Fast Lane: Lexus showroom reopens, BMW launches three M cars, Hyundai teases Ioniq 9

Renovated Lexus Boutique opens

The Lexus showroom in Leng Kee Road officially opened on Nov 12, marking the end of the four-month project. Beyond putting in classy new decor, which is said to be inspired by Peranakan and Japanese styles, the brand introduced new ideas to upgrade the experience of shopping for and owning a Lexus.

Test drives, for example, will include refreshments at the customer lounge with coffee, tea blends and cakes. Owners can pre-order from a new breakfast menu when they send their Lexus for servicing.

Under the Lexus Concierge Care programme – applicable to L-series models like the LS limousine, LC sports car and LM people mover – owners get eight complimentary airport transfers annually and can book the new lounge on the showroom’s second level to host their guests. A private-dining experience will also be launched in January.

Visitors to the showroom on Nov 16 and 17 will receive complimentary cakes and coffee. The first 100 visitors each day will also get to customise a crystal jar with the Lexus Signature scent.

BMW launches three M models

BMW has announced the arrival of three M models at one go – the M135 xDrive, priced at $329,888, the M4 CS at $702,888 and the M5 Sedan at $746,888. All prices include certificate of entitlement (COE).

Of the three, the M4 CS is the most hardcore model with track-honed features, sitting above the M4 Competition M xDrive model ($607,888 with COE). Its CS’ inline-6 cylinder, twin-turbo 3-litre engine has been tuned to make 550hp. That is 20hp more than the Competition.

Other unique CS touches include the forged alloy wheels and more extensive use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic.

The M4 CS and other two models are now available at BMW dealerships.

Hyundai teases large seven-seater electric SUV

Hyundai will unveil the Ioniq 9, which is an electric three-row sport utility vehicle (SUV), at the LA Auto Show on Nov 21. This is the production version of a concept that the South Korean carmaker brought out in 2021. It comes after sister brand Kia launched its EV9, which is a seven-seater electric SUV.

Eager to show off the car, Hyundai circulated a sketch of the interior, which it described as “lounge-like” and had an oval theme that dominated the design.

Built on Hyundai’s electric-global platform which underpins the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, the 9 is the first seven-seater under the Ioniq range of electric vehicles.

In the first 10 months of 2024, Hyundai’s electric vehicles – spread across the Ioniq models and the Kona compact SUV – accounted for 37.3 per cent of total registrations in Singapore.

Audi, not as you know it

Audi, which is part of the Volkswagen Group, announced on Sept 11 that it is working with SAIC Motor to create a new brand of electric vehicles (EVs) just for China. The new brand is, rather confusingly, called AUDI, spelt in capital letters. It will not feature the four-ring logo that has long been associated with the original Audi brand globally.

The E concept, which was unveiled with the announcement, is a 4,870mm-long EV, so it is nearly as big as a Toyota Camry. The concept is said to be a preview of three production models that will be introduced from mid-2025.

This is one of several partnerships that Volkswagen has embarked on to develop EVs. In July 2023, it signed an agreement with Chinese company Xpeng to create an EV platform for China-only models. The first outcome from the partnership is expected in 2026.

Such moves come as European carmakers are playing catch-up to Chinese carmakers, which seem to be ahead in terms of EV technology, consumer acceptance and market share.

Earlier in November, Volkswagen announced it was starting a joint venture with Rivian, an American EV company. Valued at US$5.8 billion (S$7.8 billion), the agreement will see the parties work together to develop software and electrical architecture.

While Rivian is expecting to launch the first model from the partnership in the first half of 2026, Volkswagen will introduce its EVs from the collaboration in 2027 at the earliest.