Search the Community

What makes something a flagship? Flagship products represent the very best of a brand. Whether it's cars, electronic products, even services, a 'flagship' is core to a brand experience, as well as to the brand's image. Besides just delivering all the tangible features and functionality offered by the brand, a flagship product is also a showcase of the intangible - about what a brand stands for, and what it aims to deliver to customers. DENZA, a BYD Premium Brand, has now been officially introduced in Singapore. We look at the various ways that the new DENZA D9, available in both all-wheel drive (AWD) and front-wheel drive (FWD) variants, pursues excellence to cement it as the true flagship of the brand. Executive Excellence As the brand flagship, the D9 certainly appeals to the executive. Comfort and luxury is key. Twin captain chairs in the second row deliver this in spades, offering ample adjustability including a zero gravity mode that allows you to lie almost complete flat - perfect for a quick power nap when commuting between meetings. In-cabin functionality, from adjusting the climate controls and toggling music to activating ventilation and massage functions, is all done using the touchscreen on the armrest. Memory seats also ensure that your ideal seating position is one touch away every time you enter the car. 50W charging pockets, neatly located at the side of each seat, also allow quick charging of mobile devices on the move. Of course, high-quality materials abound. With ample use of Nappa leather in the AWD model or premium leather in the FWD model, and lashings of wooden trim, the D9 cabin delivers an air of quality and luxury. And if working on the go is necessary, fold-out tray tables can serve as a work top. And, devices will remain juiced up on the go. Besides the 50W charging pad, each captain chair also has a USB-C port that can power a laptop. Family Excellence But beyond just going from meeting to meeting, the D9 is also socially adept - whether for family or friends. It starts with generous space, of course. Courtesy of the D9's upsized dimensions and 3,110mm wheelbase, aft of the captain chairs is a third row with space to comfortably fit three adults, with air-con vents all around to keep everyone on board cool. There are even two USB-C charging points available to third row passengers. Keeping passengers entertained is a premium 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system, through which a karaoke mic can be equipped - perfect for keeping kids (or friends) entertained. And when dry throats inevitably arise after a few rock ballads, an on-board fridge (big enough to hold 8 canned drinks) will be able to have thirst-quenching cold beverages at the ready! And even for longer journeys such as a road trip with the family, the D9 makes little compromise. Even with 7 people aboard, a very reasonable and usable 410 litres of luggage space is available. Tech Excellence When it comes to technology and functionality, the D9 boasts a full suite of capabilities. This electric flagship has a large 103kWh battery, which can deliver up to 520km (WLTP) of range on the FWD model, and 480km (WLTP) on the AWD model. The battery supports a maximum of 166kW DC charging, and the D9 also has V2L capability that allows for the powering of external devices when the need arises. The single motor on the FWD variant produces 230kW and 360Nm of torque, with 0-100km/h dispatched in 9.5 seconds. For even more electrifying performance, the AWD model packs 275kW and 470Nm of torque, and does the century sprint in 6.9 seconds. The D9 will also feature a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (fully available in Q4 2024), which includes the likes of Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Emergency Braking System, and even Highway Assist with automative lane change. This is on top of a comprehensive suite of safety systems to keep all occupants safe and secure. Of course, the cabin also has a wealth of technology, as part of the DENZA Link Ultra-Intelligent Interactive Cockpit. On top of infotainment feature like audio connectivity and navigation, a voice interaction system also allows voice control of various car functions, including operating the sunroof and sunshade. Flagship Excellence All these qualities combine to deliver the flagship excellence that the DENZA D9 promises - available in Advance (FWD) as well as Grandeur (AWD) variants. While the Advance variant is thoroughly equipped, drivers looking for higher levels of equipment and luxury can choose the Grandeur model. Besides more performance, additional equipment include the likes of the DiSus-C intelligent damping suspension, premium suede ceiling, a head-up display, Driver Monitoring System, digital rear view mirror, among others. Whether you are a corporate executive looking to elevate your travels, or a family looking to uplift family experiences in the car, and perhaps even both, the DENZA D9 is a true flagship designed to over-deliver on comfort, technology and luxury to ensure excellence in every journey. The new DENZA D9 has officially been launched in Singapore. Singapore's DENZA showrooms are at Sime Darby Motors, 305 Alexandra Road, and Harmony Auto, 7 Ubi Close (coming soon in October). The DENZA downtown showcase at ION Orchard Level 1 Atrium by Harmony Auto is taking place from 10 to 19 October, 10:00am to 10:00pm. Attractive launch discounts and super-comfortable test drives are available at the two locations! - Desmond

