Beyond the showroom: How BYD is redefining the EV retail experience in S’pore

ACCORDING to data released by the Land Transport Authority, this Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker became Singapore’s top-selling car brand with 11,184 registrations in 2025.

BYD’s rise has been underpinned by its vertically integrated technology approach, including its proprietary BYD Blade Battery known for enhanced safety and durability, as well as competitively priced models offering extended range and advanced features suited to Singapore’s urban drivers.

Beyond car sales, BYD, in collaboration with authorised dealer BYD by 1826 and distributor Vantage Automotive, has taken a different approach – positioning its spaces as lifestyle destinations rather than conventional showrooms to reach out to drivers.

While some automobile brands now incorporate cafes in their showrooms, sometimes reserved only for customers, BYD by 1826 has gone full throttle by welcoming everyone and anyone into its thoughtfully designed cafes with a distinct laidback vibe.

BYD by 1826’s CEO Davin Ongsono says: “The concept is like a modern, decentralised country club.

“We want to move away from hard selling, create a comfortable environment where customers can experience the lifestyle offerings, bring family and friends along, and make decisions in their own time.”

A lifestyle destination in the west

The cafes are never an afterthought. Cue classy calming interiors and furniture, curated programmes featuring local artistes and little touches like letting natural light stream into the premises so that for a moment, you feel like you are chilling out, away from Singapore.

Currently, there are six cafes, with BYD by 1826 IMM being the newest in the mix.

It is also the brand’s second pet-friendly branch, the first being at Zhongshan Park and always with a fully-reserved wait list.

“We are always thinking of the areas where our customers’ desires are not met. That’s when we realise that indoor pet-friendly spaces are really lacking in the west,” says Ongsono.

“Our commitment is to expand across Singapore, making it accessible and convenient for more Singaporeans to enjoy our cosy lifestyle spaces.”

At BYD by 1826 cafes, the dishes are reasonably priced for their portion and quality, and even plating. The Ohaiyo Rosti is priced at $16 while the mysteriously named S329133 BFF, their version of fish and chips, costs less than $19.

The result: families, friends and colleagues keep the kitchen busy at all hours of the day.

Michelle Ho, chief brand officer and chief culinary officer at BYD by 1826 says: “The idea is also to pay homage to Singapore by introducing local flavours, fusion food, and curate different F&B choices seasonally according to customer feedback and taste profiles. Everything we do here, we try to contribute back to the local community.”

BYD car owners can even enjoy priority booking at the cafes and 30 per cent off all their meals at any BYD by 1826 cafe as part of their car owner lifestyle benefits.

It’s the brand’s way of building a community-first, lifestyle experiential hub where the best of electric mobility, food, design and culture co-exist.

Cafe meets electric mobility

The new IMM branch also features the concept of one space with two lifestyles. Besides BYD, sister brand DENZA will also showcase its premium, design-forward electric luxury models at the outlet.

Sure, you can hop into one of them to get a feel of its interiors and EV technology, and even place an order for one on the spot but that’s the closest you will get to the conventional idea of a car showroom.

After all, BYD by 1826 has never been only about showcasing cars but about creating experiences that belong to Singaporeans, says Ongsono. “We want this to be a space where families can connect, where pets are never an afterthought, and where electric mobility goes beyond the traditional drive.”

And it’s timely that the latest cafe is setting up home near the much-talked-about Jurong Lake District with its new homes, research hubs and lifestyle nodes.

“The west has always been a vibrant and dynamic part of Singapore,” says Ho.

“With IMM, we are bringing our concept closer to Singaporeans – pet owners, families and everyday dreamers looking for comfort, community, and a slower moment. It’s our way of saying this electric lifestyle belongs to all of us here in Singapore.”

BYD by 1826 at IMM (Unit 03-07) is open from 10am to 10pm daily. Find out more via BYD by 1826’s website.