When I Have More Money: May 2021

Monday, May 31, 2021

Berluti x Bang & Olufsen Collaboration Mixes Artisanal Craft with Sensual Sound

These days, it isn’t enough that a product has cutting-edge features guaranteed to enhance its functionality. When every product you use sends a message to others about your personality, it has to look good as well. And only the best will do. Berluti’s collaboration with luxury Danish audio brand Bang & Olufsen checks all the boxes here. The new collection features six products designed to enhance your listening experience while making a statement with Berluti’s signature leather work.

For audiophiles looking for delightful sound and style while out and about, the collection’s first three offerings are your best bet. Let’s start with the portable Beosound A1 2^nd-Gen Berluti Edition. Like the original Beosound A1, it has a waterproof rating of IP67 and is designed to be completely resistant to sand and dust. The portable speaker delivers stunning 360° omnidirectional sound and features a three-microphone design with built-in Alexa, allowing the user to make calls and control it using just their voice. The stylish Beosound A1 2^nd-Gen Berluti Edition has Bang & Olufsen signature minimalist Scandinavian aesthetics but with a twist courtesy of the French maison. On the speaker grille, the Berluti logo is boldly emblazoned while a calf leather cord provides a more subtle hint at the collaboration and provides a greater degree of stylish portability. With its 18 hours of play time, it’s perfect for days at home or out with friends.

Moving on to the Beoplay H95 Berluti Edition wireless headphones, this is for those who want a truly immersive and enjoyable listening experience while on the go. It has an over-the-ear design which provides unrivalled noise cancellation, sound production and comfort. The latter is enhanced by the use of soft lambskin ear cushions for an over the top level of luxury. The headband is similarly covered in leather but this time utilising Berluti’s signature Venezia calfskin, crafted in Manifattura Berluti, with a TDM Intenso patina and embossed with the logo of the French maison. On the left and right, the aluminium speaker plates are engraved with Berluti’s and Bang & Olufsen’s logos respectively.

Both of the aforementioned products can be stored in the elegant Berluti Sound Pouch, made with Berluti’s Signature Canvas and “Scritto” text, when not in use, keeping them safe while adding a touch of class and elegance.

For those who are looking to enjoy their favourite tracks from the safety and comfort of their homes during this pandemic, the Berluti X Band & Olufsen collection has offerings for you as well. The Beosound Balance Berluti Edition home speaker offers a great entry point for those looking to get into high-end home audio. The Beosound Balance was designed with input from Benjamin Hubert of London-based Layer Design and delivers impressive acoustic performance despite its relatively smaller size. Apart from great sound, its Scandinavian minimalism and the addition of Venezia leather to its unique construction makes it a uniquely luxurious interior design feature.

Finally, the pièce de résistance of the collection, consisting of the Beolab 90 Berluti Edition speaker and Beovision Harmony Berluti Edition. These products are produced under only under a made-to-order system. The Beolab 90 Berluti Edition is the most powerful speaker in Bang & Olufsen’s entire range, boasting a whopping 8200 watts of power and cutting-edge speaker design to completely immerse an entire home with your favourite tracks. Paired with the Beovison Harmony Berluti edition’s LG 4K resolution and 77-inch OLED screen, it’s a delectable treat for the eyes and ears. Of course, all these features mean nothing if the products don’t look stunning. Like the rest of the offerings in the collection, the Beolab 90 Berluti Edition’s base, as well as the TV’s covering, has been customised with artisanal Venezia leather with a TDM Intenso patina, ensuring that they will be the highlight of any home even before they are turned on.

All products in the aforementioned Berluti x Bang & Olufsen Collection are available in select Berluti and Bang & Olufsen stores and e-shops in limited quantities, with the exception of the Beolab 90 and Beovision Harmony Berluti Edition which are available to order and will be constructed upon receipt of the order. For more information on this luxurious marriage of artisanal French leatherworking and Danish audio innovation, head over to Berluti’s and Band & Olufsen’s websites now.

All images courtesy of Bang & Olufsen.

