January marks the start of a new year and new beginnings, and if you’re a petrolhead or someone searching for your new set of wheels, January also heralds the annual Singapore Motor Show.
Taking place once again on Level 4 at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, the Singapore Motor Show, which runs from 11-14 January 2024, brings together numerous popular car brands under one roof, enabling visitors to check out the latest and shiniest models available.
Of course, we haven’t had a chance to review these cars yet. But after seeing them up close, we feel that these 12 (in no particular order) are the ones that deserve your closer attention.
Nissan Serena e-POWER
It’s not for sale yet, but eco-conscious buyers looking for a family ferry can keep this seven-seater MPV in mind. Now in its second-generation, the Serena promises improved passenger comfort thanks to its new seat design that reduces occupant movement, and a vehicle structure that supposedly deflects crosswinds for more stable performance at high speeds.
Efficiency is another of the Serena’s strengths. Under its bonnet is the latest version of Nissan’s e-POWER hybrid powertrain. Unlike other hybrids, e-POWER models are purely electrically driven, as the internal combustion engine merely acts as a generator to charge the batteries, so there is no need for external charging.
Said engine is a newly developed 1.4-litre unit that supposedly provides smooth and powerful acceleration with less engine noise compared to the previous-generation e-POWER.
Mercedes-Benz Concept EQG
The Concept EQG shows us what we can expect from the first fully electric G-Class, which is slated to arrive in Singapore later this year. It is also the first time that the Concept is being showcased in Southeast Asia.
Mercedes says that the Concept EQG combines iconic elements from the G-Class with selected elements from the brand’s EQ (all-electric) model range. Hence, we have trademark boxy shape with illuminated stripes, giving the SUV its distinctive silhouette.
The Concept EQG has four motors (one at each wheel) that are individually controllable for optimal traction, which should bode well for both on and off-road performance.
Kia EV9
Kia’s flagship EV model is a strikingly designed six-seater SUV. Key highlights here include the Digital Pattern Lighting Grille and Digital Tiger Face, which help ensure that the EV9 looks like nothing else on the road.
Inside, the EV9’s second-row seats are a pair of captain’s chairs, which you’d normally only find in a large MPV. Option the Swivel Seat feature and they can be turned to face the third-row seats, allowing occupants to interact.
Powering the EV9 are two electric motors that produce 380bhp and 700Nm of torque, figures that can propel the SUV from rest to 100km/h in 6.0 seconds. And with a claimed WLTP range of 512km, the EV9 looks to be able to go the distance, too.
Lexus LBX
LBX stands for “Lexus Breakthrough X(cross)-over” and it is also the brand’s first Cat A COE offering. The compact crossover is the smallest Lexus model yet and is designed according to Lexus’ “Premium Casual” philosophy, with a new “Unified Spindle” front end.
Initial impressions of the car’s interior are that it is well-built, refined, and high-tech. Electric door latches, a digital dashboard, plus 64-colour ambient lighting, all add to the crossover’s upmarket feel.
The LBX is powered by a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, consisting of a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder and electric motor, which draws power from a new bi-polar nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) hybrid battery that is claimed to offer greater power density and output than before. Lexus says the LBX averages up to 19.1km/L.
BMW X2 sDrive16i
With its fastback-inspired profile, the all-new X2 is aimed at buyers used to driving sedans, but who are warming to the idea of owning a crossover. Though underpinned by the same platform as the X1, the X2’s styling is sportier and more eye-catching.
It’s a practical crossover, too. Despite the sloping roof, the taller internal height (up to the parcel shelf) and lower boot floor means the X2’s boot is surprisingly 20 litres larger compared to the X1. Facing the driver in the cockpit is BMW’s Curved Display, which combines the instrument cluster and infotainment screen in one seamless panel.
Motivating the X2 is a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine that’s capable of 122bhp and 230Nm of torque. Paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox, it does 0-100km/h in 10.5 seconds and has an average fuel consumption of 14.7km/L.
BMW iX1 eDrive20
The all-electric BMW iX1 combines the popular compact Sports Activity Vehicle body of the X1 with the firm’s fifth generation eDrive technology.
And just like the petrol-powered X1 here in Singapore, this iX1 also can be registered here as a Cat A COE car, thanks to its total output of 147bhp and peak torque output of 250Nm, figures which allow the vehicle to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 10.5 seconds.
Powering the electric motor in the BMW iX1 is a 64.8kWh battery, which allows the vehicle to post a WLTP range of 474km. This battery can be charged at 22kW via an alternating current charger, and at a speed of up to 130kW via a direct current source.
