given the stellar reception of the M3 Touring.

Practical Power

Despite its performance focus, the i5 Touring remains a highly practical vehicle. Its 570-litre boot, paired with an interior that benefits from a nearly three-meter wheelbase, ensures ample space for passengers and cargo alike. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a run to the grocery store, the i5 Touring handles it all with ease.

Admittedly, the car’s five-meter length can make tight urban spaces a challenge, but BMW’s advanced parking aids simplify the process. For those willing to navigate its size, the i5 Touring proves itself versatile enough for everyday life.

Verdict: A Driver’s Wagon for the EV Era

The BMW i5 Touring is a compelling choice for those who value performance and refinement in an electric vehicle. It’s a rare breed: a wagon that delivers both exhilarating driving dynamics and practical utility.

Priced at SGD 410k, it certainly caters to a niche market, but for drivers who prioritize an engaging experience and the prestige of a BMW badge, it’s hard to fault. Yes, the price is steep, and planning your charging stops is a necessity for longer journeys, but for those ready to embrace the electric future, the i5 Touring delivers a unique and satisfying ride.

With the M5 Touring looming on the horizon, BMW is set to push the boundaries of performance even further. For now, though, the i5 Touring stands as a testament to what the marque can achieve—a luxurious, practical, and performance-driven electric wagon that confidently leads the charge into a new era.


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BMW 216 Gran Coupé M Sport Review https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=283225 Wed, 13 Aug 2025 06:18:32 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=283225

BMW has a knack for making even its most accessible cars feel special, and the 216 Gran Coupé M Sport is a perfect example. Sure, it is the entry point into the BMW family, but it is no stripped-down afterthought. Instead, it is a compact four-door coupé with just enough drama in its design and drive to make you feel like you have arrived.

Design & Heritage Cues
The first thing that strikes you is the stance. The 216 GC may be the smallest coupé in BMW’s line-up, but it wears the same confident proportions as its bigger, sportier siblings. The front end is classic BMW drama, complete with the brand’s “shark nose” profile—a subtle, forward-leaning look also found on the Z4, 8 Series, and even the F06 6 Series Gran Coupé. It is one of those small details that enthusiasts notice, instantly connecting this car to BMW’s performance bloodline.

Then there are the frameless doors, an unexpected flourish in this segment, usually reserved for coupés and convertibles. They give the 216 GC a sleeker, more premium edge, making even a quick supermarket run feel a bit more special. Combine that with the M Sport body kit, deeper bumpers, and larger intakes, and you have a car that looks sharper than most in its class.

Inside the Cabin
The M Sport treatment continues inside, with sports seats, a chunky steering wheel, and BMW’s signature driver-focused layout. Materials feel solid and premium, even in this “gateway” model, and the new curved display blends a crisp digital instrument cluster with a large central touchscreen.
The standard kit is generous for this class, featuring dual-zone climate control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, BMW’s latest iDrive operating system, and a suite of driver aids that includes lane departure warning, collision alert, and parking assistance with a reversing camera. The rear seats are a little snug for taller passengers, which is the price you pay for that sweeping roofline; however, the boot is decently sized for a compact coupe.

Under the Bonnet
Power comes from a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 122 bhp and 230 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox that sends power to the front wheels. On paper, it is not a fire-breather, with a 0–100 km/h time of around 9.9 seconds, but in the real world, it feels more willing than the numbers suggest. The gearbox is quick and responsive, and the lightweight means it is easy to carry speed through corners.

Fuel efficiency is another strong suit, with a claimed consumption of between 5.9 and 6.6 L/100 km, making it a sensible daily driver without feeling dull.

On the Road
What I like most about the 216 GC is how “proper” it feels from behind the wheel. Steering is light yet accurate, and the chassis is well-balanced, giving you confidence when you start leaning on it. The M Sport suspension rides a touch firmer than the standard setup, but it is far from uncomfortable. In fact, it helps the car feel planted and composed, even on tighter bends.
It is not pretending to be an M2, but it does share that BMW DNA in the way it talks back to you through the steering and suspension. For a first step into the brand, it sets the tone well.

