The Singapore Motorshow returned to Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre with electrifying reveals and deals to excite car enthusiasts
In its 18th edition this year, the Singapore Motorshow was held over the past weekend at Suntec Convention Centre, proving once again why it’s a must-visit for automotive enthusiasts. The showcase of approximately 160 vehicles was akin to a playground for motor heads and shoppers, offering everything from hands-on test drives to exclusive, show-only deals that had potential buyers reaching for their wallets. Beyond the jaw-dropping new launches, attendees were treated to a variety of other existing models, ranging from family-friendly SUVs to luxurious sedans.
Electrifying Revelations
The electric vehicle segment definitely stole the limelight this year with a mix of prominent Chinese brands and newer players creating quite the buzz. Emerging brands like XPENG, Zeekr, and BYD made waves with sleek SUVs and MPVs that promise to reshape Singapore’s EV landscape. Notable mentions include the XPENG X9, a seven-seater MPV set to begin sales in end January, and the Kia EV5, an all-new electric SUV and the third model to be produced locally at the Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Centre Singapore (HMGICS)—a major milestone for the country’s automotive sector.
Meanwhile, Audi unveiled the Q6 e-tron heralds a new generation of luxury EVs with its impressive 625 km range and rapid charging capabilities (255km in 10 minutes–imagine that!). The Q6 e-tron is Audi’s first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) developed on the scalable Premium Platform Electric (PPE), a key component of Audi’s future EV models.
Petrol Powerhouses
While EVs seemed the dominate the show, our beloved petrol-powered icons didn’t miss the party. Toyota’s face-lifted GR Yaris made a triumphant return to retain its cult status, drawing attention with its rumoured S$240,000 price tag. And according to latest COE bidding prices, that indicates another S$121,501 added to the total bill. The new GR Yaris comes with a 1.6-litre 3-cylinder turbocharged core that pushes 276 hp. 390 Nm of torque, and completes the century sprint in 5.2 seconds. What’s changed is the 8-speed rally-developed automatic transmission in this iteration that claims to deliver lightning-quick gear changes and seamless acceleration.
Three exciting new launches from BMW include a 60-unit limited-edition 530i Signature, an expansion to the 5 Series business sedan range that embodies both sophistication and performance. In search of hatchbacks falling under the Cat A COE bracket? The new fourth-generation 1 Series is now here, complete with a three-cylinder petrol engine producing 122 hp. BMW also presented the global best-selling X3 in multiple trims, including the range-topping X3 M50 xDrive that delivers an impressive 398 hp.
As always, Mini’s commitment to blending modernity with heritage shines through with the showcase of the Mini Aceman and Mini Countryman alongside a new addition to the family, the Mini Cooper Convertible. Powered by a 204 hp engine that reaches 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, this is a four-seater that features a fully retractable soft top that doubles up as a sunroof when desired.
Leaving the best for last, here’s the epitome of Maybach opulence, fully electrified. The unveiling of the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV was a demonstration of luxury reaching electrifying new heights. Complete with a dual motor powertrain, up to 600 km of range, bespoke Maybach elements within the cabin and a Burmester 4D surround sound system, the automaker’s first fully electric model truly brings to mind the brand’s ethos of “What is good must also be beautiful”.
No doubt, it’ll be nothing short of an exciting year for Singapore’s automotive segment, with the burgeoning expansion of EV options and perpetual refinement of timeless petrol models. One thing’s for sure though: the Singapore Motorshow continues to drive the conversation on where the industry is headed.
