How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

A luxury SUV is a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) offered as the creme de la creme of a top-shelf brand’s line-up. Pretty straightforward.

Meet The Contenders

Representing the UK and Italy are the Range Rover PHEV (left) and Lamborghini Urus S (right) respectively.

The Range Rover PHEV represents UK’s definitive regal motoring experience in an SUV body shape. With go-anywhere underpinnings, classy upmarket interiors and a ride comfort that will cosset you in the lap of luxury, it’s no wonder then that the British royal family has long had a penchant for Range Rovers.

The Lamborghini Urus S has a different take on luxury SUV-ery. This thing is mental in the way it picks up and goes, as expected of a modern day Lamborghini, with an angry bellow from the exhaust. And it looks the (angry) part too!

But it can also settle into a soft, cossetting ride which is expected of a luxo SUV. Throw in exquisite materials and a wonderful driving position and it’s not hard to see why the Urus S is worthy of your million-plus dollars.

Both are sound, but one was crowned.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Luxury SUV
Range Rover PHEV

The winner with 345 points is the Range Rover PHEV. It’s hard to look past the Rangie when it comes to the luxury factor, which it has in oodles.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.

Congratulations to the Range Rover PHEV for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2025 Best Luxury SUV!

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How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

Super cars are coupes and cabriolets at the top of their game among their respective brands. They need to offer much thrills with their super-enhanced skills.

Meet The Contenders

One German and one Italian go to battle. They are the Porsche 911 Carrera T (left) and Lamborghini Huracan STO (right).

The Porsche 911 Carrera T represents Porsche’s refinement of the formula that first started in 1963, culminating in the exquisite handling 911 we have here. You can have it with a manual transmission too, if so desired.

Driving position perfect. Ergonomics perfect. This 911’s performance can be harnessed without getting into too much trouble on the street. Plus, it is practical and relatively comfortable as a daily driver.

The Lamborghini Huracan STO is a raw, belligerent masterpiece. It’s hardcore to the bones, and will rip you to shreds if you’re not on your game.

Be razor-sharp though, and the Huracan STO will reward with miles of dry grip, rip-off-your face cornering and stopping prowess, and the howl from its naturally-aspirated V10 engine will blow your boxer shorts off at each gear change.

Bring spare underwear. You’ve been warned.

Decisions, decisions…

AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Super Car
Porsche 911 Carrera T

The winner with 394 points is the Porsche 911 Carrera T. There’s a good reason why the 911 is known as “the everyday super car,” and although the points were close, our preference for the 911 was unanimous.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.

Congratulations to the Porsche 911 Carrera T for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2025 Best Super Car!

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The new Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC and Mercedes‑Benz GLS 450 4MATIC have arrived in Singapore and customers are invited to explore the offerings at the Mercedes-Benz Center.

With their generous exterior dimensions, these luxury SUV models offer interior space for up to seven occupants in three-seat rows.

“In our continued quest to redefine luxury in this era, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC and Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC play an ever-important role,” said Claudius Steinhoff, President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Singapore.

“Sitting at the peak of automotive luxury, the GLS leaves nothing more to be desired when it comes to motoring – luxury, dynamism, technology, connectivity, and design. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is thus superlative when it comes to full-sized luxury SUVs; it truly sets the benchmark in luxury, within and beyond the confines of the car.”

“We are beyond delighted that we’re able to offer both the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 and Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC in Singapore, and cannot wait for car owners here to experience our vision of automotive luxury through these vehicles,” he added.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS

Vertical chrome bars and “Maybach” lettering are distinguishing features of the top model’s high-quality radiator grille, while the air inlet grilles also feature a Maybach pattern and have chrome surround.

A 23‑inch forged wheel in a typical Maybach design with a forged wheel bolt cover is new to the options list.

With a maximum of 579hp and 1,020Nm of torque on overboost from its four-litre twin-turbo V8, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC dispatches the 0-100km/h sprint in a scant 4.9 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h.

Not that you’d want to go any faster in such a large SUV.

In the interior, a new design for the seat covers emphasises the particularly luxurious character of the Mercedes‑Maybach, while a new standard feature includes ambient lighting with an animated projection of the Mercedes‑Maybach pattern.

Meanwhile, the centre sections of the seat surfaces and backrests now feature high-quality diamond-pattern quilting with specific perforations.

Exclusively for the Mercedes‑Maybach, the colour combinations MANUFAKTUR crystal white/silver grey pearl and MANUFAKTUR mahogany brown/macchiato beige will be offered for the interior.

Mercedes-Benz GLS

The latest Mercedes‑Benz GLS models can be recognised by a striking radiator grille while the four louvres are galvanised in high-quality Silver Shadow. The bumper is now more visually prominent and it features integrated air inlet grilles, combined with a surround in high-gloss black.