The Value Angle
At around SGD 230,00++ with COE in Singapore, the 216 GC sits in a competitive space alongside the Audi A3 Sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLA. Where it wins is in the details, such as the coupé silhouette, the frameless doors, the shark nose, and the fact that it still feels like a “real” BMW to drive. For buyers who have always wanted a Bavarian badge on the bonnet but don’t need a large engine or spacious rear seats, this is the sweet spot.

Final Thoughts
The BMW 216 Gran Coupé M Sport is a stylish, well-equipped, and genuinely enjoyable entry point into the brand. It looks the part, drives with a hint of BMW’s sporty character, and still manages to be sensible on running costs.

It is a car for those who want more than just a means of transport. It is for people who want a bit of style and heritage baked into their daily drive. With details like the shark nose and frameless doors, you get just enough of that BMW magic to make you feel part of the club.

Technical Specifications

BMW 216 Gran Coupe M-Sport

Engine: 1.5-litre in-line 3, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive
Power: 122 bhp
Torque: 230 Nm
Gearbox: 7-Speed Steptronic double-clutch
0-100km/h: 9.9 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 214 km/h
Fuel Economy: 6.6 l/100km
Price: S$233,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Joel Tam (@joel_tam)


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BMW Is #1 premium automotive brand in Singapore for first half of 2025 https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=283109 Sun, 03 Aug 2025 05:03:54 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=283109 According to the latest figures, BMW has claimed the coveted spot as Singapore’s No. 1 premium automotive brand for the first half of 2025.


They’ve also slipped neatly into second place in the overall automotive market, right behind BYD.

“The automotive market is going through a great deal of change at the moment, so there’s a great feeling of achievement knowing that we’ve been able to weather the storm and still come out on top for the first half of 2025.”

Lars Nielsen, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia

If there’s one headline-grabbing stat that’ll make Tesla do a double take, it’s this: BMW and MINI together account for 50% of all BEVs sold in Singapore’s premium segment.

Yes, every second premium EV you spot gliding silently down Orchard Road is likely wearing a Roundel or a Union Jack badge.

MINI’s electrified variants have also pulled their weight; 43% of MINI’s Singapore sales were BEVs.

The first half of 2025 saw nine new models from BMW and MINI hit our shores. From the BMW 1 Series hatchback to the M235 Gran Coupe and new X3, it’s a lineup that caters to just about every taste and wallet size.

The most recent launch was a special BMW i7 Singapore Icons edition, a Madeira Red masterpiece honouring SG60 and BMW Asia’s 40-year journey.

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe

Performance Motors and Eurokars Auto brought home trophies at the Retail Asia Awards 2025, while MINI’s Eurokars Habitat took home the gong for Best Store Design.

BMW’s mantra has always been Sheer Driving Pleasure. And here in Singapore, that pleasure now extends far beyond the tarmac.


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Think You Know Roadside Assistance? BMW Just Turned It Into a Concierge Experience https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=282948 Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:22:11 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=282948 Imagine you’re cruising down the ECP, the wind in your hair, your playlist in full swing, and bam. A flat tyre. Or worse, your electric vehicle’s battery decides it’s done for the day. That sinking feeling? BMW wants to erase it entirely.


And with their new BMW Roadside Assistance rollout in Singapore, they just might.

Two newly transformed BMW X1s, reimagined as “BMW Servicemobiles”, will be deployed as high-tech pit crews on wheels, standing by for when your car doesn’t feel like playing ball.

“You need to consider more than the price, performance and technological advances when you
purchase a new vehicle. You also need to consider life after you’re handed the keys. You need to have the peace of mind knowing that if anything happens while you’re on the road, you’ll be taken care of. This is what we’re providing our customers in Singapore.”

Lars Nielsen, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia
BMW Roadside Assistance

These new X1 Servicemobiles are fully equipped with 24/7 access to a dedicated RSA (Roadside Assistance) Breakdown Hotline, onsite diagnosis kits, tyre rescue tech, mobile EV charging units, and real-time GPS tracking so you know exactly when help will arrive. Stranded up north? No worries. Coverage extends beyond Singapore, into Peninsular Malaysia and even 80km into Thailand.