The seventh generation Lexus ES will be the first to be introduced to markets in Western Europe. It follows the new LS flagship sedan and LC coupe in carrying forward a new chapter in Lexus design that has a much stronger emotional quality. The eye-catching styling, made possible by the use of an all-new Global Architecture - K (GA-K) platform, will have particular appeal to customers in the region, together with a more engaging driving experience and even higher safety provisions. The new ES is built on the all-new Global Architecture - K (GA-K) platform, giving Lexus the opportunity to explore the limits of mid-size luxury sedan design. The car is 65 mm longer (4,980 mm), 5 mm lower (1,445 mm) and 45 mm wider (1,865 mm) than its predecessor. The 50 mm longer wheelbase (2,870 mm) allows the wheels to be pushed closer to the car's corners, with wider front and rear treads (+10 and +37 mm). The range will include the ES 300h, on sale from December 2018, powered by a new self-charging hybrid system, together with the ES 200, ES 250 and ES 350 petrol engine models that will go on sale from September 2018. Lexus ES 250 Lexus ES 300h F SPORT

This is not an April Fool joke! Let see how this full size MPV will fare against the Lexus LM and Mercedes EQV. What started off as a wild rumor at the beginning of the year will become a reality in a matter of months. Yes, Volvo is preparing to launch its first-ever MPV, which it describes as being a "Scandinavian living room on the move." Known as the EM90, the Swedish family hauler "creates room for your life" and will break cover on November 12 when the order books will open in China, the home of parent company Geely. Instead of a product direct from the R&D centre of the Swedish brand, the EM90 is likely to be based on the Zeekr 009, a wild-looking minivan from one of Geely's many brands.

Gen2 G Wagen will be unveiled in 2018 Some shots of interior https://jalopnik.com/the-2018-g-wagen-is-different-and-mercedes-really-means-1821235895

After the Corolla Cross and new Crown, another iconic Toyota model has been SUV-nised... I seriously hope the trend will stop soon. @Toeknee_33what's your thought? Toyota announced the debut of an all-new model on September 6, which will be streamed live on YouTube from Tokyo, Japan. The automaker didn’t name the model but the official teaser photos showing portions of the front and rear suggest it will be the already-confirmed Century-branded SUV. Stay tuned for more updates. 🙂

And now, the ongoing competition is to see who has the largest... ... screen. Automakers seem to have moved on from the horsepower wars and are now focusing their attention on a new kind of contest. Judging from car launches in recent years, it looks like there’s a race for the title of the largest infotainment screen fitted to an automobile. Mercedes-Benz is committed to taking part in this race; just look at the humongous center screen that the all-new 2020 S-Class will have. These are the very first spy shots of the luxury sedan’s portrait-style center screen which is the size of China. We don’t know exactly how big it is, but since the digital instrument panel is wider than on the current S-Class, the center display is at least as wide and significantly longer. From this distance, it seems even bigger than the iPad Pro 12.9, the world’s largest tablet computer. Look closely and you’ll notice some physical buttons at the bottom of the screen. They control the driving modes, hazard lights, volume, on/off, and some other functions we can’t decipher. Most functions will be accessible via the center touchscreen. Besides the digital instrument panel and the infotainment display, the rest of the cabin is still covered. On the outside, it’s pretty clear that the S-Class prototype features the production headlights and taillights. However, their shapes remain unknown given the heavy camouflage. The 2020 S-Class will arrive next year with Level 3 semi-autonomous driving tech, which is a step above Level 2 systems such as Tesla’s Autopilot and Cadillac’s Super Cruise. The flagship sedan will reportedly feature hybrid-only versions using the latest 3.0-liter and 2.9-liter straight-six gasoline and diesel engines. The PHEV versions are expected to offer all-electric driving ranges of up to 62 miles (100 km). The S-Class is also said to debut a new 4Matic all-wheel-drive system with a fully variable torque split between the axles, as well as an active suspension that will work together with a 48-volt system and a stereo camera scanning the road ahead. Besides the S-Class, Mercedes is also developing an all-electric EQ S luxury sedan that will use a new MEA platform different from the S-Class’ updated MRA architecture.

