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Amidst the confident strides BMW has taken with its SUVs, the 3 Series and 7 Series demonstrate why the German marque produces arguably the best luxury sedans. BMW’s current era is marked by diversification. Its Series cars now fill out every number from 1 to 8, while its Sports Activity Vehicles and Sports Activity Coupes do the same from X1 to X7 (and we’re not even at its electric BMW i range yet). Still, look a bit further back and it becomes clear that no Bavarian hallmark has persisted as resiliently and convincingly as the luxury sedan. The 3 Series and 7 Series have defined and bookended this segment for decades – definitive examples of what a compact executive and full-sized luxury sedan should be respectively. While standing confidently on their own as class-leaders, they are also unified in embodying BMW’s unimpeachable quality and dynamism, regardless of the number or size. Styling you can recognise – anywhere, anytime Presence is of immense gravity in any luxury sedan. In an automotive world keen to push out the most eye-catching designs, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of fresh and exciting faces. Not everyone can claim to bring something new to the table while still paying homage to their machines of yesteryear. Pick a 3 Series or 7 Series from any generation, and even if you cover their hallowed blue and white badges, chances are you’d still be able to recognise them instantly. In current form, the siblings are as handsome as ever. The details you’d expect are all there – those double-kidney grilles, flanked on both sides by twin headlights. The C-pillars on both cars also incorporate BMW’s signature Hofmeister kink. Nonetheless, these are inherited jewels, constantly reworked and transformed to reflect the times. The 3 Series now sports LED headlights with extended contents as standard, while the 7 Series receives BMW’s cutting-edge Laserlight technology across its entire range in Singapore. This pioneering system doesn’t simply boast ten times the brightness and double the range of traditional LED headlamps, but also interacts with a number of on-board technologies to automatically adapt to what’s ahead, providing unprecedented levels of visibility and safety. As such, the car can detect obstacles and pedestrians up ahead and then illuminate them, while also knowing to dim its headlights in the face of oncoming traffic. Deliciously striking too are the familiar L-shaped taillights, first introduced in the late-eighties, which persist in full, updated glory. Featuring a three-dimensional, pop-up style, these add a further touch of elegance on both cars. For the first time ever on a BMW, a full-width light strip that remains lit throughout the day (à la daytime running lights) even crowns the rear of the 7 Series, accentuating its grandeur. A car fit for the 21st century Having the latest tech on board is de rigueur on any luxury sedan. This is an assignment BMW has always understood. Back in the nineties, the E38 7 Series was one of the first cars ever to offer satellite navigation. Three generations later, BMW’s flagship saloon continues to innovate and deliver groundbreaking functionality by offering an intelligent Remote Control Parking feature. With its ability to move in or out of forwards-facing lots without a driver at the wheel, the occasional yet inevitable parking headache is easily eliminated. As part of BMW’s current generation, both the 3 Series and 7 Series come with the Operating System 7.0, which includes the immensely useful Intelligent Personal Assistant, a voice-activated personal butler for the car. It won’t take long before you start wondering how life was previously like without it. Need to find a petrol station quickly? “Hey BMW”. Calling your kids on the way home? “Hey BMW”. In the 7 Series, you can even channel your inner music conductor with gesture controls; twirl your finger to adjust the volume or swipe your hand to dismiss notifications (other gestures can also be configured). The 3 Series and 7 Series also excel in embracing the digital era in elegant and measured portions. Fit for the 21st century, both cars come with BMW’s Live Cockpit Professional. In addition to a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a responsive 10.25-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity takes centre stage. All the information you need, from your location, weather and phone notifications to news updates, is displayed in rich and crisp colour; in a tile layout that can be customised depending on what you want to see. Still, there is value in familiarity. Tactility is refreshingly present. Air-conditioning is adjusted via dedicated controls, and the iDrive rotary knob is as delightfully intuitive as always, especially when on the move. Above all, the tech is enjoyable because the very basics of a luxury cabin are first pinned down. Climbing into these cars, it is immediately apparent how well put together everything is with soft-touch materials everywhere to be found. These are all the more present in the 7 Series, with its Nappa-leather quilted seats. Despite being BMW’s compact executive sedan, the 3 Series offers more than sufficient rear legroom and headroom, making it is as much a car for passengers as it is for drivers. On the other hand, the 7 Series stays true to its form by fully embracing its limo credentials and proportions, with a cavernous and cossetting rear cabin fitted with extra creature comforts such as electrically reclinable rear seats and window blinds which can be raised at the touch of a button. BMW’s core: Sheer driving pleasure True to the marque’s decades-spanning slogan, dynamism and athleticism are sacred qualities that BMW’s luxury sedans have always embodied faithfully. More than ever, the 3 Series is eager and spirited, regardless of which engine you go for. The steering is properly weighted, accurate and sharp. At the same time, the car feels balanced and planted, thanks to its carefully calibrated 50:50 weight distribution. Now into its seventh generation, the 3 Series remains the compact executive sedan to beat when it comes to driving dynamics. Step into the 7 Series after driving the 3 Series and the same driver-centric cockpit greets you. Don’t be fooled by the lux-limo’s size though. This thing takes off when you put your foot down, but does so in such an unruffled manner that it takes you a good few seconds to realise your speedometer has started displaying three digits. As a full-sized luxury sedan, the 7 Series also comes with its own party trick: Adaptive two-axle, automatically self-levelling air suspension is standard across the range. In “Adaptive” mode, the car wafts along calmly by default, with the individually controlled air supply to each wheel deftly balancing the ride out over undulations. Upon sensing that you’re pushing it for performance, however, the car will adjust its suspension without extra prompting to cling more tightly to the road. This consistent sense of stability doesn’t simply enable the 7 Series to handle like a much smaller car, but also glide between comfort-oriented and sportier driving modes quickly and effortlessly. Speaking of driving modes, “Comfort” and “Sport” aren’t fancy, superfluous settings on the 3 Series and 7 Series. In Comfort mode, these are dependable and welcoming companions, offering a cushy respite in heavy traffic or after a long day at work. While the 3 Series is already a refined being, the 7 Series, with its laminated glass windows and acoustic insulation, is especially masterful in drowning out road and tire noise. But select “Sport” and the steering instantly becomes heavier; the growls from the engines a bit throatier as both cars signal that they’re more ready than before to take on the bends and corners with aplomb. Served by a buttery 8-Speed Steptronic transmission, power delivery is also urgent while smooth, ensuring that you’re never left waiting for them to find the right gear. The luxury sedan: Guardian of BMW’s galaxy For more than four decades, the 3 Series and 7 Series have been tireless in bookending the luxury sedan segment, competently covering the bases they’re supposed to and then some. The former, as a benchmark-setting compact executive sedan, offers best in class driving dynamics, but doesn’t skimp on comfort, refinement, or space for its passengers. The latter more than aces the luxury limo test yet doesn’t forget its irrevocable identity as an ultimate driving machine with its impressive litheness. To top it all off, leading tech and an inimitable design language continue to deliver a look and feel that is unmistakeably BMW. First as pioneers, and now as cornerstones, the 3 Series and 7 Series continue to spearhead and guard BMW’s ever-growing galaxy.

