How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

Vehicles in contention need to sit as their respective manufacturer’s flagship, or fall in or above the 90th price percentile compared to the rest of the line-up for ACOTY 2024. This then qualifies them as luxury vehicles. They also need to be propelled solely by electricity. Pretty simple.

Meet The Contenders

The luxury vehicle segment has always been a hotbed of contests, with manufacturers pulling out all the stops they can to keep their well-heeled clientele bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

It then makes sense to take things to the next level by making these luxo-barges even quieter by ripping out their internal combustion engines and endowing them with batteries and electric drive. The push for electrification in this segment has become even more apparent in 2023.

And so, three luxury electric vehicles were reviewed this year. They are, clockwise from top-left, the Audi Q8 e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ and BMW i7 xDrive60.

While the Merc and Bimmer comfortably qualify price percentile-wise at 96th and 92nd respectively, the Audi only comes in at the 80th price percentile. However, the Q8 is the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer’s flagship SUV EV, and that’s why it’s here.

While it may be an SUV, the Audi Q8 e-tron impressed us with its business-like looks, generous interior space and supple ride comfort. That Audi has engineered a large SUV to drive the way it does and be uber-practical is something to be proud of.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ is designed based on aerodynamic efficiency and its looks are the result. We liked how the right amount of technology is implemented within while being able to mood-light like a discotheque at night if one so chooses.

We appreciated the generous and supple interior that’s de facto in this segment. We also liked its ease and comfort of driving and the relatively large range the battery pack provides.

There’s nothing that looks like the Bimmer. We liked how, in darker shades, the BMW i7 xDrive 60 can achieve a murdered-out gangsta look from the word go. We appreciated the technology inside that would keep wealthy tech geeks happy for hours on end and is pretty easy to use.

We especially were impressed by how well the i7 drove and rode, and how much of a compelling proposition it has become to the upper crust of society.

Picking a winner, as you can comprehend, was a tough call for the four of us, for each entrant brings something meaningfully captivating to the table. Suffice to say, you can’t go wrong with any of them.

However, this is a competition, and when all’s said and done, there can only be one.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Luxury EV
BMW i7 xDrive 60

While the BMW i7 xDrive 60 is the most expensive of the trio, it also offers so much for the price. Despite its arguably polarizing looks, the Bavarian manufacturer must be applauded for daring to break with tradition and create something that snaps heads and looks like nothing else on the road. That’s why it clinches the top spot with 386 points.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.

Congratulations to the BMW i7 xDrive 60 for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Best Luxury EV!

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How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

Electric hatchbacks that qualify for this category need to be sold with Category B COEs while remaining relatively affordable and mainstream. Easy.

Meet The Contenders

Hatchbacks are considered more practical than their sedan siblings. Being able to drop the rear seats and load items unhindered by any structural components can be a Godsend, especially when carting around bulky stuff. Plus they look cool.

With electrification, hatchbacks can then become a force to be reckoned with. For one, instantaneous torque is available on tap to make drives that much easier, more relaxed and quieter. For another, the up-and-coming eco-warrior can wear their green credentials on their sleeve via their choice of vehicles.

This brings us to the three Cat B hatchback electric vehicles tested this year. Clockwise from the top left, and representing the United Kingdom is the MINI Electric Resolute. Also representing the UK under Chinese ownership is the MG 4 EV. Finally, hailing from Korea is the Kia EV6.

The MINI Electric appealed to us with its funky interior, classic proportions, and the way it handles and goes. In becoming electric, the MINI has not lost any of its charm, and in fact makes for a brisker drive that’s more entertaining.

The MG 4, on the other hand, brings sharp and distinct looks to the table. Its tech-focused interior is comfortable, roomy and practical. That it goes like stink and sticks to the road through corners like a leech adds to its charm. Also, it’s rear-wheel driven, which stood out for us car enthusiasts in the judging panel.