The post Berluti x Bang & Olufsen Collaboration Mixes Artisanal Craft with Sensual Sound appeared first on LUXUO.

from LUXUO

INFLUENCERS: In Conversation with artist Marla Bendini

We often talk about art as a reflection of the zeitgeist, whether is it representing a social movement or a commentary of the current happenings. For Marla Bendini, it is an extension of her thoughts and feelings about our society but more importantly, she hopes that viewers could become introspective and discover meanings that resonate with them—art is, after all, a personal venture.

Ahead we have a chat with Marla Bendini, who is part of the INFLUENCERS series of artists, presented at Alliance Française de Singapour. She takes us through her experience as being a trans-artist and the struggles the community faces in getting the recognition they deserve from our society.

You grew up in Singapore, in a difficult environment, and faced questions about your own gender identity at an early age. When did you become Marla Bendini and tell us about your first steps as an artist?

I was in a performance of Fight Club: A Chorus (by POST THEATER) at the National Museum of Singapore in 2007 and we were working on a piece based on the novel and movie by Chuck Palahniuk and David Fincher. There was a character called Marla Singer. So that’s where I got the name. My birth name is Bendini. When I started gender transitioning, I needed a femme name and I couldn’t think of any that would suit me. ‘Marla’ came at the right time. I think we don’t always choose our names, I think sometimes our names choose us – we just don’t know that.

I had my first solo exhibition of my self-portraits “Marla.” (2009) in La Bamba, a transsexual bar in Thailand. In 2010, I staged “Conversations Between Father and Son” at The Substation Gallery, an exhibition of the self-portraits, together with video installation, music and performance. I’ve been making work as Marla Bendini ever since :)

What has been your latest project and what plans do you have across 2021?

I recently had a solo show ‘Fairy Conclave’ at Cuturi Gallery with my rendition of popular objects and figures from fables and folklore. It was a magical gathering where I told stories about how each painting came about and the personal revelations I’ve gotten from them.

Two group shows I was very grateful to be part of was the figurative group show ‘Transcendental’ at Cuturi Gallery and now, ‘INFLUENCERS’ at Alliance Française de Singapour! I’m always very happy to be part of multi-national group shows, especially now with the travel restrictions due to Covid but luckily, the artworks get to travel!

The next project I am very excited about is a duo solo with Victoria Cantons, an artist who happens to be a woman, transgender, and gay. The show is curated by John Silvis and will be presented in Cuturi Gallery in September.

The body is a recurring motif across your art. What story does a body tell?

Surrender(Jails, Institutions &Death), 130cm x 100cm, 2021

I document the spaces my trans-queer body can/cannot occupy and my relationship with my body. My body is for expressing my deepest self in physical form, so I paint these physical, emotional and psychic bodies and their longing for expression and to be heard.

In Surrender (Jails, Institutions and Death), I wrote:
“I felt like my body didn’t belong to me. It was as though I was an outsider watching my own story unfold. I was scared and tired of fighting a spiritual war I believed I couldn’t win. I wanted to surrender but I didn’t know how. I prayed that I would just float away and return home to God.”

A lot of your works are also centered around the theme of family. Is your family involved in much of your daily life?

FOOLS #9 TYLER DURDEN, 40cm x 30cm, 2020

Queer and trans folk often struggle with being their authentic selves, especially with their family. Luckily, we also have our chosen family—these are people we find to fulfil the roles of support, teaching, comfort and kinship. I’m always grateful to spend time with both my families because I tend to isolate myself when I have difficulty coping in life.

What is your creative process like? Would it be accurate to say many of your paintings are self-portraits of sorts; a reflection of your state of mind at the time?

I use a combination of writing, drawing, painting, collage and printmaking to create my experiences. My painting process is often a form of divination, a backdoor access to gain insight into a question or situation. I treat the canvas like a seeing mirror and ask myself ‘What am I seeing here? How am I feeling right now? What I am afraid of?’

What emotions do you hope your viewers experience when looking at your art?

Marla looking her own painting, Trailblazer

I hope my works hold space and takes them on a journey and speaks to them in a way they understand about themselves as they did for me.

What are the challenges you’ve faced as a transgender artist in Singapore?

The biggest challenge is to be yourself in a world that is trying to make you like everybody else.

What changes do you hope to see in society’s attitudes towards the trans community in Singapore?