The large simulated underguard, which is available as standard equipment, has also been redesigned. The eye-catcher at the rear is the interior of the lights with three horizontal blocks.

Producing a maximum of 401hp and 700Nm of torque on overboost from its three-litre inline six-cylinder turbocharged engine, the Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC handles the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.1 seconds and top speed is limited to 250km/h. Plenty fast for local and regional use cases.

The facelifted Mercedes-Benz GLS is a seven-seater with two new leather colour options, Catalana beige and Bahia brown. The range of interior trim finishes has been revised with glossy brown lime wood as the latest addition to the options available.

The trim element MANUFAKTUR glossy black flowing lines piano lacquer, previously reserved for the Mercedes-Maybach, is now also available for the GLS from Mercedes‑Benz.

The louvres of the centre and side air vents are galvanised in Silver Shadow, another detail that will be familiar from the Mercedes-Maybach GLS.

Most drivers of a GLS only travel on paved roads or on easy to moderately difficult off-road terrain. Based on this feedback, Mercedes‑Benz has recompiled the scope of the Off-Road Engineering package, in which components include an underride guard and 30 millimetres more ground clearance.

The new generation of the MBUX infotainment system brings with it a new look for the displays, and it can be individualised with the help of three different styles (Classic, Sporty, Discreet) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).

With the “Classic” style, the driver opts for the conventional, display design with all the familiar content, while “Sporty” is dominated by the colour red, with a dynamic design for the central rev counter, and when in the “Discreet” style, only the essential content is shown.

In addition, both displays can be shown in seven colour schemes in conjunction with the ambient lighting. The result is an impressive colour experience in the interior, while the central display offers all the same content and can be operated directly and conveniently as a touchscreen.

The “Off-Road Mode” in the current MBUX generation turns special content such as gradient, lateral inclination, compass, and steering angle into a visual experience.

As part of the standard Parking Package with a 360‑degree camera, the car comes with the “transparent bonnet” function, so when the Offroad mode is active, the central display shows a virtual view under the front of the vehicle that is composed of images from the 360°camera.

With the “transparent bonnet”, obstacles such as large stones or deep potholes on the route can be better recognised.

Further new features of the Mercedes-Maybach GLS and Mercedes-Benz GLS include:

• New paint finishes Sodalite Blue Metallic and MANUFAKTUR Alpine Grey Solid.
• Latest steering wheel generation with touch controls on the spokes.
• The voice assistant can also be activated without the keyword, “Hey Mercedes”.
• With the MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System, rear-seat occupants experience the same comprehensive range of infotainment and comfort features as those in the front. They can access up to three touchscreens and a variety of intuitive control options such as the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant. * Optional feature for GLS 450 4MATIC
• Two USB ports with 100 W output in the rear of the centre console.
• ENERGIZING AIR CONTROL (optional equipment) with a two-stage filter concept against fine dust and other pollutants.

Photo Credits: Mercedes-Benz Singapore and LinkedIn

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How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

Stationwagons or estates that qualify for this category need to be sold with Category B COEs. They also need to be hot, performance versions of their tame, mainstream siblings. Pretty straightforward.

Meet The Contenders

Representing Germany, we have the BMW M3 Touring. Hailing from the Czech Republic is the Škoda Octavia Combi RS 2.0 TSi.

The BMW M3 Touring needs no introduction, really. 510hp and 650Nm from a three-litre turbocharged straight six being sent to all four wheels makes this a muscular rocketship that can be easily taken on a shopping run to Giant at the same time.

It’s an exceptional wagon that’s meant for a special few, and its exclusivity plays into its desirability.

On the other hand, the Škoda Octavia Combi RS is much more approachable. 245hp gets sent to the front wheels and it’s comfortable enough to transport your family around while being light and brisk on its feet.

It is the quintessential everyday performance wagon in our books.

Both are excellent choices, but this is a competition after all, and there can only be The Chosen One.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Cat B Performance Wagon
BMW M3 Touring

The win by a 15-point margin goes to the BMW M3 Touring with 366 points. This car, to the judging panel, is performance wagon personified. It has all of the practicality of the more mainstream BMW 330i Touring and all of the go of an M3 wrapped up in a steroid-fuelled estate body shape.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.

Congratulations to the BMW M3 Touring for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Best Performance Wagon!

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How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

Every Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) that qualifies for this category needs to be sold with a Category A Certificate of Entitlement (Cat A COE). Simple right?

Meet The Contenders

There used to be a time back in the 2000s when MPVs were all the rage and filling up the roads. Over time, SUVs took over the scene, but there are some MPVs still going strong today that one should have a serious look at.

Both contenders in this category hail from the land of the rising sun. They are the Toyota Sienta Hybrid and Honda Freed.