Looking to celebrate a big milestone and take the next step up into the life of automotive luxury? The Lexus IS will tick all the right boxes for you. The passage of time is a fundamentally inescapable reality of life, one perhaps most easily marked by the annual celebration of your entrance into this world - birthdays. But marking the passage of time should be more than just plotting out one day in the calendar. Life should be celebrated in milestones. Milestone moments in life represent significant changes - changes that elevate and enhance our lives for the better. Starting school is a big milestone. Getting your first job is a big milestone. Turning 30 is a big milestone. Getting married is a big milestone. And, buying your first premium car is a big milestone, too. Taking that next automotive step requires a fair amount of deliberation - the car needs to deliver notable improvements to your quality of life, and at the same time still needs to be practical, usable and reasonably financially accessible. And of course, it must be exciting - a fitting celebration for a grand occasion. Here are four ways the Lexus IS is the ideal choice for the next step in life. Impeccable quality Arguably, the most important thing about a premium car is its quality - from the materials used to the level of craftsmanship. The Lexus IS is appealing both outside and inside, with its sleek sporty exterior that cocoons a cabin that is faultlessly crafted with hand stitched seams and premium materials, creating a luxurious and lavish ambience. Sensible utility Sharp styling and fine materials are all well and good, but a car must fulfill its fundamental purpose well, and the Lexus delivers. Enter the driver seat and you'll feel a sense of familiarity accentuated with quality, making this car an easy driver that's ideal for city living. Parking is an effortless and anxiety-free endeavour due to its compact size, but don't let its stature fool you - the IS cleverly disguises comfortable and ample seating for up to five, and also boasts a sensibly sized 480-litre boot that will accommodate a young growing family. Easy accessibility Stepping up into luxury obviously comes at a cost, but that doesn't mean it's not achievable. In fact, with a list price of $176,800, the Lexus IS is in fact one of the most affordable cars in its segment right now. The Lexus IS also makes enhanced performance accessible. The turbocharged 2.0-litre delivers 241bhp and 350Nm of torque to the rear wheels in silky smooth fashion. And, that enhanced performance doesn't come at a significant compromise on fuel economy - the car is rated at 13.3km/L. Fitting eligibility Ultimately, celebrating milestones and taking the next step in life is all about the feel good factor. Whether it's buying your dream car, the Rolex you have been aspiring to, or even your dream guitar, these are all celebrations of personal accomplishment, and must imbue you with a sense of joy and pride. Behind the wheel of the Lexus IS, there's no doubt that you will feel good. With its effortless power, sweet and assured handling and ample refinement, the Lexus IS delivers a heartily luxurious and emotional experience perfectly suited for the modern gentleman. As a proud owner of the Lexus IS, there's no doubt that it will enhance your life is a multitude of ways, and will capably take you on to your next big milestone in life.

