Looking for your first luxury car? Check these out.

With international travel curtailed, we’ve generally had fewer ways to spend money during the pandemic, and many of us have turned our attention toward exploring all the hidden gems Singapore has to offer… which means having to drive there. We’ve also seen an increase in luxury car purchases, meaning there are more who now have the time and additional cash to splurge on nicer cars than they did. And why wouldn’t you, when driving is that much more fun with a luxury car?

Fortunately––or unfortunately, for those of us cursed with analysis paralysis–––there’s plenty of choice when it comes to luxury cars in Singapore. Even in this category, prices and vehicle types vary wildly, and you can find high-end cars in any style you want from practical sedans to sleek, sporty two-seaters. It goes without saying that they cost a pretty penny––prices usually start at around $200,000 before the COE, and we’re not even counting the insurance or Additional Registration Fee––but on the bright side, some companies even offer the option to lease some luxury models that might otherwise be out of financial reach.

We’ve put together a selection of fantastic luxury cars any first-time buyer (or driver!) is sure to enjoy. Who knows––they might just spark the obsession of a lifetime...

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

First debuted in 1972, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has undergone numerous evolutions through the decades, and continues to be synonymous with wealth and luxury today. Singaporeans know it too: it’s not much of a stretch to say that the S-Class is one of the most popular shorthands for ‘taukeh’ in Singapore.

Naturally, the S-Class delivers and then some on pampering its drivers. It has incredibly smart voice-recognition technology, a super-smooth suspension that makes you feel like you’re gliding over clouds rather than driving down the Jurong Island Highway, and they’ve even incorporated AI into the cockpit system to personalize the ride experience for all passengers. Ultra-luxe, ultra-modern, and very James Bond.

We also really love that it was formerly known as Sonderklasse, which is German for “special class.” That just sounds so much cooler, y’know?

4th-gen Audi A3 Sedan

If you’re looking for a luxury car you won’t need to sell your kidney or HDB flat for, the newest Audi A3 sedan launching in late 2021 is worthy of consideration. There’s a reason, after all, that this continues to be one of the most popular Audi models in Singapore: it’s a high-spec sedan that ticks all the boxes for practicality, comfort, convenience, great fuel economy, and overall price-to-performance ratio.

It may not be the most powerful car around, but it’s still pretty zippy and fun to drive––exactly what you need for cruising around the island. Plus, we really like how modern and sporty it looks.

BMW 218i Gran Coupe Luxury

BMW is another familiar, aspirational German luxury car brand beloved by many in Singapore. They’ve produced dozens of gorgeous models over the last century (can you believe this car company is over 100 years old?), but they’ve outdone themselves again with the BMW 218i Gran Coupe Luxury (which is a bit of a mouthful, so we’ll call it the 2 GC).

Big doesn’t always mean better, and if you’re in the market for something relatively small and practical but ultra-comfortable, this small luxury sedan more than delivers. Don’t let its competitive pricing (starting $155,888 including COE) fool you: the Luxury model rides beautifully, striking a gorgeous balance between engine power and smoothness, holding its own with any other luxury car out on the market. Plus, it has a spacious boot, which means lots of retail therapy in style.

If all that isn’t enough to convince you, maybe Auntie Siow’s (hilarious and endlessly rewatchable) review of this fantastic car will do the job.

Mercedes-Benz EQC

Tesla isn’t the only company producing sleek, high-end EVs: other luxe carmakers have been getting in on the game. One solid contender for your next favourite electric car is the Mercedes-Benz EQC, one of the German carmaker’s latest offerings in moving towards a greener future.

Stylish yet practical, luxurious yet sustainable (as much as you can be with a huge hunk of mined metal), this classy all-electric baby impresses with its top-notch tech (who doesn’t want a smart semi-autonomous driver?), first-rate infotainment and navigation systems, and sheer comfort for both drivers and passengers alike. If you’re wondering about the more practical specs: it can go from 0–100km/hour in just 5.1 seconds, and on a full charge has a range of 429–454km. Pretty sweet, if you ask us.

Jaguar I-Pace

Who hasn’t watched Spectre or Die Another Day and lusted after the sexy Jaguar cars making an appearance in those Bond films? Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from taking one for a spin in real life (aside from budget limitations, we mean). What’s even better is that the British carmaker has just released the Jaguar I-Pace, a luxury electric car that gives Tesla a real run for its money and then some.

The I-Pace is billed as a ‘true driver’s car,’ and this good-looking model more than lives up to that moniker. This is the car for those who drive for the sheer electrifying pleasure of driving––it has near-perfect weight distribution, instantaneous acceleration, and sports car-like handling, despite the five-seat crossover appearance. On a day-to-day level, the Mercedes EQC is probably more practical in terms of its charge economy and long-dstance capabilities. But then again, you’re not really buying a Jaguar for its practicality, are you?

Our only quibble? The I-Pace’s silly name. Doesn’t it kind of sound a bit like Apple decided to manufacture a pacemaker?

Lexus UX 300e

As we suggested at the start of 2021, this year is looking like the year of the EV. Not only is Tesla opening up in Singapore, we’re seeing a whole slew of electric cars hit the market. And here’s another: Japanese luxury carmaker Lexus, beloved for its range of glamorous convertibles, is launching the UX 300e––its first ever electric car––in Singapore later this year.

The UX 300e is a striking creature, and drives exactly like you expect a Lexus to: zippy, light, and effortless. Comfort and reliability are top priority here, and we love the impeccably plush interior (plus the soft, lush armrests). Prospective Singaporean buyers are likely to appreciate the generous boot size relative to the car: enough for a couple of large suitcases and groceries, and then some.

Tesla Model S

Tesla’s Model S sedan was a real pioneer in convincing customers that greener cars could be just as cool, fun, viable, and even perfect for long-distance driving. It’s no surprise: this sleek, athletic car can travel an average range of 660km on a single charge––that’s enough to drive around Singapore three times––and is capable of accelerating so fast you’ll think you’ve broken the sound barrier. Now that’s what we call a luxury supercar.

Of course, consumers now have a range of high-end EV choices beyond Tesla (the Lucid Air is an especially promising contender), but there’s no denying the cool factor of the Tesla lifestyle. If you can afford it, we say, go for it.

Psst. Sometimes we have second hand luxury cars in stock! We’d love to help you lease or buy one. Head on over to ST Auto for a chat and test drive with our friendly sales staff! Call +65 6464 9098 or email us at enquiry@stauto.com.sg