Fast Lane
Mercedes-Benz’s new electric GLC and Studio in Gardens by the Bay
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The Mercedes-Benz GLC electric was launched at the brand’s new experiential space at Gardens by the Bay on Aug 20.
ST PHOTO: LEE NIAN TJOE
Mercedes-Benz launches electric GLC
The electric Mercedes-Benz GLC was launched on Aug 20 at the Mercedes-Benz Studio in Gardens by the Bay.
The dual-motor GLC400 4Matic electric vehicle packs 360kW and 800Nm of torque. With its 94.4kWh nickel manganese cobalt battery, the BMW iX3 rival has an operating range of up to 687km on a full charge. Prices for the model start at $378,888 with certificate of entitlement.
A single-motor, less-powerful GLC250 electric is expected to arrive later in 2026 after it is approved for sale by the Land Transport Authority.
The launch also marks the opening of the Mercedes-Benz Studio, an experiential space set within the SG50 Lattice at Gardens by the Bay. This is designed as an immersive showcase for the brand. Singapore is one of 14 cities in the world, alongside Seoul and Toronto, to have such a set-up.
Throughout the year, the space will feature installations by local and regional creators, culinary partnerships and interactive activities.
From Sept 2, the studio will be open to visitors on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 4pm to 10pm, and Fridays to Sundays, 8am to 8pm.
In September, the brand will host its third Mission: Electric. This is a public test-drive event where teams of four navigate telematch-style challenges across Singapore in the brand’s range of electric models.
Find out more about Mission: Electric at events.mymb.sg/mission-electric2026
Mazda roadshow at Suntec City
The Mazda 6e Fastback on display at Suntec City Atrium for the brand’s roadshow, which runs until Aug 23.
ST PHOTO: LEE NIAN TJOE
Following the launch of the electric 6e Fastback at the Suntec City Atrium on Aug 20, Mazda is hosting a roadshow at the venue until Aug 23, open daily from 10am to 10pm. Promotions include up to $38,000 in savings for various Mazda models.
654kmh hydrogen speed record for JCB
The JCW Hydromax sets the record for the world's fastest land speed in a hydrogen-fuelled internal combustion vehicle at 654kmh.
PHOTO: JCW
Best known for its yellow construction equipment, British company JCB set a new world land speed record with its hydrogen-powered vehicle on Aug 11, averaging 654kmh.
Powered by two hydrogen engines based on JCB’s production-based hydrogen digger engines, the JCB Hydromax has a combined output of 1,578hp. The record set on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, US, makes the car the world’s fastest hydrogen internal-combustion car, surpassing the previous record of 299kmh set by the BMW H2R in 2004.
Mini x Paul Smith at Mandarin Gallery
The Mini pop-up outside Mandarin Gallery in Orchard Road showcases its long-term collaboration with English fashion designer Paul Smith.
PHOTO: BMW GROUP
Mini’s pop-up outside Mandarin Gallery in Orchard Road from Aug 28 to Sept 6 will showcase its long-term collaboration with English fashion designer Paul Smith.
The temporary exhibition traces the history of the joint creations between the brand and the designer. Visitors can view design materials, finishes and samples used in various Mini x Paul Smith projects since 1998.
As part of the initiative, the first 100 customers who complete a test drive at the Mini showroom at 27 Leng Kee Road will receive a Mini x Paul Smith hang tag.
Admission to the pop-up is free.
Manual McLaren unveiled
The McLaren McL 6GT is the first manual transmission car from the British supercar brand since 1992.
PHOTO: MCLAREN
The McLaren McL 6GT is the brand’s first car to have a manual transmission in 34 years.
Unveiled at Monterey Car Week in California on Aug 13, the car represents a new product line rather than one replacing existing models. Every McLaren road car since the 1992 F1 had used a dual-clutch transmission.
The design echoes the McLaren M6A Can-Am racer from the 1960s with its low and wide nose. The design of the manual transmission gearstick is a three-dimensional Speedy Kiwi, the symbol of founder Bruce McLaren.
The production version of the McL 6GT will launch in 2028.
A flying Lexus
Lexus is launching its helicopter service in Japan on Aug 24.
PHOTO: LEXUS FLIGHT
Lexus’ latest seven-seater takes to the skies on Aug 24 as a new point-to-point helicopter service called Lexus Flight. It will be operated by Toyota subsidiary Aero Toyota in Japan.
The Italian-built, twin-engine helicopter has a maximum range of 785km and a cruise speed of 267kmh. Its interior styling mirrors Lexus cars, with amenities like Wi-Fi connectivity, a live flight map, exterior camera views and an entertainment system.
At launch, Lexus Flight is exclusive to Japan, connecting to major cities and resort destinations.
Find out more at lexus-flight.com