BMW World is back in Singapore after a four-year hiatus. The show is on from the 25 to 26 August at Suntec Convention Centre, halls 403-404 (use the Straits Time’s promo code to enjoy a 20% discount on tickets). BMW and Mini are showing new, concept, and classic cars at the show; here’s a sneak preview of what to expect.
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The surprise highlight of the show is the new BMW Z4 m40i First Edition. Announced a mere eight hours before BMW World’s media preview, the Z4 packs incredibly sharp contours. The two-seater roadster sports a 50/50 front/rear weight balance and is powered by a turbocharged 3.0 liter inline-6 engine.
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The Z4 M40i First Edition gets 19-inch double-spoke ally wheels.
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The first BMW i8 Roadster is also on show. It’s basically the hybrid i8, with a retractable cloth roof. Even though the i8 launched in 2014, its out of this world design still makes it look like a car driven back from the future.
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The i8 Roadster is powered by a 1.5 liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, paired with an electric motor. And gullwing doors, yes.
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The BMW Concept X7 iPerformance is another car that looks like it’s come back from the future. The model concept is a luxury SUV, with an imposing exterior. The SUV seats six, and is an electric hybrid. Originally slated to go into production this year, it looks like we might see it in production next year instead.
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The largest kidney grille I’ve ever seen on a Bimmer. The grille frame and bars are a single solid piece. They add to the X7’s imposing presence - the car almost looks like a tank. A luxury tank, if that even makes sense.
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The X7 iPerformance concept has a high ground clearance to keep it above obstacles, with 23-inch light-alloy wheels.
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I know some of you love your JDMs but check out the M muscle cars at BMW World. Shown here is the 2019 BMW M2 Competition, with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine for 405 horsepower. It comes in manual too.
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The BMW M4 CS is a limited-edition, high-performance variant of the 4 Series coupe. It’s powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo six-cylinder deinge which delivers 454 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The one at BMW World is finished in Lime Rock Grey Metallic, which is a cool smoky white that has to be seen to be appreciated.
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If SUVs are more your thing, the new X4 M40i also makes an appearance at BMW World 2018.
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For some, the bigger the SUV, the better. But even the X6 looks diminutive next to the X7 iPerformance concept.
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And of course, the highest-end BMW luxury sedan is here too. The 2019 8 series isn’t just powerful, luxurious, and expensive, it’s also packed with interesting tech. A smartphone can be used as the car’s Digital Key. It relies on NFC, and once you set it up, all you have to do is hold the phone next to the door handle to lock or unlock. Slot the phone into its tray and you can start the car.
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BMW’s heritage is also on show. This cute little BMW Isetta from 1955 has its door on the front, and has a 1-cylinder 250cc or 300cc BMW motorcycle engine!
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The 327 Sports Cabriolet was launched in 1937 and is an iconic pre-war BMW. It was the first straight-6 automobile engine BMW made that reached a top speed of 125km/h.
(If automative history is your thing, the BMW Museum in Germany is one of our top 12 geeky travel destinations.)
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There’s something for Mini fans too. Check out this vintage Mini, the only car at the show with a car plate. I wonder who it belongs to.
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This Mini Paul Smith looks one hundred percent Paul Smith.
That’s it for our short preview. BMW World 2018 is on from 25 to 26 August at Suntec Convention Centre. You can get tickets here, or use the Straits Time’s promo code to enjoy a 20% discount.
