Search Results

You could also raise the car’s height at a touch of a button, placed just below the air-con controls — useful for some little off-roading fun.

New

Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG 4MATIC Coupe | Get Up, Get Out

IN Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes, GLE, 4MATIC, GLE Coupe, GLE 450, 450, SUV, GLE 450 Coupe

It is Mercedes’s turn to enter the niche SUV-that-thinks-it-is-a-sports-coupe segment — is it as good as the established X6, or does it fail in comparison?

And now today we have the all-new, 2015 X1 sDrive20i. It’s a different animal altogether too; first and foremost, it’s now a front-wheel drive — something BMW fans still find hard to swallow. Secondly, it has an exterior that mimics the bigger X5 closely; in other words, more mature and there’s that undeniable tinge of macho-ness as well.

New

BMW X1 sDrive20i | New & Improved?

IN BMW, X1, SDrive20i, BMW X1 sDrive20i, SUV, Beemer, Performance Motors

BMW puts plenty of effort into their entry-level X1, and the result is nothing short of impressive

First impressions of the GS F can be polarizing, with the sharp lines of standard GS enhanced by a gaping front maw with a mesh grille and vented fenders flowing into swooping side skirts, as well as a diffuser, quad pipes and a carbon-fiber lip spoiler out back. The front and rear light clusters have also been redesigned. While some may find it overkill, this writer finds the enhancements well suited to the GS shape, adding a good dose of presence.

Happenings

Lexus GS F Unveiled

IN Lexus, GS, F, GS F, F Sport, Toyota, V8, Saloon, Sedan

BMW M5 too mainstream? Lexus now has your answer, albeit with a twist to the current Ã¼ber sedan formula

But lets be honest here. How many people actually do plan to buy a compact crossover like the trio and plan to keep it long term? Because realistically speaking, changes in circumstances like (a) once the number of family members increases, (b) promotion at work or, (c) you just want something bigger, there will be the need to also get another car with more space. And due to those examples, the GLA250, Q3 and X1 are just something you’d have for, well perhaps, four years maximum.

New

Volvo V60 Cross Country | Balanced Act

IN Volvo, V60, Cross Country, Volvo V60 Cross Country, Volvo V60, Wearnes Automotive, New Car

Volvo gives you a rugged wagon in the form of their new V60 Cross Country — should be able to match your Camel boots and loafers

As has been well-documented in countless other BMW reviews though, that drivetrain layout which gives the 1-series its entertaining handling also leads to its biggest shortfall: interior space. Now, the new 1-series is not a cramped car. Unlike the first generation model, this new car is actually adequately spacious; the relatively large rear windows let in enough light to repel any claustrophobic feelings, and legroom is just about sufficient for two six-footers to sit in tandem. But compared to practically all its front-drive rivals, the 1-series doesn’t offer any surplus room to stretch out, and the transmission tunnel that runs down the middle of the car robs rear passengers of even more foot space.

New

BMW 116d | Simple One-ders

IN BMW, 1-series, 116d, Hatchback, RWD, Performance Motors, Diesel

BMW’s smallest model had just had its mid-life refresh and now comes with only one engine. We find out if this Cat A fighter can punch above its weight.

New

Why BMW’s M5 Is The Only Sedan I Need | Random Writes

IN BMW, M5, M5 Competition Pack, BMW M5 Competition Pack, Random Writes, Munich Automobiles

The M5 may not sound like a favourable car to most, but here are some of the car’s unique quirks that actually raised its likeable factor for yours truly

New

Audi A6 3.0 TFSI quattro | All Summed Up

IN Audi, A6, TFSI, 3.0 TFSI, Quattro, Audi A6 3.0 TFSI quattro, 3.0-litre, Or-dee

The range-topping A6 is one of the most comprehensively-packaged large executive sedan money can buy for now

What makes an Alpina different from one of BMW’s own M models, you might ask? Well for one, they don’t have such a hardcore bent on driving dynamics despite having comparable power figures to M cars, leaning more towards luxury and cruiseability instead. Alpinas also have a very distinctive, yet subtle look thanks to some trademark styling touches, such as unique decals (Alpina calls them ”Deco Sets”), mild bodykits and massive 20-spoke rims (good luck cleaning them!).

Happenings

The Untouchables

IN Alpina, BMW, Munich Automobiles, Tuner, V8, Anniversary, Edition, Edition 50, German, Launch, B5, B6, 5 series, 6 series, Launch

Legendary BMW tuner Alpina celebrates its 50th birthday with a brace of exclusive limited editions.

Over its nearly four decade history, the 7-series was the first to feature some of the technology we take for granted in cars today, such as HID headlamps, and a centrally-controlled entertainment system (iDrive), just to name a few. Sadly though, the tyre spikes, sunroof-mounted rockets and remote control system found on James Bond’s E38 7-series in Tomorrow Never Dies still haven’t made it to production yet…

Happenings

BMW Asia launches tech-laden new 7-series

IN BMW, 7 series, 740Li, 750Li, Limousine, Luxury, Sedan, Germany, Launch

The sixth generation of BMW’s flagship sedan is here, and it’s lighter, cleverer and more luxurious than before.

And I’m saying this based on its price tag. The Passat 1.8 TSI in Highline spec here commands $156,300 with COE.