“Beyond the technical support, we also want our customers to relax and know we care. This comes out even more in the personal touches we provide with our services, such as umbrellas if it’s raining, water for temporary relief from the heat, or even cookies during festive seasons. It’s the little touches that can leave a lasting impression on a customer in need,”

Ramesh Divyanathan, Director of Customer Support at BMW Group Asia
BMW Roadside Assistance

If you’ve got one of those worst-case scenario days, like a major breakdown in KL, BMW’s got you covered. They’ll handle your transport too: coach, train, ferry or flight (economy class, but we won’t be picky in a crisis), hotel stays for up to three nights, and repatriation for your vehicle. All claimable up to S$500 if you’re more than 100km from home and repairs will take over three days.

Roadside mishaps are never fun. But if they’re going to happen (and statistically, they will), it’s a lot easier to stomach them when your automaker shows up not just with jumper cables, but with cookies and care.

BMW calls it premium Roadside Assistance. We call it motoring peace of mind.


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BMW 520i Touring M Sport Review https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=282912 Mon, 21 Jul 2025 14:02:09 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=282912 Let’s just put this out there: I have always had a soft spot for wagons. There is something about their long, low silhouette, the balance of sportiness and practicality, and the quiet confidence they carry. The new BMW 520i Touring in M Sport trim is exactly the kind of car that reminds you why wagons still matter.


Wagons: Not for Everyone, and That’s the Point

Wagons are not exactly flying off showroom floors these days. Most buyers have turned to SUVs or crossovers, often driven by the promise of space, height, and status. Yet among car enthusiasts, wagons continue to hold a certain cult status.

They are appreciated by those who value the drive, who care about proportions, and who know how special a well-balanced long-roof car can be. These are cars for the discerning. The 520i Touring fits this mould perfectly. It is not designed to shout. It simply gets everything right, quietly.

Familiar Shape, Fresh Personality

I recently had the opportunity to drive the all-electric i5 Touring eDrive40 M Sport. It impressed with its refinement and tech-laden cabin. The driving experience was smooth and silent, with all the torque you could want. Yet it also felt heavy and somewhat removed from the kind of driver engagement BMW built its reputation on.

The 520i Touring brings back that feeling. It is lighter, more agile, and with a petrol engine up front, it delivers feedback and rhythm that the electric version cannot replicate. You still get the same sleek body, complete with the M Aerodynamics Package and Iconic Glow grille. The 20-inch M 939 Bicolour wheels finish the look with just the right mix of subtle aggression.

On the Road

Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a mild hybrid system. The result is 188 bhp and 310 Nm of torque, all sent to the rear wheels through BMW’s 8-speed Steptronic transmission.


Performance is brisk enough, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of 8.3 seconds. The car feels responsive and composed, thanks in part to the M Sport suspension. It also manages to stay comfortable even over less-than-perfect roads. With a top speed of 222 km/h and a fuel consumption rating of 14.3 km per litre, it offers a well-balanced package for real-world driving.

Space, Style, and Sound

Inside, the cabin is a showcase of BMW’s latest design direction. A curved display panel stretches across the dash, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14.9-inch infotainment screen. The layout is clean, modern, and intuitive to use.

There is generous space for passengers both front and rear, thanks to a wheelbase of nearly three metres. Boot capacity stands at 570 litres, which is more than enough for weekend trips, grocery runs, or a foldable bike or two.

The Harman Kardon sound system adds a premium touch, with rich audio that makes every drive feel like a private concert.

The Glass Hatch, Gone

If there is one thing I miss, it is the split-opening rear glass hatch. Previous 5 Series Touring models featured this small but incredibly useful function. It allowed quick access to the boot in tight carparks or when the full tailgate could not be opened.

BMW has removed it in favour of a sleeker rear design. It is a compromise in form over function, and while the new look is undeniably stylish, the practicality of that glass hatch will be missed by those who used it often.