Social change cannot happen without education, outreach and advocacy and so it is important to support trans-affirmative social services, businesses, educators and cultural workers including trans youths and trans individuals!

What is the role the artist plays in society?

I think of this question as why do we need art? Art conveys the universal human experience and expression. Art documents. Art examines. Art connects. Art reveals. Art heals. Art inspires.

Art is often a vehicle for social change. It can give voice to the politically or socially disenfranchised.

The five words that best describe your art?

Why, don’t, you, tell, me ?*

*DM me on IG: @marlabendiniart!

What can visitors expect to see from you at INFLUENCERS 2021?

I’m showing a selection of portraits that were inspired by Fauvism. Each angel/fool has a unique and powerful gaze. We hung them up in an angel’s wings formation and I hope visitors will sit and look at them for a while.

If you were to name one mentor who has inspired you in your life and path as an artist, who would that be?

Funny you should ask! His portrait ‘YELLOW MAN’ is actually on the wall :)

Lee Wen and I often talked about our own struggles with freedom, pain and personal autonomy. He taught me rejoice is a slow release of pain in times I felt broken, lost and defeated but also helped me to find faith when I shared with him my fears as an individual, an artist and a believer.

Marla Bendini’s art pieces are currently on display at Alliance Française (Singapore).

Date: 8 May to 19 June 2021

Time: Monday: closed

Tuesday to Friday: 1:00pm-7:30pm

Saturday: 9am-5.30pm

The Gallery is opened with limited access and only groups of 2 are allowed to enter. To book a slot, please visit this website: https://www.eventbrite.sg/e/influencers-tickets-155756121753

Location: La galerie, Alliance Française de Singapour, 2nd Level
1 Sarkies Road Singapore 258130

For more information regarding this exhibition, you can visit the Alliance Française de Singapour website.

The post INFLUENCERS: In Conversation with artist Marla Bendini appeared first on LUXUO.

from LUXUO

Rolls-Royce Unveils New Bespoke Boat Tail

The brainchild of three die-hard fans and the esteemed marque’s new Coachbuild program, the Boat Tail is one of Rolls-Royce’s most interesting models to date. Crafted using a traditional technique known as coachbuilding, the new automotive takes cues from the hull of a J-class yacht, with the nautical influence clearly seen in its distinctive rear end. Like any Rolls-Royce, it’s packed with a range of exquisite features serving to enhance the car’s beauty and user enjoyment. While Rolls-Royce has traditionally been very discreet with the prices of their bespoke vehicles, talk on the road is that it’s a serious competitor for the title of most expensive car in the world, which is currently held by Bugatti’s La Voiture Noire.

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the car’s specifications, perhaps we should shed some light on the Boat Tail’s history. It begins with the revival of Rolls-Royce’s Coachbuild department and the artisanal skills unique to the marque’s craftsmen. In 2017, this revival spawned the celebrated one-off bespoke model known as the Sweptail which embodied the dawn of a new era for the brand’s hand-built vehicles and their collaborative approach to design.

From the legions of dedicated fans, three individuals approached the marque with a shared love of modern nautical designs and a single demand, “show me something that I have never seen before.”

From discussions between Rolls-Royce and these three clients, three iterations of the Boat Tail were born, each sharing the same body but with their own personalised touches.

At first glance, the Boat Tail possesses Rolls-Royce’s iconic design identity, being based on the same aluminium platform as the acclaimed Phantom and Ghost models. Apart from some shared DNA however, the Boat Tail is a completely different beast. As mentioned, the car’s design was inspired by the nautical designs of J-Class yachts and the original “Boat Tails” of the 1920s and 1930s, from which it derived its name. Those vintage automobiles were unique creations in their own right, constructed by grafting the “hull forms of sailing boats onto the rolling chassis of a Rolls-Royce.”

The Boat Tail’s nautical influence is particularly apparent in the car’s aft deck.

The near 5.8-metre-long behemoth of a grand tourer comfortably seats four occupants and has a removable “canopy” roof. Power is provided by Rolls-Royce’s 6.75 litre twin-turbo V12 engine, the same one used in the Phantom and which puts out 563 bhp.