The Kia EV6 comes with exciting looks, techy and roomy interior and a large boot. In dual-motor guise, the EV6 rockets off the line with alacrity, while the single-motor variant is still brisk enough to satisfy most people. That it also offers an impressive range from its battery pack sat favourably with us.

You can see why our decision-making process was challenging, for all three are excellent EV hatchbacks. But, decide we did.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Cat B EV Hatchback
MG 4 EV

Considering how it’s priced compared to the other two, and what it offers in return for the moolah, the well-deserved win here goes to the MG 4 EV with 334 points.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.

Congratulations to the MG 4 EV for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Best Cat B Hatchback EV!

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How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

Electric Vehicles (EVs) that qualify for this category cannot be hatchbacks or SUVs. They need to come under Category B COE and be relatively affordable and mainstream.

Meet The Contenders

If you prefer something more traditional instead of a hatchback or SUV, then you’d likely be looking at sedans. The thing is, these days, it isn’t as straightforward as it used to be. Sedans can take on multiple proportions and types, and if you’re inclined to flex your green credentials, then here are two Cat B electric vehicles that may tickle your fancy.

Representing Sweden is the Polestar 2 Single Motor. Hailing from South Korea is the Hyundai IONIQ 6.

Minimalism is the name of the game with the Polestar 2. From the clean exterior design to essential interior accoutrements, nothing here can be found out of place. We appreciated this clean aesthetic that combines with the practicality of a liftback to offer much to the buyer who chooses to eschew SUVs and hatchbacks.

Around our office, “the Korean Saab” is the moniker that seems to have stuck when referring to the Hyundai IONIQ 6. And what a compliment it is! From a decidedly Saab-esque quirky exterior design to a tech-focused interior to performance that can cause one to draw a sharp breath, there is much here that appeals to us.

In ancient times, many were called but few were chosen. In our case, two were called but there could only be The Chosen One.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Cat B EV
Hyundai IONIQ 6

Taking victory with a resounding 367 points is the Hyundai IONIQ 6. Despite its slightly higher price tag, we felt that the IONIQ 6 offered a better value proposition. Plus its quirky swooping looks make it distinct and it definitely turns heads on the road.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.

Congratulations to the Hyundai IONIQ 6 for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Best Cat B EV!

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How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

Contenders need to be COE Category B Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) that are battery-electric. They may hail from premium brands, but can be considered entry-level vehicles in their respective line-ups. Pretty straightforward.

Meet The Contenders

SUVs are a perennial favourite amongst Singaporean buyers, not to mention the world at large. They’re easier to get into and out of, and come across as more practical than their sedan and hatchback siblings. They also offer a more commanding view out of the cabin whilst out on the road.

With the push for electrification in recent years, SUV buyers now have the opportunity to both enjoy a quieter drive while flexing their eco-conscious status. Which then brings us to the two COE Cat B SUV electric vehicles contending for top spot in this category.

Hailing from Sweden is the Volvo XC40 Recharge, while representing the Teutonic side of things is the Mercedes-Benz EQB 250.

The minimalists within us appreciated the clean aesthetic that the Volvo XC40 Recharge brings to the table. Add to that an interior that exudes functionality, practicality and eco-friendly material choices and a battery pack that offers very good real-world range and you have a very compelling package right here in the XC40 Recharge.

The Mercedes-Benz EQB 250, on the other hand, brings a blinged-out interior to its up to seven occupants! Add to that practicality, ride comfort befitting a vehicle wearing the three-pointed star and very good range from its battery pack, and it is no wonder the EQB 250 made an appearance here.

Alas, all’s fair in love and war, and there can only be the one that won.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Cat B SUV EV
Volvo XC40 Recharge

Given its price and the upmarket experience one receives for the money, the Volvo XC40 Recharge wins decisively with 324 points.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.

Congratulations to the Volvo XC40 Recharge for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Best Cat B SUV EV!

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How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

Multipurpose vehicles or MPVs have been a favourite of limousine operators in Singapore, and with good reason. They seat up to seven and can mimic a van with their rearmost seats folded for that all important airport transfer with large amounts of luggage in tow.