BMWs typically have a shelf life of seven years but that won’t be the case for the current X5 whose successor is nearing the end of its development. One of the reasons for the speedy arrival of the redesigned X5 is to streamline the production process. The CLAR-based SUVs will all be built at BMW’s plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Another being the current X5 is facing stiff competition from newer rivals like the Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90. The current (third-gen) X5 was introduced for the 2014 model year but its underpinnings are shared with the second-gen X5 on sale since 2007. This fourth-gen model, which we’re currently expecting to arrive in showrooms in mid-2018, as a 2019 model, won’t have anything in common with its predecessors. It will ride on the SUV version of BMW’s modular platform that debuted in the 2016 7-Series and has since appeared in the 2017 5-Series. Referred to internally as a CLAR, short for Cluster Architecture, the platform combines lightweight materials such as aluminum and magnesium—and carbon fiber in the case of the 7-Series—with conventional steel to save weight while increasing rigidity and strength. The SUV version of the CLAR platform made its debut in the 2018 X3. The platform is also pegged for an X7 full-size SUV that BMW has confirmed for launch in 2018. It look like the fully redesigned forth-gen X5 will grow in size compared to the third-generation model currently on sale, which should lead to more interior space.

https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Automobiles/Toyota-targets-the-rich-with-new-Century-Lexus-models-in-Japan?del_type=4&pub_date=20230204090000&seq_num=3 Toyota targets the rich with new Century, Lexus models in Japan Automaker hopes to take on luxury heavyweights like Rolls-Royce and Bentley An SUV version of Toyota's Century luxury car will go on sale later this year. (Photo courtesy of Toyota) KAZUHIRO NOGUCHI, Nikkei staff writerFebruary 4, 2023 06:01 JST NAGOYA, Japan -- Toyota Motor plans to flesh out its lineup of large ultraluxury vehicles in Japan, in a bid to capture a downturn-resilient market and upgrade its brand image. The company plans to release an SUV version of the Century luxury model focused on the Japanese market, as well as a minivan under the Lexus brand that has sold well in China. Both are likely to be priced in the mid-10 million yen range to over 20 million yen (10 million yen equals $76,300). The Century SUV, which will be positioned above Toyota's current top-of-the-line SUV -- Land Cruiser -- will be launched in August or later. It is expected to be a hybrid vehicle based on the midsized Highlander series sold in North America. Production will be handled at the company's Tahara Plant in Aichi prefecture where Lexus vehicles are manufactured. The Century, launched in 1967, has been popular as a chauffeured car for Japan's imperial family, politicians and business owners. The price of the current Century, which was completely redesigned in 2018, is about 20 million yen. The new Century SUV is expected to be in at least the mid-10 million yen range. Toyota is likely to aim for sales to wealthy people overseas and for use as official vehicles. Lexus' first minivan, dubbed the LM, is likely to go on sale in Japan in the latter half of the fiscal year. The hybrid vehicle has been sold in China since 2020, where it is priced at about 1.16 million yuan to 1.46 million yuan ($171,000 to $215,000). The Lexus LM carries a price tag of over $170,000 in China. (Photo courtesy of Toyota) The LM is so popular in China that has sold for more on the used car market than its base price. Production of the LM will be transferred from subsidiary Toyota Auto Body's Inabe Plant in Mie prefecture to Toyota's Tahara Plant, as the company seems to want to refine product quality by relying on a plant that regularly handles Lexus. Behind Toyota's ultraluxury push is a desire to capture some of the global market dominated by British companies such as Rolls-Royce and Bentley, as well as to boost brand power. In the past, Toyota sold a limited run of the Lexus LFA sports car for 37.5 million yen, but the Century is currently its highest-grade offering among mass-produced cars for the Japanese market. Despite concerns about a global economic slowdown, appetite for luxury brands among the wealthy is strong, as evidenced by the recent earnings of French luxury brand LVMH. Rolls-Royce, which mainly sells cars that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, sold a record 6,021 units in 2022, up 8% from 2021. A Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV is priced at over $300,000. Downturn proof: Rolls-Royce sold a record 6,021 units in 2022. (Photo by Soma Kawakami) Bentley sold 11,000 vehicles in the January-September period. Its operating profit during those nine months was 575 million euros ($621 million at current rates), exceeding in just nine months the record profit of 389 million euros for the full year of 2021. The automaker's operating profit margin was 23%, and sales per unit was about 30 million yen. Operating profit per unit was just under 7 million yen, more than 30 times Toyota's figure of 200,000 yen during the same period. Although Toyota has a full lineup that includes everything from minivehicles to luxury cars, it believes it still has room to expand at the high end. As the cost of raw materials and wages go up, increasing gross profit per unit is likely to be an important strategy.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/budget-2022-buyers-of-luxury-cars-to-pay-even-higher-taxes so coming Wednesday COE up or down? 🤣🤣🤣 I think not much impact for above OMV $80,000 cars buyers 😭

