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.

It’s a fierce ring fight in the world of ultra-luxury saloons. For the longest time, the Mercedes S-Class has dominated the field, edging out the competition with a constant sleuth of tech and innovation, making the others play catch up.

Well, now BMW has rocked up to the table with the new i7, the electric sister to the G70 7 Series, and gone all in.

The result? It’s absolutely fantastic.

You’ve got to make a statement

Now, I know what you are thinking. When you look at this car, the words “big” and “grille” seem to formulate in your mind. 

Say what you will, but the i7’s styling certainly makes an impression. The gigantic kidney grille and those daring folds surrounding it are hard to miss. But what sets it apart are those newly designed split headlamps, breaking away from conventional norms.

Oh, and the top lights are fitted with genuine Swarovski crystals playing the role of daytime running lights – just another area the i7 can flex itself.

Sure, it may look like a lot is going on here, and I won’t argue with that. Yet, somehow, it manages to captivate. It’s a sensible, organised-chaos mess if you ask me.

And let’s not forget the rear, which is a tad more restrained and easier on the eyes. Well-sculpted taillights and a cleaner overall appearance make the rear a lot less dramatic. Oh, and no tailpipes? Even better for that sleek dominant look.

Thoughtful design language

Step inside, and the cabin of the BMW i7 is an amalgamation of neatness and cutting-edge tech.

One highlight is the Interaction Bar, a backlit crystal trim stretching from door to door that houses the air-con vents. The ambient lighting dances along with safety warnings, mode changes, and incoming calls. Normally, I’m not one for gimmicks, but this electric flagship sedan pulls it off without being a distraction.

Even rear passengers are in for a treat with their built-in touchpads on the door panels. Talk about luxury on wheels!

But, the true showstopper is the automatic door buttons on all four corners, opening and closing the doors as if an invisible butler is at your service. It may seem over the top, but hey, when you’re investing this much in a car, why not be pampered like royalty? I adore this feature.

The helm is a whole different story, with an immense curved screen housing the 14.9-inch infotainment system and the clear 12.3-inch instrument panel. A universe of features awaits your command, from radio stations to climate control to safety settings. It’s a veritable tech haven in there, and my short time with the car barred me from exploring every last feature the car had to offer.

Dependable as your daily

Don’t be fooled by its grandeur; the BMW i7 knows how to dance on the tarmac. Powered by two electric motors, this 2.7-tonne brute delivers a whopping 536bhp and 745Nm of torque. So, doing the century sprint in 4.7 seconds is child’s play for this electric luxo-barge.

Despite its length, the BMW i7 handles surprisingly well, zipping through corners with minimal roll and maximum fun. All kudos to the Bavarian marque’s engineering prowess. Smooth and composed, it glides over rough roads with ease, courtesy of the standard air suspension. Potholes? What potholes?

And the i7 allows you to have fun over long durations too, thanks to its chunky 101.7kWh battery pack. This gives it a claimed range of 625km, and in real-world testing, I managed to clock about 4.3km/kWh, which equates to roughly 437km of range. Mind you, that is with all of the fancy tech on and the AC keeping me sheltered from the sweltering heat.

Setting the stage

A luxurious extravaganza? You bet. But for those who seek chauffeured relaxation or a desire to be upfront where all the action is happening, the BMW i7 ticks all the boxes.

It’s brimming with tech that would impress Elon Musk himself, yet it does so with finesse and interactivity. Look past its looks, and this car is truly a marvel in every sense of the word.

Technical Specifications

BMW i7 xDrive60 Pinnacle 

Engine: Two Current-excited Synchronous Motors
Power: 400kW (536bhp)
Torque: 750Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 4.7 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 240km/h
Battery Capacity: 101.7 kWh
Drive Range: 625 km (claimed)
Energy Consumption: 5.1 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$704,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Contact: Performance Motors Limited / Eurokars Auto

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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