On the inside, the iX1 makes use of BMW’s Curved Display, which merges a 10.25-inch information display and a 10.7-inch control display and runs on the firm’s Operating System 8. The car also gets sports seats upholstered in perforated Veganza (vegan leather) as well as an electronically operated tailgate.
Omoda E5
Details are still scant on this one, but we do know that the unique-looking Omoda E5 has a distinctive design and is available internationally with powertrain options that include ICE (internal combustion engine), PHEV (plug-in hybrid) and pure electric. Sgcarmart understands that only the latter version will be available here.
Tech is the name of the game and the Omoda 5 has a slick, fully digital interface, along with a suite of safety and driver assistance features that today’s buyers expect will come as standard.
When the Omoda 5 is officially launched in Singapore, its direct rivals are likely to include the BYD Atto 3 and MG 4. Watch this space!
Mercedes-AMG C63 S E-Performance 4Matic+
There are three things about the all-new C63 that will make enthusiasts gasp in surprise: It’s the most powerful C63 ever made, it’s a plug-in hybrid, and its internal combustion engine is a 2-litre 4-cylinder. So, if you were expecting the 4-litre V8, you might be disappointed.
However, you might change your mind when you hear the output figures. Its engine, featuring an electric exhaust gas turbocharger, is the most powerful production four-cylinder in the world, producing 469bhp at 6,750rpm and 545Nm between 5,250-5,500rpm.
With its electric motor, total system output rises to 671bhp and 1,020Nm of torque. So, despite weighing 2.1 tonnes, the C63 S E-Performance rockets from rest to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds. Helping harness this performance is the 4Matic+ all-wheel-drive system with fully variable torque distribution, rear-axle steering, and a ‘naughty’ Drift Mode.
MINI Aceman Concept
Designed to offer a preview of a future crossover from the firm, the MINI Aceman Concept spans 4,050mm long and 1,990mm wide, making it shorter but wider than the outgoing MINI Countryman.
Its design, however, is anything but small. The crossover comes with assertive proportions and an upright front which features a grille element comprised of matrix LED units, all ready for the new electric age. The taillights at the rear, and its roof rack, meanwhile, take after the Union Jack, both of which acknowledge the brand’s British roots.
And the concept comes with an interior that is equally bold. The seats here are upholstered in a combination of textile flat knit, velvet velour and waffle weave, all forming multiple embroidered ‘X’ and ‘O’ graphics.
Take a peek at its round OLED display and you might even be able to see Spike, MINI’s new digital avatar that features in the new MINI Countryman and MINI Cooper.
Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron
After launching upmarket options including the Q8 e-tron and e-tron GT here in Singapore, Audi Singapore is now bringing all-electric mobility to a wider audience with the Q4 e-tron. On display at the Singapore Motor Show is the Q4 Sportback e-tron, which offers a total of 286bhp alongside 545Nm of torque, this new crossover should come at a lower price point than Audi’s previous all-electric offerings.
The car is set to arrive here with a 77kWh battery, which allows it to post a WLTP range of 544km. Charging this battery can be done at speeds of up to 135kW via a direct current source, which Audi states will see the car going from 10% to 80% state of charge in just 28 minutes.
The Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback features a fully digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster, alongside a Sonos premium sound system in its cabin.
Those interested can already register with Audi Singapore here to be among the first to test drive and own the car when it arrives in Singapore later this year.
Honda CR-V
Those shopping for a family SUV will want to catch the new Honda CR-V at the Singapore Motor Show.
The new SUV is available as either a five-seater or a seven-seater and comes with a handsome new piano black front grille, while its total wheelbase has also now grown to 2,701mm, allowing it to offer a more confident stance.
The car comes with a 9.0-inch touchscreen display audio system, while those who opt for the seven-seater variant will also get their car with a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster. The interior of this new CR-V also now comes with an ambient lighting system, while the seven-seater variant will also come with features that include an electric panoramic sunroof and a hands-free access power tailgate.
Volvo EX30
Good things come in small packages, as they say. And if you agree with the idiom, then be sure to visit the Volvo EX30 at the Motor Show. Currently the smallest car in Volvo’s lineup, the EX30 is expected to come equipped with a 69kWh battery when it arrives here in Singapore.
This battery will animate a 268bhp electric motor, and allows the EX30 to post a WLTP range of 475km. Charging this battery, meanwhile, can be done at speeds of up to 153kW, allowing you to charge your battery from 10% to 80% in 28 minutes.
In the cabin of the Volvo EX30 is a 12.3-inch vertically oriented touchscreen operating Volvo’s Google-based infotainment.
This system is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Cockpit Platform, which is highly responsive. The crossover also offers a choice of five different ambient lighting themes, each inspired by a different Scandinavian landscape.
