Online On Road

What we like:

Concierge service and auto-rescue

head-up display

surprisingly torquey engine.

What we dislike:

Slabby seats

limited BMW apps

too much nanny.

ConnectedDrive is also in your pocket if you want it to be. BMW apps are available on both iPhone and Android, and the car comes ready loaded with weather, news, email links and search all built into the main 10-inch screen. It also recognises and works with a limited number of third party apps - like Spotify, LapTimer, Audible, GoPro, Glympse and similar.

ConnectedDrive can also turn your phone into a Dr.Spock transponder if you want. Want to unlock the car from anywhere (not just in remote key range)? - easy. Lock it, flash the lights or sound the horn from Malaysia? - no problem. If it's a hot day, turn the fan on to start ventilation a few minutes before you unlock the car. Even do a Google search for food, shops or petrol stations and upload it to the car for later use. Admittedly all these things are not essential, but they certainly add to your convenience.

The new ConnectedDrive 528i is a very impressive vehicle. Its minor upgrades for 2015 all contribute to ease of use, and the connectivity and feedback is undeniably useful on Singapore's crowded and congestion-prone roads. The ConnectedDrive system is highly competent at making A to B journeys smoother, boosts the car's premium feel, and makes you feel like a trend setter. But for me, it also takes away slightly from the gut-feel enjoyment of driving. You almost feel like you don't really have to try too hard to get anywhere - all the tricky bits have been covered by that ConnectedDrive secret weapon.

But if you want a magic-carpet ride in a mid-range saloon, this could the car for you. Just don't decide you want to be an anarchist after you have bought it; it's not the car for that.

Credits: Story and Photos by Jeremy Torr