Just curious... above affordable Jap luxurious sedan I vote Teana

The new Infiniti Q50 makes its European debut at the Geneva Motor Show with a Mercedes-sourced 2.2-litre diesel engine. According to the premium Japanese brand, the Q50 is the most significant car yet for the European market place as it will compete against the likes of the Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 series. The 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel produces 168bhp with 400Nm of torque. The engine is mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission. The diesel Q50 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in less than 9 seconds before hitting a top speed of approximately 230km/h. Despite its size, this version of the Q50 sips fuel at an average 4.4L/100km and emits CO2 at a rate of 115g/km. The luxury sedan would quality for S$15,000 CEVS rebate if it were to arrive on our shores. A more powerful 3.5-litre Q50 hybrid with 364bhp is also available. It completes the century sprint in a much quicker 5.5 seconds. The engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission as well.

According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), General Motors is recalling 12,626 units of the 2013 Cadillac XTS model due to improper rear seat head restraints. "The rear seat head restraints may not lock in the upright position after being folded forward," said NHTSA. "If the head restraint is at its lowest position and it falls forward, it will not meet the height required by the standard. In the event of a vehicle crash, the lowered head restraint may increase the occupant's risk of neck injury." The affected vehicles were made between 12 Oct 2011 and 30 Aug 2012. To GM's credit, the automaker discovered the problem themselves. The single piece rear headrest design looks classy and unique but is sadly lacking in its functionality. The Cadillac XTS is a full-size luxury car that is meant to be a replacement for the STS and DTS. The XTS proved to be a popular model. For the first 10 months of 2012, the XTS is already the 4th best-selling car in the states.

[extract] Toyota Racing Development (TRD) has released a body kit for the facelifted Lexus LS 460 sedan in Japan. The upgrades over the standard model include a diffuser, front splitter, side skirts, forged aluminum wheels, and sport mufflers. The top-of-the-range Lexus LS saloon is a stately and comfortable luxury sedan. The question is

Production of the last Opel Omega ended in 2003 without a direct replacement. However, there is news that the Omega might rise from the ashes. Former Opel CEO, Karl-Friedrich Stracke, revealed the company is working on a flagship model and according to AutoNews.de, Opel is developing a luxurious sedan which could revive the Omega moniker. The new model is rumored to be based on the Cadillac XTS luxury saloon (above) and could be launched in late 2013. Power would likely be provided by the existing 3.6-litre V6 engine that is current found under the hood of the XTS. It produces 304 hp and 358 Nm of torque. However, the magazine speculates that a turbocharged 2.8-litre V6 with 321bhp or a twin-turbo 2.0-litre diesel with 192bhp could also be available. Like the XTS, all-wheel drive system will likely be optional regardless of engine option. In the 1990s, I used to see a few Omega sedans plying along the roads of Singapore. It has a sleek handsome profile and I would admire it for a moment when I see one passes by. These sedans would have probably end up in the scrap yard by now. I look forward to seeing the Omega sedans on our roads again in a few years

[extract] Kia