Speaking of the Phantom, the Boat Tail shares a number of safety elements with its distant cousin. However, with the level of personalisation that went into crafting this vehicle, it necessitated the creation of 1813 bespoke components. Even the design of the venerable 15-speaker Bespoke Rolls-Royce Audio System had to be rethought to make it work with the altered spaceframe architecture. Specifically, the entire floor structure of the Boat Tail is used as the resonance chamber for the system’s bass speakers.

In the rear of the vehicle, sits its most extravagant feature, the hosting suite. To ensure that this signature appointment worked optimally, it required a unique electronic treatment in the form of five electric control units (ECU), which needed nine months of dedicated research and development. When activated, the aft deck lids open to a specific 67-degree angle, revealing two fridges specially designed to store and chill the clients’ favourite caviar and champagne at the optimal temperature.

Apart from food, the hosting suite also has a storage compartment which holds two carbon fibre stools, crafted by the Italian firm Promemoria. In case of rain or excessive sunlight, the Boat Tail even has a parasol which conveniently slots into the aft deck of the vehicle to shield owners from the elements.

Last but not least are a pair of specially crafted Bovet 1822 timepieces, made in collaboration with the Swiss manufacture for the couple which commissioned this particular model shown. To highlight the spirit of collaboration, there is a special slot in the Boat Tail’s dashboard where the watches can be inserted, serving as the vehicle’s clock.

The Boat Tail is a Rolls-Royce unlike any other. It represents the pinnacle of bespoke automotive creation and a spirit of collaboration and ambition never seen before. In the words of Torsten Müller-Ötvos, “Boat Tail is the culmination of collaboration, ambition, endeavour, and time. It was born from a desire to celebrate success and create a lasting legacy. In its remarkable realisation, Rolls-Royce Boat Tail forges a pivotal moment in our marque’s history and in the contemporary luxury landscape.”

The post Rolls-Royce Unveils New Bespoke Boat Tail appeared first on LUXUO.

from LUXUO

The Bellroy Flipcase Wallet Uses A Magnetic Opening and Closing System

The Bellroy Flipcase Wallet uses an ingenious dual magnetic trap door system for easy and fast access and to secure cards from accidental slips and data theft.

The post The Bellroy Flipcase Wallet Uses A Magnetic Opening and Closing System appeared first on Men's Gear.

from Men's Gear

The Anvirtue Hip Flask Nunchucks Is For The Hidden Drunken Master In You

The Anvirtue Hip Flask Nunchucks holds 1.5 ounces of your favorite spirits in each flask with drinks preserved to its freshness thanks to leak-proof, quick-open screw caps.

The post The Anvirtue Hip Flask Nunchucks Is For The Hidden Drunken Master In You appeared first on Men's Gear.

from Men's Gear

Cop the Best of K-Fashion Now

E-commerce is the way to go these days as more people are stuck at home. After being presented with an array of options, one has to only click a simple button and the chosen items will be delivered to the desired destination. The ease of purchase fits perfectly with the burgeoning group of shoppers who are mainly millennials and Gen Z. As this group of consumers grew up with technology such as smartphones and the internet, it is much easier for them to navigate the various sites.

There is a myriad of websites available for consumers to browse and make their selection and as of late, because of the rise of the K-wave and K-pop groups such as BTS and Blackpink, Korean fashion is all the rage now. Streetwear fashion is also gaining popularity at the same time thanks to the Louis Vuitton x Supreme collection by Virgil Abloh in 2017, it effectively propelled street style to mainstream fashion. Taking cues from the West, the Asian countries started to experiment with this new style and more fashion designers have emerged to meet this increasing demand.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by StyleupK (@styleupk)

Being homebound means we cannot physically visit stores in Myeongdong or Hongdae, and the next best solution is to have the clothes delivered to us. One of the premium websites that you can use is StyleupK. This e-commerce website curates a selection of Korean labels that are favourites amongst Korean idols and influencers. Brands such as Amber, Alice Martha, AQO Studiospace, ADLV, Romantic Clown and Donki, have all partnered with StyleupK to bring customers authentic pieces shipped directly from Korea.