New model. Apparently. Doesn't it look like the old X3? http://www.bmwblog.com/2017/09/13/2017-frankfurt-auto-show/

While many of us are still admiring the facelifted G70, the assault continues in Korea with Genesis showing to the world another brand new SUV in its lineup! Come on KMC, please re-introduce the Genesis brand in Singapore. It should perform much better this time round. We’ve known for a while now that the Genesis lineup is growing, and today the company showed off the newest member of the family. The 2022 GV70 SUV made its unofficial debut in typical Genesis form: no specifics, but a few pictures to grab our attention. It’s not the first time the Korean luxury brand has pulled off this stunt; it sneakily pulled the cover off the new G80 sedan in similar style. But today is all about the GV70, the second SUV in the Genesis range of cars, acting as the little sibling to the GV80. Now that it’s not wearing any camouflages, we can see the GV70’s full design, including a rather close resemblance to the recently facelifted G70 sedan. The brand’s dual-line motif continues here with the split headlight and taillight layout, along with the now-ubiquitous shield grille. We’ll argue that the GV70 is a bit spicier than the GV80, especially with the dramatic c-pillar shape, and attention-seeking upright exhausts. Genesis also previewed the GV70 Sport, which includes blacked-out details and specific oval exhausts. And wow, the wheels look great, too. Inside things are more familiar, with the same 14.5-inch touchscreen perched atop the dash (as in the GV80), and ditto the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The GV70 shakes up the recipe some, with ambient lighting surrounding the climate controls, and oval shapes popping up throughout the interior. While more pictures are sure to follow soon, Genesis' latest cabin design seems like a fun reinterpretation of prior models. Although the company is still mum on the majority of the specs, but we can assume – with some certainty – what will be under the hood. That means donations from the GV80, including a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder and optional 3.5-liter six-cylinder, with potentially up to 375 horsepower. Stay tuned for more updates.

You see it first! More to come...

For the SUV-loving group, there’s a luxury rendition of the Ford F-150. Looks yummy, any takers?

