Editors Picks - BMW - Driven To Bring Joy

We live in extraordinary times. The COVID-19 outbreak may have put the brakes on many of the things we like to do in our daily lives. But life does not simply stop. We have learnt to adapt and innovate and we have risen above this and kept the world spinning, and most of this done from our very own homes.

While BMW’s physical showroom remains closed, they too have innovated by creating the BMW Digital Showroom, a virtual space where you can explore and find out more about their exciting models.

Innovation has been one of the key principles for success for the Bavarian automotive giant, much to the delight of their buyers. We can always be sure of well-engineered cars that can Bring Joy to those who drive them, delivering on their mantra - Sheer Driving Pleasure.

And for us at OneShift.com, we certainly enjoy their drivability, and how well-engineered BMWs are. Today, we’d like to introduce you to some of BMW’s Oneshift award-winning models.

Compact in size, the BMW X1 Sport Activity Vehicles (SAV) is a popular choice among those who want something with a hint of adventure. A mid-life facelift, or ‘Life Cycle Impulse’ (LCI) in BMW talk, adds a few welcome changes to one of Singapore’s favourite premium compacts.

New headlamp and bumper treatment, which includes tastefully repositioned “eyebrow” style turn signal lamps, a tidied-up signature kidney grille, a restyled set of tail lights and larger exhaust tips align the car to their present design language.

For those who love the pleasure of driving, the M Sport Suspension, available as an option on BMW X1 sDrive18i and xLine models, and standard on the X1 sDrive20i M Sport. The M Sport suspension greatly improves the X1’s already good handling, making the car an even greater joy to drive. The 2.0 X1 is the range topping model here, delivering 192hp, and 280Nm. Drive is transferred via a quick-shifting 7-speed Steptronic Transmission.

Driver-centric ergonomics, a key feature found in larger BMW cars, is also seen in the X1. Drivers can navigate the 8.8” touchscreen (available on the 2.0 model), which fronts it’s easy to use infotainment system.

The X1 may be compact in dimensions, but it is excellently-packaged, with ample space for both front and rear passengers. Those who enjoy an active lifestyle, will also appreciate how versatile the X1 is. Its 505 litre boot has a squared-up interior, which makes it a breeze to load. Fold down the rear 40:20:40 seat backs, and cargo room can be expanded up to 1,550 litres.

The X1’s flexibility does not just end there. Its 60:40 split rear seats can also be adjusted forward up to 120mm, allowing you to configure them just the way you like.

The BMW X1, which won our award for the best Premium Compact SAV is now available with three new colours, Storm Bay Metallic, Jucaro Beige and a striking Misano Blue.

Well-engineered from the ground up, the BMW X3 is a surprisingly agile SAV. Available over here in six variants, which includes two high performance models, and a recently-launched Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) model, the X3 caters for different driver expectations.

The BMW X3 xDrive30i is powered by a 2.0 turbocharged engine, delivering 252hp, and an impressive 350Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, the xDrive30i model reaches 100km/h in only 6.3 seconds.

While the BMW X3 easily conquers the urban jungle with ease, and delivers turn-by-turn driving satisfaction. It is engineered to also be a true off-roader, having a competent xDrive all-wheel drive system, underbody protection and is even able to ford to a depth up to 500mm.

Built on BMW’s rigid Cluster Architecture (CLAR), the award-winning BMW X3 delivers a balanced and confident drive, and also provides comfort to all with an accommodating interior.

The Intelligent Personal Assistant, part of BMW’s new Operating System 7.0 which supports voice commands, ensures that drivers need not take their eyes off the road to answer calls, find locations on its included satellite navigation, or even switch up drive modes. All is easily done with the activation phrase ‘Hey BMW’.

A digitised instrument panel also adds flexibility in the display of real-time traffic information to the driver, while the Harman/Kardon audio system, standard on the xDrive30i M Sport model and above, adds premium audio quality to the ownership experience.

Parking too, is taken care of. The X3’s Parking Assistant Plus helps you park autonomously, and takes the pain out of both Parallel and Lateral parking situations.

An activity-filled day should be one without interruptions. The X3’s 550 litre boot, complete with a double-floor, ensures that you could even head straight from one event to the next, with all your gear with you.

The X3 also features its innovative Through Loading System for added capacity and organisation, and an automated tailgate for ease of operation. In need of more space? Its rear seatbacks fold flat in 40:20:40 fashion, increasing cargo room to 1,600 litres in a flash.

For those who appreciate a powerful drive without burning more fuel, the xDrive30e, is BMW’s new PHEV X3 offering. Coupled with its electric drive capabilities, the xDrive30e boasts fuel consumption at an impressive combined 35.7km/l, allowing you to seriously stretch that tank of fuel; especially on Singapore’s roads, where speeds are variable which translates to higher overall consumption.

A luxurious all-rounder, the winner of our Compact Executive SAV award, the BMW X3 checks all the important boxes you could ever need. From handling, utility, comfort, and tech features, while delivering so well on timeless styling.

There is nothing more iconic to BMW than the 3 Series. Often described as the heart of the Bavarian brand, BMW’s all-new D-Segment sedan went on to win our coveted Oneshift Car of the Year award in 2019.