Defining this category is straightforward. The vehicles entered in this category have to be MPVs and be solely powered by electricity.

Meet The Contenders

Two MPV electric vehicles were driven this year, and they square off here for a showdown.

Representing China, we have the MAXUS MIFA 9 Luxury, and flying the German flag is the Mercedes-Benz EQV 300.

MAXUS MIFA 9 Luxury

We liked how, as MAXUS’ first overseas model, the MIFA 9 Luxury comes very well equipped and can also put in a surprising turn in the twisty stuff while remaining quiet, comfortable, refined and composed.

We also like how the MIFA 9 looks unique and interesting in a segment of vehicles that are essentially large boxes on wheels. Finally, the MIFA 9’s enormous proportions translate to how much space is liberated inside, making this a very compelling proposition indeed.

Mercedes-Benz EQV 300

Over on the Teutonic side of things, we appreciated how Mercedes-Benz took a tried and tested Vito platform, turned it into the V-Class, and then endowed it with electric drive to make the EQV 300 a true contender in the paradigm of “luxury limousines.”

We liked how quietly it drove while still being able to point and squirt in a straight line en route to Changi Airport Terminal 3 with everyone’s luggage in tow.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Best MPV EV
MAXUS MIFA 9 Luxury

MAXUS, in its first overseas foray, has simply swooped in and swept up the win with the MIFA 9 Luxury with 326 points. Its price versus standard equipment and how well it performed on the road makes this passengers’ paradise a stonking value proposition indeed – one that limousine operators and families alike would do well to seriously consider.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.

Congratulations to the MAXUS MIFA 9 Luxury for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Best MPV EV!

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How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

Pretty simple, actually. Commercial electric vehicles needs to be registered on Goods plates, able to haul cargo and powered by the zappy-zappy lecky stuff born of electron vibrations.

Meet The Contenders

We drove three electric vans this year, which qualified them for this category. They are, clockwise from top left, the Opel Combo-e, Citroën e-Dispatch and Opel Vivaro-e.

The Opel Combo-e is the smaller of the three vans, while the Citroën e-Dispatch and Opel Vivaro-e are effectively the same vehicle from parent group Stellantis with different badges.

Choosing a winner was a very difficult task for the four of us, not in the least bit because all three are excellent electric vans. We liked the compactness of the Opel Combo-e while simultaneously appreciating the capaciousness of the Citroën e-Dispatch and Opel Vivaro-e.

We were amazed at how quiet cargo haulage on the roads and highways can be, courtesy of the electric drivetrain of each van. We were also impressed with the simplicity and ruggedness of each van, in a nod to just getting on with the task at hand.

In fact, our scores reflected this difficulty. Literally THREE points separated these three vans, showcasing how excellent they are. One isn’t bound to go wrong with any of them. Ultimately, there had to be a winner.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Commercial EV
Opel Vivaro-e

The winner is the Opel Vivaro-e with 315 points. What pipped it for the Opel Vivaro-e was its price as well as the offering of keyless start and stop. The Vivaro-e was also just slightly more energy-efficient.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.

Congratulations to the Opel Vivaro-e, for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Best Commercial EV!

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How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

Compared to the rest of ACOTY 2024’s contenders, vehicles in this category need to sit in the 50th price percentile or higher. They also need to be juiced up, powered and driven solely by electron vibrations. Easy peasy.

Meet The Contenders

While the luxury segment is where manufacturers get to flex their industrial muscles and put on a show of what they can achieve, it is in the premium category where there often is a greater flurry of activity.

Manufacturers continually vie for the newly upwardly mobile middle-class’ moolah. Customers are keen to move into a more premium motoring experience while looking to exhibit their newfound wealth through their choice of car. Manufacturers must rise to meet this challenge while still keeping prices relatively affordable. This flurry of activity is especially so where green credentials come into play, and premium electric vehicles also find themselves increasingly required to stand in good stead with the ever-burgeoning eco-conscious middle class.

