Cover A look inside the new, multi-brand electric mobility lifestyle destination: BYD by 1826
A look inside the new, multi-brand electric mobility lifestyle destination: BYD by 1826
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With the opening of BYD by 1826 and DENZA at IMM, Singapore’s electric revolution finds a new home where locally roasted coffee and Singaporean fusion fare define the future of the automotive-lifestyle experience
Singapore is currently in the midst of a culinary and automotive renaissance. Our streets are no longer defined by the low thrum of internal combustion, but by the purposeful hum of electric vehicles, which accounted for nearly 45 per cent of all new car registrations in 2025—the highest share ever recorded in the city-state. More significantly, local news reports state that a total of 11,184 new BYD cars were registered last year, representing 21.2 per cent of the 52,678 cars registered—solidifying the Chinese automaker’s position as Singapore’s best-selling car brand in 2025.
This shift toward sustainability has grown alongside a discerning, urban population that treats dining as a primary hobby and considers experiential retail a prerequisite for any weekend outing. Yet, for too long, the process of choosing a car remained a cold, transactional affair conducted in sterile glass boxes.
The unveiling of BYD by 1826 and DENZA at IMM on February 9, 2026, changes that narrative entirely. Moving Beyond the Drive, this space is a multi-brand electric mobility lifestyle destination where cars, coffee, and community coexist with surprising ease. Located in the heart of Singapore’s West, the venue manages a difficult balancing act: “One space, two lifestyles.”
A dual lifestyle under one roof
Above Dining area at BYD by 1826
Dining area at BYD by 1826
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On one side of the space, BYD by 1826 represents accessible, everyday electric mobility seamlessly woven into our daily routines. It is a space designed for the modern individual who views sustainability not as a sacrifice, but as a practical, high-performing choice that empowers their everyday life.
In contrast, DENZA at IMM introduces a more refined proposition. Here, premium, design-forward electric luxury is showcased in a relaxed, café-first setting that feels more like a boutique lounge than a traditional dealership. It is a design-led environment that rewards curiosity, allowing you to appreciate the sleek lines of high-end engineering while enjoying the unhurried atmosphere of a neighbourhood haunt.
In case you missed it: BYD’s new megawatt charger promises lightning-fast EV charging that surpasses Tesla
Pet-friendly sanctuary
The environment is unapologetically design-led and rooted in local identity, but it’s the lack of pretension that makes it work. It is a pet-friendly sanctuary where pet-inclusive planning ensures that animal companions are never an afterthought. For those who believe a Saturday afternoon is best spent with a well-poured cup and a plate of something inspired, the hub serves as a destination in its own right.
“With IMM, we’re bringing our concept closer to more Singaporeans—pet owners, families, and everyday dreamers looking for comfort, community, and a slower moment,” shares Michelle Ho, chief brand officer and chief culinary officer. The kitchen serves a selection of Singaporean fusion fare crafted for casual, quality dining, complemented by locally roasted specialty coffee and ceremonial-grade matcha. By integrating hyperlocal culinary collaborations with future-forward mobility, the brand has shifted the perception of automotive spaces from transactional to experiential.
A community beyond the drive
Above IMM communal area
IMM communal area
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Whether you are there for the local flavours or to admire the sleek silhouettes of the latest electric models, the experience at IMM feels entirely personal. In a city that never stops moving, this new destination invites us to slow down, have a bite, and consider that the future of transport might just taste as good as it looks.
Experience Singapore’s newest automotive-lifestyle destination at IMM, where electric mobility becomes part of everyday living.
Discover more at https://byd.1826.sg/.
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