Market Watch: Save These Luxury Sedans Before They Hit The Scrapyard

A quick scan on local roads the past decade reveals a certain lean towards higher riding vehicles, which comes as no surprise given more accessible price points, more metal for the dollar and family-friendly features. Popularity of SUVs have spawned variations beyond what we could imagine, even.

Some would argue that attributes such as coupe-like silhouettes, drivetrains that power only the front axle and even factory-fitted eco-centric tyres drift from the very definition of a Sports Utility Vehicle. But when their sales figures rise to more-than-healthy levels, there’s little left to debate.

This has left other form factors in a precarious situation. Hatchbacks have grown larger and taller (cue the Hyundai IONIQ 5), convertibles are almost nowhere to be found (thankful for the Cyberster, phew!) and even attention towards lengthy coupe-styled grand tourers (long live the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe!) has made way for crossovers.

What about the traditional three-box sedan configuration? It could be in danger of extinction given the rate EV SUVs are multiplying, which is why now’s the time to save them before the COE death knell strikes. These luxury sedans are worth saving - manufacturers won’t build anything in close resemblance in the near future.

2016 Maserati Quattroporte Diesel 3.0

COE expiry: September 2016

It has been a couple of years since the Quattroporte ceased production (1963 - 2023). The wound it left the car world with was gaping - a functional family sedan that doubled as a hugely emotive tool proved left-field back in the day, but has aged like fine wine.

In this 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel specification it's a rare groove machine in Singapore. Summoning 600Nm of torque while attaining 16km/l in the process was as un-Maserati as it gets. V8s and Maseratis fit like hand in glove, but this will bring you to far-flung places without burning holes in your wallet.

2017 BMW 540i M-Sport

COE expiry: April 2017

The G30 BMW 5 Series sounds like the sweet spot for those who find the G60’s aesthetics too polarising. But if you want more spice in the salad, this 540i M-Sport will supply the kick. A 3.0-litre B58 straight six turbo pushing 340hp and 450Nm reminds you why BMWs triumphed in the ICE age.

According to the ad, this PML unit is sprinkled with 20-inch “individual” rims, M carbon bits and “mocha” Nappa leather. Save it before the COE time bomb explodes.

2016 Audi A8L 3.0 TFSI

COE expiry: March 2016

Chinese EVs might have “gamed the system” with regards to wheelbase and rear legroom in particular. But there’s a certain charm in stretched German luxury sedans, and we’re not referring to the S Class or 7 Series.

Audi’s A8 was on top of its game too, with the D3-generation A8L providing a wheelbase extending way over 3,000mm. VW Group flexibility comes into play; it was powered by a 4-pot, right up to a humongous W12. This example, propelled by a 3.0-litre supercharged V6, is the halfway house version of one of Audi’s most refined luxo-hauler.

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