And so we found ourselves reviewing three such vehicles this year. Going head-to-head in the premium electric vehicles category are the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line, BMW i4 Gran Coupé eDrive35 and Lexus RZ 450e Luxury.

Sitting at the 81st price percentile, the opulence and comfort of the Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line impressed us, as did its ease of driving, impressive range and how quickly the battery pack could be charged from just over half capacity.

Being a unique contender vis-a-vis price in this market segment sets the BMW i4 Gran Coupé eDrive35 apart from everyone else. It was endowed with sufficient technology, drove and rode well and handled like a BMW should.

That it was also the most frugal premium electric vehicle tested to date and the most affordable in this group at the 67th price percentile made this “first-ever fully-electric Gran Coupé” that much more endearing to the judging panel.

The RZ 450e, Lexus’ first-ever purpose-built EV, is the only SUV in this line-up. It certainly has sharp looks and taut proportions going for it, as well as great practicality and a sumptuously appointed interior that complements its superb ride comfort.

Pretty obvious, then, that buyers in the premium electric vehicles segment are spoilt for choice. The under-$500,000 question is, who will take the crown?

AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Premium EV
BMW i4 Gran Coupe eDrive35

There is a clear victor. Given how much car one gets at its price point, the BMW i4 Gran Coupé eDrive35 takes the chequered flag with a resounding 377 points.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.

Congratulations to the BMW i4 Gran Coupé eDrive35 for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Best Premium EV!

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The goal? To create the most exhilarating and sought-after electric performance cars the world has ever seen. 

Aston Martin’s electrification journey is an essential part of their broader Racing. Green. sustainability strategy. With over £2 billion in investment earmarked for advanced technologies over the next five years, they are all set to embrace the electrified future with open arms. Lawrence Stroll, the Executive Chairman of Aston Martin, doesn’t hold back his excitement about the partnership. He calls it a “game changer” and rightly so.

Lucid isn’t an ordinary player in the electric vehicle game either. They’re a formidable force in the EV space now, and seemingly a perfect match for Aston Martin’s vision. The proposed agreement will allow Aston Martin to tap into Lucid’s top-notch technology, becoming the heart and soul of their all-new in-house Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) platform. From hypercars to sports cars, GTs, and SUVs, this platform will be the cornerstone of Aston Martin’s electrified model range.

But that’s not all – there’s another ace up Aston Martin’s sleeve. They’ve got Mercedes-Benz AG on their side, providing access to an array of world-class technologies, from powertrain to electric and electronic architectures. It’s like assembling an all-star team to tackle the electrification challenge head-on.

Roberto Fedeli, Chief Technology Officer of Aston Martin, shares his enthusiasm for the partnership. He believes that combining Lucid’s powertrain and battery systems with their in-house development will create a bespoke BEV platform for all their future models. These future electrified Aston Martins will be fueled by sustainable, next-gen technology, delivering not just performance but also brilliant vehicle dynamics.

So, to all the future-conscious gearheads out there, Aston Martin is proving that they’re not just about style and speed; they’re also pioneers of sustainable, high-performance luxury cars.

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Electric Vehicles (EVs) now seem to come in all shapes and sizes. However, if you want an EV that seats more than five occupants, your options are pretty much limited to models built on commercial van platforms. Examples include the Mercedes-Benz EQV 300, and the Opel Zafira-e Life.

Those accustomed to the car-like drivability of Multi-Purpose Vehicles (MPVs) such as the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Alphard for example, may find the aforementioned EV people movers a little unwieldy in tight parking spaces and not as refined as a sedan at expressway speeds.  

This is set to change however with the launch of the Maxus MIFA 9. Built on a passenger car rather than a commercial vehicle platform, the MIFA 9 is designed to be a premium electric MPV.  

The next big thing

If size matters to you, the MIFA 9 has impressive dimensions. This EV measures an impressive 5,300mm in length, 2,000mm in width, and stands tall at 1,840mm. Put into context, it is even larger than the renowned Toyota Alphard in most dimensions, boasting a generous 3200mm wheelbase, a whopping 200mm more than its Japanese counterpart.

