Trina Liang-Lin and BMW drive change with passion and purpose with the 735i Pure Excellence

In an era where luxuries abound, what sets true value apart are the philosophies and actions plans behind it. For Trina Liang-Lin and BMW, those worthy factors are quality when it comes to craftsmanship, innovation, design and a promise to drive change for good

Craftsmanship, creativity and exclusivity… the marks of true luxury are at once so simple to define, and so deeply complex to describe. Aesthetics alone no longer suffice in an increasingly discerning world, where attention to detail is paid to factors like rich heritage, groundbreaking innovation, seamless usability and a plan for sustainability—all careful considerations consumers have when making quality acquisitions or lifestyle changes.

A specialist in Asian bond market securities, founder and president of Women in Sustainability and Environment Singapore (WISE), and managing director of investment research consulting firm Templebridge Investments, Trina Liang-Lin undoubtedly knows her way around wealth—and worth. And striking a balance between luxury, quality and sustainability—in multiple definitions of the word—are key.

“In an era where luxuries abound, luxury to me is about choice and control, and to have the power to drive change with passion and purpose—in my own time, on my own terms”, she affirms.

So when BMW’s flagship 7-series sedan—the brand’s most luxurious and advanced model—debuted, we thought who better than Liang-Lin to take it for a spin with.

Above Liang-Lin discovers the innovative digital experience and services of the BMW ConnectedDrive and Curved Display

Liang-Lin discovers the innovative digital experience and services of the BMW ConnectedDrive and Curved Display

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Offering a smooth, standout drive that veritably floats on the road, the 735i Pure Excellence has been redesigned in several ways, with bolder exterior dimensions making a serious first impression. Right upfront, signature BMW design elements of twin circular headlights, an extra-large kidney grille and BMW Swarovski crystal headlights Iconic Glow set a visually powerful tone, with its long-hood proportions leading up to new automatic powered doors. Any or all doors can be opened from the key fob, at a touch of the handle, or through the BMW app. This grandiose frame houses the BMW TwinPower 6-cyclinder petrol engine, producing 200kW for a seamless but powerful drive; as well as Integral Active Steering that offers increased manoeuvrability while parking, and driving stability at higher speeds.

Above The BMW 735i Pure Excellence

Above The BMW Swarovski crystal headlights Iconic Glow

The BMW 735i Pure Excellence

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Inside, an even plusher cabin comes fully equipped with an all-round innovative digital experience and services from BMW ConnectedDrive. The cockpit features the BMW Curved Display that stretches from behind the steering wheel across to the passenger’s side, enhanced with the BMW Interaction Bar that introduces even more intuitive, digitised control and operation of the car’s technical functions and entertainment system. There are also interactive touchscreens on each of the rear door panels, which allow passengers to select light themes, window blinds, air-conditioning levels and, the most relaxing feature of them all, in-seat massages. Perfect for a tranquil drive home after a long day at work, settings allow the driver to select ambient mood lighting options that stream throughout the grandiose interiors of the car, up to the Panoroma glass roof Sky Lounge. This, while each passenger is cosseted in quilted leather seats with abundant leg space in the back.

Above The BMW 735i Pure Excellence is fitted with quilted leather Executive Lounge seats

The BMW 735i Pure Excellence is fitted with quilted leather Executive Lounge seats

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When asked how she strikes a balance between luxury and sustainability, she says: “Before, there were two sides of the coin—buying products and looking at things in a sustainable way. Now, when I acquire products in the luxury sphere, whether it be a car or clothing, I carefully consider the sustainability footprint. This could be in the form of a consciously made product, a brand’s green plan, or its green transition plan. And I go to brands that I can trust, because they are well-researched and well-made”.

Above The interactive digital touchscreens on rear door panels

Above The signature BMW design elements of twin circular headlights and extra-large kidney grille

The interactive digital touchscreens on rear door panels

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And when it comes to striking that balance, BMW has stayed ahead of the curve since 2013 when it launched its first all-electric car. The i3 has since been ranked the world’s most successful electric vehicle in the compact car segment. Having pioneered emission-free driving, BMW has also unveiled its first 7-series iteration with completely electric propulsion—the i7 xDrive60 Pure Excellence. Extending all the same luxurious trappings of BMW 7-series—made from responsibly sourced materials—this fully electric sedan offers 400kW of output, over 600km of electric range on a single full charge, and an almost-silent, emission-free eDrive propulsion concept that takes the car from zero to 100km per hour in 4.7 seconds.

Liang-Lin says: “We all need clothes, food and cars to take are from one place to the next. But we have to apply a conscious lens to these necessities or luxuries. We can do so by investing in brands that also invest in innovation, design and quality that drive progress sustainably, and with social impact”.

For more information on BMW's 7 series sedan, visit www.bmw.com.sg.

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BMW Trina Liang-Lin

Trina Liang-Lin and BMW on driving change with passion and purpose