Petrol or Electric?

Both the 520i and i5 Touring have their appeal. The i5 is futuristic, quiet, and powerful in its own way. It excels in technology and offers zero tailpipe emissions. The 520i, on the other hand, delivers a more traditional driving experience. It is familiar, usable, and engaging in a way that petrol cars still are.

For those who are not ready to go fully electric or who simply enjoy the feel of a proper engine, the 520i Touring is an easy recommendation.

Final Thoughts

The BMW 520i Touring M Sport is not a car for everyone, but that is exactly the point. It is for drivers who appreciate design, balance, and purpose. It offers the space of an SUV without the bulk, the comfort of a saloon with added utility, and a driving feel that rewards those who still enjoy being behind the wheel.

This is a car chosen not for what it says about you, but for how it makes you feel. A true enthusiast’s choice.


Technical Specifications

BMW 520i Touring M-Sport

Engine: 2-Litre in-line 4 TwinPower, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 190 bhp
Torque: 310 Nm
Gearbox: 8-Speed (A) Steptronic
0-100km/h: 8.3 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 222 km/h 
Fuel Economy: 14.3 km/litre (claimed)
Price: S$382,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Joel Tam (@joel_tam)


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BMW’s One-Off i7 for SG60 https://www.autoapp.sg/dev/?p=282833 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:05:52 +0000 https://www.autoapp.sg/?p=282833 It’s not uncommon for car companies to mark big milestones with something a little… extra.


A special paint job here, some exclusive badges there, maybe even a stitched-in logo to tug at the heartstrings. Who could blame them? Limited-edition creations like this often become conversation starters, especially when done right.

BMW Asia’s latest creation is a one-of-a-kind, all-electric i7 called the “Singapore Icons”, built to commemorate Singapore’s 60th birthday and BMW Asia’s 40th anniversary in the region. It is as exclusive as they come.

A Masterpiece with Meaning
Designed as a tribute to Singapore’s journey, the i7 is packed with thoughtful touches. A “Singapore Icons” logo has been laser-etched into the Hofmeister kink, a cheeky nod to BMW’s design heritage dating back to the 1960s. The dashboard features an intricate inlay showcasing seven of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks, from Marina Bay Sands to the Supertree Grove. This piece was laser-cut from a single sheet of metal, measuring less than 1mm in thickness, and seamlessly embedded into delicate oak trim. It is as much a sculpture as a dashboard.

The “Madeira Red” finish brings a rich depth to the car’s surface. Originally a Rolls-Royce paint, it shifts subtly between cherry black and deep red depending on the light. This particular shade has never been used on another car in Singapore, and according to BMW, it will never be used again.

Inside, Smoke White Merino leather upholstery brings a lightness and sophistication to the cabin, drawing a clear visual link to the red and white of the Singapore flag. Custom embroidery of the “Singapore Icons” insignia is stitched into each headrest in Alaska Grey, adding a final touch of exclusivity.

The Man Behind the Wheel
Rather than disappearing into a private collection or museum, this car has a proud new owner. Mr Choo Wai Luen, whose family business, Kwong Cheong Thye, is marking its 133rd anniversary, took delivery of the vehicle through BMW’s long-time partner, Eurokars Group. His company’s legacy—spanning five generations—aligns neatly with the themes of heritage and ambition celebrated in this car.

“Every time I look at this masterpiece, I’m reminded of how far we have come as a nation and how far my family and I have come in building our business,” said Mr Choo. “My family will drive the Singapore Icons with pride and joy, knowing that it represents something special to us, to BMW, and our country.”

Collector’s Item or Personal Statement?
Whenever a one-off like this appears, the question inevitably comes up—will it gain value over time? Possibly. But the real draw lies in owning something meaningful and crafted with purpose. There is a certain joy in having something unique that connects to history, place, and identity.

Whether or not the car becomes a prized collector’s item is beside the point. Sometimes, it is simply about celebrating a moment in a way that feels personal. And in that sense, the BMW i7 Singapore Icons is already priceless.

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