Here are some cool cars to catch at this year’s Singapore Motorshow
2026 fires-up on all cylinders with the Singapore Motorshow, which runs from January 8 to 11 at the Suntec Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre. This writer is an old-school car enthusiast, so visiting motorshows traditionally meant catching cool concepts and new machines that couldn’t be spotted at the showroom.
In the Singapore context though, the motorshow has become a large mega-mobile bazaar that presents a buffet spread of cars for car-buyers in one convenient location. However, there are some cool exceptions to the norm.
To this end, we’ve rustled up a roster of maverick machines that shivered our timbres and left us shaken and stirred!
Audi Q3
The onslaught of so many new EV brands and models has left many folks fatigued, which makes an ICE offering like the Q3 a welcome novelty. Audi’s Q3 premium compact SUV delivers big vehicle digitalisation, comfort and amenities in a pint-sized body for a posh motoring experience.
BMW Skytop
Hot on the heels of the limited edition 3.0 CSL is BMW’s drop-dead gorgeous, drop-top two-seater roadster, the Skytop, which was first previewed in concept form at the 2024 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Limited to just 50 units in the world, the Skytop is inspired by the brand’s seminal 507 and Z8.
Hongqi Guoya
Hongqi is the coolest Chinese luxury automaker you’ve never heard of, and it is often touted as the Rolls-Royce of the East. Nestled under the Golden Sunflower range is the Guoya, an uber-lux-limo of prodigious proportions and plushness. The two-tone colourways are bold but not brash and it makes a cooler statement than the usual continental suspects. Hongqi is represented in Singapore by Eurokars Elite, which is part of the multi-brand Eurokars Group.
Hyptec SSR
The 1224hp SSR supercar sits at the top of the Hyptec range, and brings together industry-leading breakthroughs to channel ambition into pure electric track performance. It boasts advanced aerodynamic control, cutting-edge materials and a battery that is engineered for track performance.
Hyundai Ioniq 9 RWD
This writer prefers multi-seater SUVs to the usual MPVs, so it is little surprise I find the Ioniq 9 SUV appealing, especially with its subtly sloping “boat-tail” roofline and the striking pixellised elements that have become a familiar sight on modern Hyundais. The Ioniq 9 RWD (which makes its local debut at the Motorshow) will accommodate 7 pax with their barang-barang in comfort. Best of all, it doesn’t scream Airport Transfer like the legion of super-sized MPVs trawling our roads.
iCaur V23
In the export markets, iCar (in China) becomes iCaur to avoid potential copyright entanglements, with the retro-inspired, chunky-cool all-electric V23 SUV the first vehicle to be previewed under this brand-name in Singapore. The zesty orange V23 is super-cool and on-point for Chinese New Year, but it isn’t difficult to sense the cyberpunk energy and rugged, rough-and-ready credentials of the charmingly boxy V23. A whole selection of aftermarket accessories allows its owners to mould the V23 to their aesthetic / adventure preferences.
Lexus LBX Modellista
In case you’re wondering, Modellista is a dress-up / customisation arm of Toyota that celebrated its 25th anniversary just a few years ago. The company’s aesthetic enhancements are characterised by subtle, sartorial styles, as opposed to garish, wild and wacky body-kits. Limited to just 30 units, the Modellista interpretation of the LBX sees the compact crossover feature tasteful touches that elevate its street style.
Mercedes-Benz Concept AMG GT XX
In addition to the new CLA, Mercedes-Benz previews the fruity orange Concept AMG GT XX, a futuristic, tech-forward look at a series production four-door sports car to come. In the Concept AMG GT XX, the innovative Axial Flux electric motors enable high power from a compact package and enter series production at Mercedes-AMG in 2026. With a peak output of over 1000kW (or 1360hp), the Concept AMG GT XX can reach top speeds of more than 360km/h.
Subaru e-Outback
The USA may refer to it as the Trailseeker, but Singaporeans will better recognise the Outback name. The chunky and chic, all-electric dual-motor e-Outback makes its Asian debut at this year’s Singapore Motorshow. In keeping with the utility offered by Subaru’s activity vehicles, there’s ample cargo storage and over 220mm ground clearance for all-weather shenanigans in the premium-plus e-Outback.
Zeekr 9X
Zeekr’s flagship SUV (and its first hybrid) exudes a huge, hulking presence, but the occupants in this three-row, six seater are comfortably cossetted in a palatial sanctuary of plush luxury. Not only does the 9X feature all the requisite soft-touch elements, it also has the hardware and tech to keep you safely entertained on long, cross-border journeys.