New

Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI | VW’s New Opus

IN Volkswagen, VW, Passat TSI, Passat, 1.8 TSI Highline, Large Sedan, Volkswagen Large Sedan

VW’s latest contender in the large sedan segment hits the right notes, but the only challenge now is to sway buyers into its direction

On first glance BMW has got it nailed, the M2 resplendent with all the usual M car cues. The front bumper is buffed up and endowed with

Happenings

Baby M

IN BMW, M, Motorsports, M2, 2-series, Turbo

Based on BMW's 2-series coupe, the new M2 marks the entry point for BMW's thoroughbred, Motorsport division cars.

One of the few sedans that you can get with rear-wheel drive, the new 3 Series has its old four-cylinder motor replaced by the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine found in the latest MINI Cooper. With a decent 136 bhp and 220 Nm at 4300 rpm there is virtually no change in the performance figures compared to the model it replaces. With the new engine however, the entry-level 3 Series is now up to 12 percent more efficient.

New

BMW 318i Sport | All about that Base

IN BMW, Performance Motors, 3 Series, 318i

BMW’s base model 3 Series is the choice for those who care about driving more than outright features.

There’s the M4 as well, but its aggressive exterior might ruin your suit and tie image. And your boss might think you’re getting paid too much, while ladies won’t see you as the one for the long haul.

New

Silent Killah | BMW Alpina B4 Bi-Turbo Coupe

IN Alpina, BMW, B4, BMW Alpina B4 Coupe, Coupe, B4 Bi-Turbo Coupe, Bi-Turbo

If a 435i Coupe isn’t special enough and an M4 looks too ludicrous for you, Alpina’s B4 sounds like the most appropriate solution

This Swede is different when you see it in person though. In this Inscription guise (a.k.a premium model), it looks very sleek. While it’s true the face is too upright, it’s obviously good for intimidating roadhogs thanks to that wide grill and slit headlamps.

New

Utmost Importance | Volvo XC90 D5 Inscription

IN Volvo, XC90, D5, Volvo XC90 D5, Inscription, SUV, Sweden, Gothenburg, Volvo Car Corporation

Volvo’s best-selling SUV returns with a new skin and a comprehensive equipment list, but can it repeat its predecessor’s success?

Officially, the M4 GTS is still a Concept, but don't let the moniker fool you; BMW's recent history is littered with dozens of 'concepts' that are nigh on identical to their eventual production versions — this latest one should be no different.

Happenings

Changing 4tunes — BMW M4 GTS Concept

IN BMW, M4, 4-series, GTS, Track, Concept

Two's company and three's a crowd; four's a party and five’s not allowed — if this saying is anything to go by, the latest special edition M car should be quite the hoot…

To be honest though, the engine does get a little gruff when you push it anywhere past 5,000 rpm; this is one part Volvo needs to get sorted in order to be an even bigger threat to both the 5 Series and E-Class.

New

Move Away, Badge Snobs | Volvo S80 T5 Drive-E

IN Volvo, S80, T5, Drive-E, Volvo S80 Drive-E, Luxury Sedan, Wearnes Automotive

Volvo's S80 gets the Drive-E treatment, but the question here is can it now take a slice of the 5 Series and E-Class pie?

To this end, the springs, dampers and anti-roll bars all get firmer tuning. The Active M Differential on the final drive works with its own control unit to further improve traction, allowing the driver to accelerate even more dynamically out of tight corners, for example. The steering with M-specific Servotronic function has more direct mapping while the M Dynamic Mode of the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system is focused even more intently on delivering sporty handling.

Happenings

M6 Gets Upgrade And Power Hike

IN BMW, M, M6, Coupe, Gran Coupe, Convertible, CP, Competition Pack, Munich Automobile, BMW Asia

BMW M GmbH will replace the existing Competition Package for the BMW M6 Coupe, BMW M6 Gran Coupe and BMW M6 Convertible with an upgraded version

Which was why, historically speaking, Volvo’s XC90 was once the people’s champion; every family men and soccer mums loved it. It has the cabin space of a 5-room HDB flat, the pace of an executive sedan (you have the option of a 2.5-litre turbocharged and 4.4-litre V8) and best of all, an easy to drive demeanour. Volvo’s renowned safety and reliability summed up the package.

New

Making Good Sense | BMW X5 xDrive35i

IN BMW, X5, SAV, SUV, XDrive35i, XDrive, Beemer, BMW Asia

The new X5 was introduced last year with a rather big V8 engine and that made its popularity limited, but now with a more sensible 3.0-litre engine will it be more appealing?

Based on inside source, the magazine also reported that the TT rival will be based on Mercedes's MFA2 front-wheel drive platform; this same platform will make its debut in the next A-Class which is planned for a 2017/2018 launch. And in terms of bodywork, it was said to resemble the AMG GT; a soft-top version, also like the TT, will also be available.

Happenings

Mercedes-Benz Planning TT And Panamera Competitor

IN Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes, AMG, E-Class, MFA2, A-Class, TT, Panamera

Mercedes is set to expand its model range, and this latest news indicates they are not going to be left behind by BMW and Audi's aggressive 'fill-every-segment' strategy

If that’s not enough, you’ll even have the enthralling experience courtesy of that super lively sports exhaust. In the first two gears, the needle flies to its 6,700 rpm without any effort to the point that, I think, it would gladly spin even to 20,000 rpm if Jaguar had such a maximum mark on the tachometer. It really puts things into perspective as to what sort of feat engineers can achieve in modern engines.

New

Wrecking Ball | Jaguar F-Type R Coupe

IN Jaguar, F-Type R Coupe, Jaguar F-Type R Coupe, F-Type R, R, Coupe, Jag, Jag Coupe, Jaaaaag, Wearnes Automotive

Bored of life? Get this coupe from Jaguar and get ready for a ball of a time. Growwwl!