The 3 Series, since its introduction, has brought Sheer Driving Pleasure to its drivers. BMW’s compact executive sedan was sought after by many due to its excellent handling characteristics and perfect balance. The seventh generation 3 Series would have large shoes to fill... and fill them it does.

The all new 3 Series sedan is longer and wider than the one it replaces. While it carries on it BMW’s new design language, which features a wider front grille and fin-shaped LED tail lights; the new car is as always immediately recognisable as an iconic 3 Series.

Those who know BMWs well, would be familiar with the driver-oriented dash layout, and perfect driving position. While the 3 Series is truly a driver’s car, the interior, with its six choices of luxurious Vernasca Leather upholstery and a selection of wood and aluminium trim is spacious.

The 3’s state-of-the-art BMW Operating System 7.0, is fronted by a 12.3” digital instrument cluster, and a 10.25” Control Display. Voice recognition, via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, which comes alive with the phrase ‘Hey BMW’ takes the user experience to another level. The system improves with use as it learns your user habits, while it assists with navigation, vehicle status, climate control, personal wellbeing and even the toggling of drive modes.

Also new to the 3 Series is the BMW Digital Key, which allows you to unlock the doors and even start the car. All this from either with the use of a key card, or through the use of your Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled Samsung mobile device.

As a first for the 3, BMW has also included its Reversing Assistant, which helps you to effortlessly reverse out of a tight situation, and even intelligently traces the path previously taken to avoid obstacles. Parking is also made easier with Parking Assistant a standard feature, which autonomously parks the car.

The 330i Luxury is powered by a potent 2.0 four-cylinder turbocharged engine, mated to an 8-speed automatic. Performance is impressive, as evidenced by its entertaining 5.8 second century sprint timing. The new 3 series also proves to be nimble around the bends, as it is lighter than its predecessor. Entertaining drive aside, the new 3 Series delivers a refined in-cabin experience.

Technologically-advanced, loaded with user enhancements, and delivering a confidence-inspiring drive; it is easy to see why the BMW 330i Luxury went on to become Oneshift’s overall winner for our 2019 Car of the Year!

Understated authority, supple ride quality and impressive road-holding. BMW’s flagship 7-Series tells a fitting story of how you have arrived.

Just out of a mid-life facelift, the BMW 7 Series has been boldly resculpted, with more upright and edgier tweaks to its styling. Re-worked front quad headlamps, which features BMW Laserlights with High-Beam Assistant (on the BMW 740Li onward), are designed for optimum illumination of the road ahead, and flank a large chromed front grille. At the rear, a sleek light bar that spans across the boot lid visually lifts the mighty 7.

Photo: BMW

Beneath its skin, a luxuriously appointed interior, fitted with quality full-grain Nappa or optional fine Merino leather greets you, while adjustable front and rear ventilated Comfort Seats (optional in the 730Li and 740Li, standard in the 740Li Visionary), are designed to cradle you in absolute contentment. The available Panorama glass roof Sky Lounge allows light to enter the cabin during the day, and can be adjusted with front and rear electrically operated sunblinds. At night, a visual treat of a starry night sky awaits you, courtesy of 15,000 points of light.

Photo: BMW

The new BMW Live Cockpit Professional which aids in delivering an optimal user experience, consists of a Fully Digital 12.3” Instrument Display and a High-Resolution 10.25” Control Display. The all-new Operating System 7.0 is voice-activated, simplifying how you work the infotainment system; allowing you to focus on the one thing that is important, the 7’s absolutely sublime ride quality.

Photo: BMW

The BMW 740Li accelerates effortlessly, the delivery of the drive from its 340hp 3.0 turbocharged straight-six, through an 8-speed transmission is silky-smooth. Sound deadening materials throughout the cabin only allows a mild-yet-satisfying purr of the engine working in-front, and nothing else that is unwanted.

Photo: BMW

Whether you are taking things easy, cruising down the highway, or enjoying a spirited jaunt around a few bends, the standard Adaptive 2-Axle Air Suspension, sorts out surface unevenness, and keeps the flagship sedan composed.

Photo: BMW

For an enhanced driving experience, BMW’s optional Driving Assistant Professional supports you with partial autonomous driving functions. Switching lanes is even a breeze with Lane Change Assistant, which automatically steers you into the next lane without much effort on your part. The Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function, which includes front collision warning with braking intervention are ideal for our environment, where we experience constant changes in pace on our highways.

Photo: BMW

Driving in built-up areas may also present a challenge, but one that the 7 Series is up to. Its Reversing Assistant makes backing out of challenging confines a breeze, by tracing the path previously taken. Together with its remote control parking, narrow parking spaces which fit smaller cars are also accessible. With the use of the Display Key, you can easily enter or exit the lot remotely.

Technologically advanced, refined and joyful it is to drive as it is to be driven in, the BMW 7 Series 740Li Pure Excellence won our hearts, and was awarded the 2019 Oneshift Car of the Year award for best Luxury Sedan.

Photo: BMW

The new BMW Digital Showroom, is the place where you can find out more about BMW’s featured models, exclusive deals, and where BMW’s dedicated team can be in-touch with you through your buying journey.

Also check out their various #stayhome activities, curated to Bring Joy to you!

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Credits: Words by Clifford Chow - Photos By Clifford Chow and BMW