Note: This feature was first published on 9 January 2025.
Photo: Singapore Motor Show 2025
Shiny new metal
The 2025 edition of the Singapore Motor Show is happening now at Suntec City Convention Centre. This year's show features 31 brands and over 160 models including names like Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and more. The show will also see the launch of new Chinese EV brands like Deepal and Neta.
The show is an excellent opportunity for car buyers because not only do you get to experience the latest models first-hand, but you can immediately walk over to another booth and quickly compare with a competing brand. This beats running from showroom to showroom. Even if you are not in the market for a new car, it's a great place to go gawk at the latest cars in the flesh.
The Singapore Motor Show takes place this weekend from 9 to 12 January, at the Suntec City Convention Centre Level 4, 3, and the Atrium. This is a ticketed event and tickets cost S$10.
You can get tickets at Sistic or at the door.
Here are our favourite new cars from the show.
Audi Q6 e-tron quattro
Audi's range of electric SUVs is getting larger with the new Q6 e-tron. Photo: HWZ
Audi’s latest all-electric SUV is built on the PPE platform (Premium Platform Electric) that was co-developed with Porsche and shared with the second-generation electric Porsche Macan. The Q6 e-tron Quattro has a battery capacity of 100kWh and a claimed range of up to 622km. The use of an 800-volt architecture enables fast charging of up to 270kW, which also means you can get from 10% to 80% in just 21 minutes. The Q6 e-tron Quattro has dual electric motors and a combined power output of 382hp. Prices start at S$389,999 (inclusive of COE). A more affordable single-motor version of the Q6 e-tron will be available in Q2 later this year.
BMW 116
The new BMW 116 is one of the cheapest new BMWs you can buy. Photo: HWZ
The new BMW 1 Series is now available in Singapore and is one of the cheapest ways to get into the legendary Bavarian marque. The latest version of BMW’s smallest hatchback features sleeker styling – which I reckon adds attractiveness – and the iDrive 9 infotainment system. Its 1.5-litre 3-cylinder motor makes 122hp and 230nm of torque and gets it from a standstill to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds. The M Sport package adds larger front intakes, M-specific side skirts, a lowered suspension, and more. Prices start at S$217,888 (inclusive of COE).
BYD Sealion 7
The Tesla Model 3 now has even more serious competition from BYD. Photo: HWZ
The newest member in BYD’s lineup is the Sealion 7, a mid-sized SUV that’s larger than the Atto 3 and developed to compete against Tesla’s Model Y. The entry-level Premium trim has a power output of 230kW (308hp) and can complete the century sprint in 6.7 seconds. The battery capacity is 82kWh and the claimed WLTP range is 482km. The pricier and more powerful Performance trim has a power output of 523hp, enabling it to get from 0 to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds. Prices start at S$199,888 for the Premium version, whereas the Performance version starts at S$224,888. Prices stated include COE.
Hyundai Ioniq 5N
The only thing more striking about the Ioniq 5 N's looks and performance is its road tax.Photo: HWZ
The handsome Hyundai Ioniq 5 gets the “N” treatment and boy has it transformed the car. The striking blue paintwork aside, the Ioniq 5 N gets a huge power pump and extensive modifications. Larger air intakes and flaps help with cooling, while a wing-type spoiler and rear diffuser improve the car’s aerodynamics. The wheel arches have also been extended to accommodate wider tracks. Power output is now up to a maximum of 640hp and 770nm of torque. This lets the car get from a standstill to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds. Prices will start at S$380,888 (inclusive of COE), which isn’t too bad considering the car’s performance. What’s frightening is the road tax, which is likely going to be close to seven grand a year given the car’s power output.
Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+
Until the E63 arrives, this is the most powerful E-Class you can buy. Photo: HWZ
If you can’t wait for the new E63, there’s the E53. Underneath its hood is a turbocharged 3-litre straight six engine that’s assisted by an electric motor to produce a whopping 585hp and 750nm of torque. With so much power, the E53 can get from 0-100km/h in under 4 seconds, even if it weighs well over two tons. Its 21.2kWh battery provides up to 101km of electric range, which should be sufficient for trips around our island. Sadly, the price for all this performance, practicality, and luxury is high, starting at S$528,888 (inclusive of COE).
Nissan Qashqai
The newest Qashqai has undergone a very dramatic makeover. Photo: HWZ
The facelift version of the third-generation Qashqai is finally available in Singapore. The newest version of the Qashqai has a completely redesigned exterior and interior, which, in my eyes, makes it one of the more attractive cars in its class. Under its hood is a mild hybrid powertrain that consists of a 1.3-litre 4-cylinder engine that produces 138hp and 270nm of torque. Prices start at S$212,800 (inclusive of COE).
Subaru BRZ STI Package Edition
I reckon the STI Package makes the BRZ look a lot more purposeful. Photo: HWZ
The letters “STI” meant something to a generation of car lovers, but it now refers to an interior and exterior trim package for select Subaru cars like the BRZ, WRX, and Forester e-Boxer Hybrid. That's makes me a little sad, but at least the package significant improves the look of the BRZ. The STI package for the BRZ consists of front, side, and rear under spoilers, front fender garnish, skirt lip, performance wheels, rear bumper diffuser, and a sizable dry carbon swan neck-style rear spoiler. It makes the BRZ look a lot more aggressive, and in my experience, rear spoilers of that size definitely make a positive difference in terms of high-speed stability. The price of the BRZ STI Package Edition starts at $242,800 (inclusive COE).
Toyota GR Yaris Auto
A very expensive little hatchback. Photo: HWZ
The facelift version of the Toyota GR Yaris has arrived on our shores, and along with it a new transmission option. It’s finally available as an automatic – an 8-speed auto, to be exact. The turbocharged 3-cylinder has been updated with a revised valvetrain, and lightweight pistons, and now produces 300hp and 400nm of torque. The dashboard has been thoroughly redesigned to feature a more driver-centric design and to differentiate it further from the standard Yaris. Toyota hasn’t confirmed the price of the automatic GR Yaris, but I was told it should start at around S$239,888. If you want to save some money, the manual version is currently available at S$232,888. Note that both prices are not inclusive of COE.
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