The Toyota Sienta Hybrid is not only practical but very frugal as well. It looks cute on the outside, built tough on the inside, and can be configured in a few ways to liberate more legroom, seats for up to seven people or transformed into a minivan. It is no wonder, then, that there are so many of these running around as private hire vehicles or PHVs on our streets.

The Honda Freed looks rather good and has an interior that feels a bit more upmarket. It seats seven with relative ease and the cabin feels spacious and airy. Coupled with both iOS and Android smartphone connectivity, this is a good entry-level MPV for one’s family.

Both MPVs are similarly sized, but one stood out to us.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Cat A MPV
Toyota Sienta Hybrid

The winner with 335 points is the Toyota Sienta Hybrid. This feels like more car for the money, and coupled with its excellent fuel economy, decisively won this category’s crown.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.

Congratulations on the Toyota Sienta Hybrid for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Best Cat A MPV!

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How Does ACOTY Define This Class?

No hot hatches, performance sedans or wagons are allowed in here. They need to be purpose-built coupes or cabriolets that go around corners like a wet dream and get their owners hot under the collar before each drive. They should also be priced below the 90th percentile.

Meet The Contenders

One is German and the other Japanese – Toyota GR86 takes on BMW M2.

Toyota, in collaboration with Subaru, came out with the successor to the famed AE86 with the rear-wheel drive GT86 back in 2012. Here in its second generation, this GR86 gets a larger 2.4-litre boxer-four engine taking horsepower and torque upwards, making this sports coupe that much more flexible than its predecessor.

Some enthusiasts may bemoan the lack of a turbocharged powerplant, but being naturally aspirated means the GR86 can be driven at or close to ten-tenths without getting one into too much trouble. The driver sits low in the cockpit and feels every molecule of the tarmac through their hands, lower back and bum. The GR86 handles so well and is so easy to drive that it easily qualifies as “my first sports car.”

The BMW M2, on the other hand, brings a bazooka to a knife fight. Putting 453hp through just the rear wheels means that its driver better knows what they’re doing, for if they do, the M2 will reward in buckets. Bucket-like sports seats come as standard, and carbon-fibre buckets can be optioned if one decides to be that hardcore.

Put your foot down, and the M2’s three-litre turbocharged straight six howls with glee as it hurls the car down the straight to set up for and negotiate the next corner. This IS the spiritual successor to the much-beloved E36 and E46 BMW M3.

Although only one won, you won’t go wrong with either of these superb choices.

AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Sports Car
BMW M2

The BMW M2 takes the W with 373 points. Despite being significantly more expensive than the GR86, you get a lot for your money here. Add to that the special experience that comes with M-cars and it’s not difficult to see why the M2 won.

More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.

Congratulations to the BMW M2 for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2024 Best Sports Car!

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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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It’s been 16 years since the Nissan R35 GT-R made its debut back in 2007. Not many cars survive that long of a production run, but the boffins at Nissan surprised the world again with the launch of the 2024 GT-R model year, after revealing earlier in 2022 that the R35 GT-R will be ending production.

Ageing chassis infrastructure did not stop engineers from chucking both mechanical and cosmetic improvements to the GT-R. For starters, the biggest reaction from the crowd at its launch was the inclusion of new daytime running lights (DRLs), making the GT-R’s front fascia look more futuristic.

Whether you love or hate it, it’s here to stay, along with a revised grille design and a new front splitter. A new spoiler and rear bumper design are spotted too, which Nissan claims help with the car’s overall aerodynamics.

Nissan will also make you stand out from the crowd with special edition paints. Buy the Premium Edition T-Spec and you can opt for either Millennium Jade or Midnight Purple. These are two of the GT-R’s most iconic colours. Spring for the NISMO Special Edition, and customers can get a NISMO-exclusive Stealth Grey paint option. 

Nothing much has changed under the hood, with the 2024 GT-R churning out 570 bhp and 637 Nm of torque derived from the same handbuilt twin-turbo VR38DETT engine. Like all models before it, power is sent to all four wheels, providing the car with its signature yet deadly launch control.

Nissan launched the 2024 GT-R with two trim options. The demure version with the millennium jade paint is aptly called the Premium Edition T-Spec. It comes standard with a more robust suspension setup and carbon disc brakes for greater performance.

But, what’s more appetising is the new track-focused NISMO Special Edition. The car is decked out from top to bottom in flashy carbon fibre bits, Recaro bucket seats, and crucially more durable mechanical limited-slip differential.

With its NISMO tune, the special edition’s power figures are raised to 600 bhp and 652 Nm of torque.

Excited to get your hands on one? Well, both variants of the new GT-R will go on sale later this year. Prices are unknown at the time of writing.

Catch the latest news right here on AutoApp!