Stepping inside the MIFA 9, you’ll immediately notice a significant leap in material quality. The interior exudes a sense of luxury.

Passengers in the middle row, for example, are treated to electrically-adjustable captain’s chairs with heated and cooling ventilation. Aural entertainment comes by way of an 8-speaker JBL system. 

The digital dashboard, however, steals the show, featuring a 7-inch instrument display that provides all the essential information at your fingertips. The centrepiece of the cockpit is a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Seamless connectivity? Check.

And if you’re in need of a power boost for your mobile devices, the MIFA 9 comes equipped with a generous number of USB outlets scattered throughout the cabin. Front occupants, on the other hand, can revel in the convenience of a wireless mobile device charger. It’s the little things that make a difference, right?

Range, power and charging 

Equipped with a 90kWh battery, it boasts an impressive travel range of 435km, ensuring you can embark on long journeys without worrying about running out of juice. And if time is of the essence, the MIFA 9 supports fast charging, allowing you to top up the battery from 30 to 80 per cent in a mere 30 minutes. For a full charge from 5 to 100 per cent using an 11kWh AC charger, it takes approximately 8.5 hours. 

What about the powerhouse? 

Powering its front wheels is a motor churning out 180kW (245hp) and 350Nm of torque. It can go from 0 to 100km/h in just 9.2 seconds. And if you’re craving a taste of adrenaline, it can reach a top speed of 180km/h.

Apparently an acronym for Maximum, Intelligent, Friendly and Artistic, the MIFA 9 was unveiled to the media on 7 July by the official dealer, Cycle & Carriage, the China-made MPV is priced at $282,999 with COE. 

In the coming months, a higher-spec’d version will be on sale for $302,999 with COE. Additional equipment on the latter is said to include a flip-down entertainment screen for the rear seated passengers and Nappa leather are among the highlights. 

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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In one of our Singapore Motorshow 2023 coverage articles earlier this year, we wrote about a Toyota bZ model, the bZ4X, that will not be for sale in Singapore but only made available as part of a car-sharing scheme. bZ (Beyond-Zero) in Toyota-speak refers to their battery electric vehicle (BEV) range, and now there are two new concept cars, unveiled at the 2023 Auto Shanghai, which will likely become a reality in a similar fashion to the bZ4X.

First up in Toyota bZ-land is the Sport Crossover Concept. Based on “‘Reboot,’ which incorporates the idea of a change of pace” when one gets in and starts to drive, clearly it’s aimed at the younger Gen-Z crowd with its sharp and sleek lines.

Gen-Z’ers definitely don’t like things getting staid and stale, so Toyota has engineered the functions of this bZ concept to nicely nestle its occupants. Furthermore, the functions have also been engineered to evolve over time after purchase, such as driver assistance and automatic parking, “so that owners can continuously enjoy a most up-to-date car with all five senses.”

We think it looks cool, never mind that we’re not Gen-Z.

For the more family-oriented prospective BEV buyer, the bZ FlexSpace Concept comes to the fore with its focus on utility and usability.

“Cozy Home” is the theme here, and Toyota’s goal is that of a large cabin space that “families can use safely, comfortably, and freely with peace of mind.” We imagine that this means gizmos to keep the young’uns occupied for longer road trips as well as driving aids that will make the journey that much more enjoyable.

We’re not too sure about the shrubbery on the dashboard though – cue horrifying scenes of wilting and rotting that would make a Greenpeace activist weep copiously. However, if it’s a holographic projection, we say bring it on! Hopefully the instrument cluster and infotainment screens can be holographic projections too *wink wink nudge nudge Scotty beam me up*

China will be the first to get the new Toyota bZ models because these BEVs are being jointly developed by Toyota and BYD for the Sport Crossover Concept, and Toyota and Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC) for the FlexSpace Concept. These two models are slated to be launched in China in 2024. Other markets will probably get them sometime thereafter. Toyota aims to launch 10 bZ models in China by 2026.

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