If you can’t find what you want on the StyleupK, you can create a custom order and the team will help you hunt down what you are looking for, be it Korean fashion or K-pop merchandises—such a concierge service is a heaven-sent especially in this period of time. For customers in Singapore, be sure to check out the “SG Instock” tab for items that are already stocked locally to reduce the waiting time from the usual 2-3 weeks to just 1-2 business days. As for the payment options, StyleupK accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay and AMEX. And for payments in Singapore, Paynow is also available.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by StyleupK (@styleupk)

For more information regarding StyleupK, head over to their website for the latest drops or you can also follow their Instagram: @styleupk.

The post Cop the Best of K-Fashion Now appeared first on LUXUO.

from LUXUO

Sunday, May 30, 2021

A Watchmaker’s Knowledge and its Links to Horological Innovations

In the world of horology, time seems to run much more slowly. Compared to other industries, ground-breaking innovations in the realm of watchmaking tend to come about at a much slower rate. Consider the mobile phone for example. The first commercially viable mobile phone appeared in 1983, and just over two decades later, we were presented with the iPhone which set the standard for a modern smartphone. In comparison, advances in mechanical watches take far longer to develop. The reason for this is that the acquisition of knowledge and experience to design and improve on high-end mechanical timepieces is a time-consuming task, owing to the complexity of their designs which utilise a multitude of tiny components which must be fitted with granular precision.

When comparing the modern and vintage mechanisms which powered watches now and in the past, one would find that their basic designs are rather similar in form and function. There is however, a key difference between the designs from these two periods is the size of the timepiece’s movements and complications. Since we started strapping watches to our wrists in the Boer war, watchmakers have been obsessed with making them smaller and more wearable while retaining functionality. A great example of this is the evolution of watches with a perpetual calendar complication. For the uninitiated, the perpetual calendar is a grand complication which displays the date without the need for manual adjustments, much like the calendar built into a smartphone or digital watch.

Perpetual calendars have long been considered to be one of the most complicated complications, pun intended. With the number of components that make up this complication, it’s little wonder that watches with a perpetual calendar are typically thicker in size. Therefore, innovations in this field have mostly revolved around slimming down the profile of these watches. Earlier this year, Bvlgari succeeded in setting a new record for the slimmest perpetual calendar with its Octo Finissimo. The automatic calibre BVL 305 measures just 2.75mm and is made up of a jaw-dropping 408 components, all housed in a lean 5.8mm thick titanium case.

Currently the world’s slimmest perpetual calendar, Bvlgari’s Octo Finissimo; Image Credit: Courtesy of Bvlgari

With components that are so tiny, people often forget that the cams, levers and gears which make up a timepiece’s movement are still subject to the same issues of wear and tear as any mechanical instruments. Over time, these could affect the timepiece’s ability to tell time accurately and reliably. In a bid to overcome this issue and prolong the lives of timepieces, a watchmaker by the name of George Daniels worked the problem tirelessly and invented the Co-Axial escapement. It was the first major advancement in watch design in over 200 years and worked by distributing an escapement’s moment to moment friction across three pallets, making it more durable and accurate over time that the traditional Swiss lever escapement.

George Daniel’s drawing of the initial Co-Axial escapement design; Image Credit: Courtesy of Time and Tide

Omega’s de Ville Co-Axial; Image Credit: Courtesy of Time and Tide

Upon inventing the Co-Axial escapement, Daniels beginning pitching his idea to watch manufactures. However, most weren’t convinced of its effectiveness. Omega was the only brand he managed to win over and in 1999, the first Omega-branded Co-Axial escapement was released, being a feature of their de Ville Co-Axial limited edition timepiece. Since then, countless models have been built specifically to optimise the functionality of the Co-Axial escapement.

As advances in the field of material science grew, so too did the knowledge of watchmakers who were busy experimenting and adding new materials to their repertoire. One of the most significant advancements in watchmaking is the use of silicon. Most of a watch’s movement is made up of various metals which, when subjected to the elements or magnetic fields, could affect a watch’s overall performance and reliability. The simple solution to such a problem would be to of course find a non-ferrous material to replace these metal components. However, the chosen material would have to possess the same degree of mechanical strength and durability metals are known for. Ulysse Nardin’s answer was the use of silicon, also called silicium in the industry. Compared to traditional materials, silicon offers an enhanced stability at various temperatures, greater transfer of energy, and corrosion resistance among other things. The watchmakers at Ulysse Nardin applied their extensive knowledge, attained over years of experimentation, and developed several models with silicon components. Most notable among them are the Freak Vision, released in 2001, and the InnoVision in 2007, which featured an over-the-top use of silicon, showcasing the material’s potential in the construction of watches.