2019 Cadillac CT6 V-Sport revealed with all-new twin-turbo V8 http://www.foxnews.com/auto/2018/03/26/2019-cadillac-ct6-v-sport-revealed-with-all-new-twin-turbo-v8.html Cadillac is turning its flagship sedan into a speedboat. The 2019 CT6 V-Sport debuting at the New York International Auto Show is a high-performance version of the full-size four-door, and introduces an all-new engine to the brand’s lineup. The 4.2-liter turbocharged V8 is Cadillac’s first of the type. The very modern motor features a “hot-V” design that sends the exhaust through twin turbochargers stuffed in-between the cylinder banks. This creates a compact package and helps reduce turbo-lag, courtesy of the shorter distance that the exhaust needs to travel before it hits the turbos. Cadillac says the engine produces 550 hp and 627 lb-ft, while a detuned version be offered in non-V-Sport models with 500 hp and 553 lb-ft. Both are matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy ratings have not been revealed, but the engine is equipped with a stop-start feature that turns it off when the vehicle isn’t in motion. The CT6 V-Sport also features a louder exhaust than other models, a performance-oriented suspension and all-wheel-drive system, summer tires, Brembo brakes and subtly aggressive bodywork. The entire CT6 range is getting a mild styling refresh and updated controls for the infotainment system, with more auxiliary buttons and a knob controller to go along with its touchscreen interface. One thing the V-Sport is not getting is Cadillac’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving aid, which allows for hands-free driving on the highway. The feature is offered on other CT6 models, but not currently destined for what's very much a human driver's version. The CT6 will continue to be built at GM’s Hamtramck, Mich., factory, but the origin of the new V8 is intriguing. It will be hand-assembled at GM’s Performance Build Center, which is located in the Bowling Green Assembly plant in Kentucky where the Chevrolet Corvette is made.

50,000 units in 8 months [*]More than 50,000 new S-Class sedans delivered to customers worldwide since market launch in September 2005 [*]US and Germany top performing sales markets for the luxury sedan [*]S-Class is also the world market leader among diesel-powered luxury sedans Only eight months after the European premiere of the new S-Class, sales of the sedan have topped 50,000 units.

how is it classified? or is it a mid size luxury saloon?

Volvo is making a very luxurious SUV! anybody getting this? Volvo XC 90 Excellence

Hi guys I notice something In the overseas forums like USA U.K. And EU a lot of them boast about their super cars and their high life But when I throw a fun challenge ( just for the sake of fun) to them to buy a similar model in Singapore they turn quiet and try to change topic. I mean if they are brave to take up the challenge they should try buying the same luxury model and accept the challenge Eg Bentley bentayaga forums

Just a decade ago, Volvo "shaken" the world with the launch of it flagship SUV, XC90, touted as a premium SUV (after BMW with its X5 & Mercedes with the GL). Since then, the SUV assault continue, with Audi, Lexus, Infiniti, Porsche and such jumping onto the bandwagon, in hope to have a slice of the big pie. Last September, Bentley officially introduce it Bentayga, the world first luxury SUV, with it first customer the Queen of Britain.

