The BMW Performance Fest Drive 2018, which lets customers and guests experience the dynamic driving characteristics of Bavaria's finest, was recently held at the open grounds of Changi Exhibition Centre. The heart-stirring event also showcased the safety innovations that BMW has introduced to its vehicles over the years.

Needless to say, it's an experience not to be missed for anyone who loves driving. Here's some of the many fun things that went down during the event.


Blasting and braking in a monstrous Marina Bay Blue BMW M5

One of the highlights of the event was the new BMW M5, which was recently launched in Singapore. Powered by BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology, its 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 helps to propel it from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds, putting it well in the supercar territory.

To emphasise the M5's ability to handle all of its 591bhp and 750Nm of torque, we got behind the wheel and did a couple of sprints. We were then told to hit the brakes immediately, which brought the 1,930kg car to a complete stop in an impressively short distance, thanks to its massive performance brakes.


Stop! No, swerve!

In another driving circuit, we were taught the correct defensive driving techniques with BMW's crossover offerings, the X1 and the X3, as well as the newest and coolest-looking entry into the X range, the X2.

Here, cones are set up to mimick an emergency situation on the road. With the different crossovers, we were instructed to brake hard, while executing an evasive manoeuvre by changing direction.

As expected, the cars handled near flawlessly and confidently, thanks to their high levels of dynamism.


Twitching, springing, slalom skipping

The final exercise was a slalom course. The new BMW 520i, as well as the BMW 116d, were on hand for us to drive around in. We were invited to further push the limits of the cars to see just how they react to a series of quick directional changes.

Despite being an entry model, the diesel-powered BMW 116d did not disappoint. It had the ability to negotiate the slalom course effectively at speed, and being a smaller car, was nimble and an absolute joy to drive.

The BMW 520i, on the other hand, proved that even a full-fledged executive sedan can have no pronounced body roll, and was able to complete the course without any complaints, despite different levels of driver proficiencies behind the wheel.