Company cars for contrarians

SINGAPORE — The company-car game for big bosses in Singapore seems to be a two-player one, with BMW and Mercedes-Benz constantly vying for top executives’ affections.

Senior managers have the 5 Series and E-Class from each brand respectively, and for board members, only the 7 Series or S-Class will do. The cars are so popular among the executive set that they are consistent top-sellers in their segments.

But there are alternatives out there in all shapes and forms, each with something to offer that the current company-car favourites do not. Of course, their existence only makes life a little more complicated for someone blessed with a company-car budget, but top executives are paid to make tough decisions after all.

TOYOTA VELLFIRE

S$207,888 with COE

Stretched limousines are not a common sight in Singapore but the Toyota Vellfire is pretty much the next best thing to one.

Its boxy shape creates an enormous interior that has room for seven people, two of whom get reclining armchairs with extendable footrests. You sit in a limo, but you can lie down in a Vellfire.

It has a powerful air-conditioning system and is quiet on the move, but could really do with some power outlets and fold-up tables in the back for execs who want to work on the go.

Despite its size, the Vellfire is an easy car to drive and park, which is something worth thinking about for days when the chauffeur is off.

The Toyota badge may not suggest a lot of prestige, but if any car comes close to offering the sort of travel experience that business-class passengers are used to, the Toyota Vellfire is it. And if you dislike the styling, there is always the option of buying its sister car, the Alphard. That is mechanically identical, but comes with a chrome grille the size of a mansion’s gate for a grander, more boss-like presence on the road.

VOLVO S90

S$235,000 with COE

E-Class and 5 Series sedans might be instant status symbols, but there is no getting around the fact that they are terribly common.

Volvo’s new alternative to both is a bit of a shocker: It’s larger than either and it looks exciting too — think Viking rather than Ikea.

It may only have a 2-litre engine but it has plenty of power (320hp), thanks to turbo and supercharging. It also has two great party tricks: It comes standard with driving assist systems that steer, accelerate and brake the car for you in most situations. This makes it the closest you can get to autonomous driving on Singapore roads for now.

Second, it comes with a wide range of safety systems, many unique to Volvo. The car will reduce the risk of you running into a ditch (Run Off Road Protection), hitting cyclists or e-bikes (City Safety with Pedestrian and Cyclist Detection) or being hit by on-coming cars at intersections (Intersection Auto Brake). It is easily the most accomplished big luxury European sedan on sale right now.

PORSCHE PANAMERA

From S$543,188 without COE

Deliveries for the new Panamera only start here next year, but Porsche’s fast four-door car has already been spotted in Singapore. The plush, powerful saloon is in town for a sneak preview this week, and is being towed on a trailer from venue to venue (by a Porsche Cayenne, naturally).

The Panamera can be viewed today at Ion Orchard on Level 1 and tomorrow at W Sentosa in Sentosa Cove. The things to look out for on the new model are its revised styling (which has made it sleeker and much more visually aligned with the 911 sportscar) and its high-tech interior, complete with fancy digital displays in place of normal instruments.

The revised Panamera models all have new engines that are more powerful than in the previous-generation cars yet are less thirsty. The version on display in Singapore is the volcanic Turbo. Its 550hp engine gives the fastest Panamera a top speed of 306kmh, with a Ferrari-like 0-100kmh time of 3.6 seconds. This is clearly a car for the CEO in a hurry.

BMW M3 COMPETITION PACKAGE

S$391,800 with COE

It may be a BMW, but an M3 is not exactly what springs to mind when it comes to luxury cars. Instead of size and plushness, it offers high levels of performance and race-winning pedigree, which is why it costs nearly as much as a basic 7 Series.

A new Competition Package edition replaces the standard model in Singapore, and brings with it an increase in muscle — the twin-turbo engine now produces 450hp instead of 431hp.

The more potent powerplant sends the BMW to 100kmh in four seconds flat, while changes to the suspension help to tame the handling. They give the Competition Package a more stable rear end, and make it much easier to drive quickly.

With enormous 20-inch wheels, the Competition Package is hardly understated, but its black chrome and four-door shape lend it a stealthy air.

Sure, a large limousine like the 7 Series is a grandiose statement of success, but a car like the M3 Competition Package is for a fast-thinking CEO with a competitive spirit.

LEXUS GS 350

S$327,000 with COE

While Lexus continues to make waves with its F series of high-performance cars, the Japanese car maker has always had a dynamically-capable sedan aimed at those who love to drive: The GS.

Newly restyled with a much more aggressive face, thanks to the massive spindle grille and angular creases on the front end, it is still powered by a non-turbocharged, 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 310bhp.

This means that drivers who like their sedans to be powerful but not unruly, and to have precision matched with super-understated quickness need look no further.

It is still a Lexus, so on days when you want to take it easy and escape from the pressures of the boardroom, it will immediately lower your blood pressure thanks to its hermetically-quiet, soothing cabin ambience and space.

For those who want less power, the equally smooth Lexus GS Turbo with a 2-litre turbocharged engine is also a German-beater in its own right.