SINGAPORE — If the nursing homes housing the 5,000 beds the Government wants to add by 2020 are built according to a new model that affords patients more privacy with single and double rooms, it would cost about S$19 million more a year, a study commissioned by two philanthropic foundations has found. This is equivalent to 0.2 per cent of the Ministry of Health’s (MOH) S$11 billion budget for the current financial year, and amounts to each resident paying about S$8 to S$13 more a day from the current daily average cost of S$106.20 per resident. Lien Foundation, which commissioned the study with Khoo Chwee Neo Foundation, shared these figures on Thursday (July 28), with the aim of quantifying the argument for single- and double-bedded nursing homes which feature en suite toilets, communal living and dining areas — a departure from the six- to eight-bed dormitory-style layout that is common here. The foundation has been lobbying for a shift towards nursing homes providing “people-centred” care, an effort that hit a roadblock last year when the MOH said it could not provide subsidies for the proposed Jade Circle home, a joint effort between Peacehaven Nursing Home, the Lien Foundation and Khoo Chwee Neo Foundation. The ministry had said it would not be “financially sustainable” to provide subsidies to patients staying in wards “designed to proxy private or A-class ward configurations”. On Thursday, Lien Foundation chief executive Lee Poh Wah urged the authorities to move away from “archaic” models of nursing care. “The elderly (in Singapore) are stripped of their privacy, dignity and autonomy, and reduced to living a regimen — all in the name of safety and efficiency,” he said. Commenting on the ministry’s decision on Jade Circle, Mr Lee, stressing that they were not asking for additional subsidies, said: “I am completely baffled. Why were we penalised for wanting to care for the poor, for delivering care that far exceeded MOH’s standards?” The additional 5,000 nursing-home beds that the Government aims to build by 2020 provide an opportunity for a new model of care to be introduced, he added. The study, conducted by strategy consultancy Oliver Wyman, sought opinions from geriatricians, nursing-home practitioners, and architects. The cost estimates are based on hypothetical nursing homes with 20 per cent single rooms and 80 per cent double rooms. Homes with only single rooms will cost about 36.8 per cent more, according to the study. Besides infrastructural changes, the model would see a dedicated Senior Care Associate tending to each “household” of up to 10 residents. The associate will engage the residents on daily activities and will be supported by roving teams who provide clinical and nursing support. At the Salvation Army Peacehaven Nursing Home, 56 residents with dementia are currently housed in such a living community, where they are encouraged to make their own decisions, such as choosing activities they wish to take part in. Residents have shown a 30 per cent increase in well-being since moving into the facility in 2006, based on a profiling assessment, said the home’s executive director Low Mui Lang. The study noted that in countries with ageing populations, such as Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States, single and double rooms in homes are already the norm. For instance, residents at the Green House Project in the US live in cottages with private rooms and baths. Those who are able help with food preparation and eat in a communal setting. Unlike the regimented meals in nursing homes, Green House residents are free to choose when to eat. In response to the study, the MOH, which received the report on Wednesday night, said it hopes to discuss the findings with Lien Foundation and understand the assumptions behind the economic analysis. Commenting on the Jade Circle episode, the MOH said it had made various offers to Peacehaven, such as providing financial support if part of the new facility could be converted into four-bedded wards. “Our offers still stand and we look forward to engaging Lien Foundation on experimenting with new models of care for our seniors,” said the MOH. It also pointed to ongoing efforts to try new models, such as the Ang Mo Kio Build-Own-Lease Nursing Home to be operated by Ren Ci, which will have a “cluster concept” of four beds in each room, sharing a common living area. In Financial Year (FY)15, the MOH’s investment in the nursing home sector was estimated at more than S$360 million, including manpower funding and capital investments. In comparison, expenditure in FY11 was around S$100 million, the ministry said. http://m.todayonline.com/singapore/costs-would-rise-least-s8-day-new-nursing-homes-study

MB released S320 a few month ago. BMW launched 730Li this month. These are scaled down/tuned down versions of their S400 and 740Li respectively. I think they both retain a 3 litre engine. Are the savings from S400 and 740Li respectively worth the while given the lower specs? Any comments on which is better?

hi guys. been offered a 2nd hand bmw 730 abt 5yr old any advice on the reliability and other stuff i should look out for? thanks in advance!

Hello, Welcome to Goldman Luxury, we are the 1st pre-owned watch shop that knows that as much as you love your cars, you are also loving your watches. Please do take your time to look at our selections and we are help to help you with anything regarding about luxury watches.

First of all........ a) I have searched the forum, nothing much about cleaning luxury watch straps (alligator leather to be specific) b) I refrained from posting in the watches thread, as high chance it will get lost within the tons and tons of watch posts... For this matter, if the mods think this is more suitable in the watch thread, pls feel free to merge Any watch experts there has any suggestions/recommendations on how to clean, care and maintain alligator leather watch straps? Mine is a light coloured strap, so I would presume products such as Mink oil doesn't work as it darkens the leather? Also, after each wear, I will wipe the straps with a damp cloth, let it dry, before putting it back to my watch winder, would that suffice? Any useful/helpful comments would be greatly greatly appreciated. cheers and happy 2016