The Ulysse Nardin Freak Vision; Image Credit: Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

Ulysse Nardin’s InnoVision featured silicon ball bearings, bridges, escapement, balance wheel shaft, balance spring and more; Image Credit: Courtesy of Ulysse Nardin

There are definitely many other significant innovations in the watch industry, but it would be impossible to cover them all in a single article. Suffice to say that all these developments are a tribute to the skills and vast knowledge of master watchmakers, many of whom have dedicated their whole lives to continuous learning and improvement. Without the experience housed within their noggins, we wouldn’t be able to admire and enjoy the complex art that is luxury watchmaking.

The post A Watchmaker’s Knowledge and its Links to Horological Innovations appeared first on LUXUO.

from LUXUO

Elevating the Craft of Fashion With Knowledge

With practice comes the knowledge of being cognizant about how to improve a design, and it is on this basis that many luxury brands establish themselves as leaders in the competitive environment that is fashion. Many fashion houses have a long history stretching back to the royal courts and are now synonymous with the word “luxury”. Maintaining their status as the arbiter of taste is not a walk in the park and requires countless rounds of refinement and experimentation. It is this continuous search for innovative ways to present their new products that makes consumers return to these luxury brands and anticipate their new launches.

Craft is important to heritage brands such as Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Dior, and many others, because it allows them to set themselves apart from their competitors. The craftsmen employed by fashion houses usually have to undergo a period of apprenticeship where they are first taught the history of the brand. Through this process of learning, newbies get a taste of how the house operates and its niche, then, they are assigned to a mentor from which they will learn the ropes of the house’s signature craft.

Louis Vuitton trunks were the epitome of luxury travel back in the days

Take, for example, Louis Vuitton, it is always known for its uber-luxurious trunks that it has been manufacturing since 1858. Building on the knowledge the founder had accumulated while being the trunk-maker to the wife of Napoleon III, he designed a new kind of trunk that could address the problems of the old designs. It soon became a necessity to carry a Louis Vuitton trunk when travelling but that all changed with the introduction of the Keepall bag by Vuttion’s son, Gaston Vuitton—a bag that captured the spirit of modern travel. People’s habits have changed: the bag has to be light, flexible and always ready for an immediate departure. Of course, the brand doesn’t just stop there, it continues to surprise consumers with fresh designs while using only the most luxuriant materials that are available.

The knowledge that Vuitton learnt while cutting his teeth at the atelier of Monsieur Marechal informed his creations, and during that period of time it was considered revolutionary. The craftsmanship of trunk making is then applied by Gaston Vuitton in constructing the soft case luggage that we are all familiar with today.

The Keepall is representative of society’s changing travel habits

Conducting research is one of the ways that brands frequently do to stay ahead of the curve. Be it through inventing new types of materials or employing the latest technology to revamp a classic product, there is a myriad of ways to pique the interest of their consumers. Hermès, for one, has decided to incorporate leather made from mushrooms into its Victoria travel bag. This is in line with the spending habits of Millennials and Gen Z, who are generally more concerned about the social impacts of their spending.

Additionally, this group of consumers are also drawn to products that are able to meld technology with craft, thus, a unique item is what attracts the attention of this burgeoning group. For this season’s collection, a number of the use of laser-cutting seems to be catching waves. From Maison Martin Margiela to Berluti, these brands are bringing bold new textile techniques to fashion, yet they still bear in mind the houses’ characteristic aesthetics and specialities when creating new products.

Neoprene-coated wool jacket by Maison Martin Margiela

Blending the contemporary with long-established techniques elevates the luxurious factor as it takes craftsmanship to the next level. Some may dismiss that designs that are aided by cutting-edge technology may not be exactly considered a craft because the bulk of the work is now being done by the machines. However, what these detractors have failed to consider is the amount of experience needed to even create these machines. The knowledge from generations before is kept intact and used to complement the works of the craftsmen. Hence, the amalgamation of two seemingly disparate modes of work renders the resulting product its lavish price and status.

The post Elevating the Craft of Fashion With Knowledge appeared first on LUXUO.

from LUXUO

Top Luxurious Electric Cars in 2021

You’d be forgiven for thinking that electric cars and luxury mixes like water and oil, however, that couldn’t be further from the truth in 2021. These cars are here to stay and take their share of the luxury market that all started with Tesla. However, such luxury vehicles can get expensive, that’s why you can apply for finance to make them much more affordable.

In Singapore, the government has set an audacious goal of eliminating petrol vehicles by 2030. In order to help with the transition, a number of policies are gradually implemented such as providing rebates for early adoption, a revision of road taxes for qualifying vehicles and building more charging points to meet the foreseeable surge in demand for electric vehicles. Hence, seizing on the opportunity and planning ahead could potentially help you get a head start on your journey with “green” vehicles.

Manufacturers & Electric Cars

In the meantime, manufacturers are busy producing new electric cars to comply with the legislation worldwide that favour vehicles with lower CO2 emissions. They’re also electrifying the existing ranges. With that said, let’s take a peek at the best luxurious upcoming EVs in 2021.

Mercedes EQS

Set to launch in the summer of this year in the UK, and early next year in Singapore, Mercedes-Benz EQS is part of its EQ range consisting of electric and hybrid models. EQS is a luxury saloon and is a first of this kind for the Mercedes.

It will have two types of trims available –EQS 450+ with a 245kW battery and a more powerful EQS 580 4MATIC version with 385kW and reaches 0-60mph (0-96 km) in 4.3s.

Advertised as being quiet, having superior aerodynamics, and up to 478-mile (770 km) range. The inside of EQS looks like a futuristic spaceship with a long dashboard and a large infotainment screen.

Prices start with £80,000 (US$113,617).

Tesla Model S Plaid

One of the most anticipated S models, S Plaid will be a direct competitor to Porsche Taycan. With a power of a shocking 1,006bhp and a speed of 0-60mph in barely 1.9s, it aspires to be the quickest car ever, which just happens to be electric.

The range is set to be a whopping 520-miles (836 km) with an all-new three-motor electric powertrain delivering immense power. S Plaid trim will upgrade the S model with new alloy wheels, a few exterior details, such as an added ducktail spoiler and improved space on board.

The price for Model S Plaid starts from £129,990 (US$184,550).

Ford Mustang Mach-E

Mach-E is a more affordable option with prices starting from £41,330 (US$58,404). It is the first electric SUV from Ford and is predicted to have a range of up to 379-miles (609 km) and 0-62 mph in only 3.7s. It is available in two battery options either as an all-wheel or a rear-wheel drive.

As you’d expect, it’s equipped with all the modern car essentials – from intelligent parking systems and connectivity including cloud technology and FordPass app that allows remote locking, provides vehicle health alerts and much more.

Lotus Evija

Evija is a fully electric British hypercar and isn’t even street-legal in the USA and is also produced in extremely limited numbers. Its power is the highest of all the EVs on the list, with a crazy 2000hp and is claimed by Lotus to be the most powerful car worldwide with a price starting from £2 million (US$2.8 million).

The exterior of this car is truly stunning with butterfly doors and racecar-like form, as well as sculpted outsides for improved aerodynamics. Inside is no less impressive, with an infotainment system using advanced gaming software and lightweight materials throughout the cabin.

Kia EV6

Electric SUV, Kia EV6 is the newest addition to its electric galore. The range is pretty good with up to 316 miles without charging and 0-60mph in 3.5s.

With an all-electric powertrain and seats made from recycled PET plastic bottles, EV6 is a superb choice if you want an eco-friendly car without compromising on the design.

Additionally, it can tow up to 1600kg, so it’s fantastic for that family trips out during the summer.

Price start from £40,895 (US$58,082) for a default trim, while GT-line costs a bit more with the starting price of £43,895 (US$62,342). Deliveries in the UK start in October 2021 and will arrive in Singapore in 2022.

The post Top Luxurious Electric Cars in 2021 appeared first on LUXUO.

from LUXUO