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Land Rover Defender Gains Plug-in Hybrid Electric Power

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The Land Rover Defender now has advanced new powertrains, new model specifications and more options, making it even more attractive to a broader range of customers. Driven by a passion and respect for the original, New Defender delivers a transformational breadth of capability, using advanced all-terrain technologies to redefine adventure for the 21st century, while remaining true to the pioneering spirit that has been a Land Rover hallmark for more than 70 years. 

For 2021 Model Year an advanced new Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) model – the P400e – is key to Defender’s expanded appeal. Combining a powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and 105kW electric motor, the 404PS P400e delivers substantial torque alongside low running costs, with CO2 emissions of just 74g/km and combined economy of 85.3mpg (3.3l/100km). It will run in all-electric mode with zero tailpipe emissions for up to 27 miles (43km), including off-road where the immediate torque from the electric motor makes Defender even more capable.  

Alongside the new P400e, Land Rover’s powerful and efficient in-line six-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine joins the range. Strong performance, smooth responses and refinement combine to deliver another Defender that’s a world-class all-rounder on-road and an unrivalled expert off-road. New X-Dynamic specification is available on both Defender 90 and 110, offering a selection of exterior and interior design elements which reflect the 4×4’s immense capability and ensures it stands out from the crowd.

The range of options for personalising Defender has grown too, with new colours including Yulong White, Silicon Silver and Carpathian Grey available in combination with a choice of contrast roof finishes. A selection of individual options are also now available for the first time, including the Folding Fabric Roof for Defender 110 and the choice of a Suspension Pack on Defender 90 while Premium LED headlights, Meridian Sound System, Head-Up Display and Front Fog Lights can all be added individually.  

Nick Collins, Vehicle Line Director Defender, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The Land Rover Defender’s capabilities continue to evolve with a range of powertrain and design enhancements. Defender customers have more choice than ever with a full selection of exterior and interior colours and trims, including the distinctive new X-Dynamic model and choice of 90 and 110 body designs.” 

Defender P400e Plug-In Hybrid  
The new P400e Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) variant is key to the Defender’s latest enhancements. Available with the 110 body design, it delivers a blend of performance and economy while also being the most capable and durable electrified Land Rover. With unrivalled capability and off-road geometry for a full-sized plug-in hybrid electric 4×4, the P400e is capable of being driven in low range purely in EV mode, bringing a new dimension to adventures in the wild.  

Powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 300PS and a 105kW electric motor powered by a 19.2kWh battery, the P400e provides a combined output of 404PS from its advanced PHEV powertrain, delivering refined performance and responses, but with an all-electric range of 27 miles (43km). The Defender P400e produces as little as 74g/km of CO2 and is capable of up to 85.3mpg (3.3l/100km). Alongside impressive fuel economy and emissions figures, the Defender P400e has a 0-60mph time of 5.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds) and will reach a top speed of 130mph (209km/h).  

Iain Gray, Senior Manager, Powertrain Advanced Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The advanced new P400e Plug-In Hybrid perfectly balances performance with fuel economy and all-electric off-road capability. The latest model also provides refined and powerful new in-line six-cylinder diesel engines that bring improvements in fuel economy and drivability. They join a comprehensive range of powertrain options for Defender.” 

Standard on all Defender P400e models are 20-inch alloy wheels, Electronic Air Suspension and a charging port located on the left-hand side of the vehicle. All PHEV variants come with a Mode 3 charging cable as standard, while an optional Mode 2 cable is also available. The Mode 3 charging cable enables charging to 80 per cent in two hours, while charging via a Mode 2 cable will take around seven hours to charge to 80 per cent – perfect for home charging overnight. Using a 50kW rapid charger, the P400e charges to 80 per cent capacity in 30 minutes. 

The Defender P400e is available with the option of five or six seats, standard three-zone climate control, Privacy Glass and Solar Attenuating Glass. Specific to the PHEV variant is regenerative braking, a key technological component in achieving impressive fuel economy, recuperating energy lost under deceleration and braking and sending it back into the battery pack.  

The PHEV powertrain brings superior off-road capabilities too. The linear torque delivery enabled by the electric motor and smooth, powerful petrol engine combine for ultimate flexibility, working seamlessly with the advanced systems that make Defender the toughest and most durable Land Rover. Defender offers high and low range off-road capabilities in full electric mode, alongside delivering superior off-road geometry for a plug-in hybrid vehicle, ensuring Defender’s immense capability is shared across all engine and powertrain options. 

These characteristics are also key to the Defender’s ability to tow – the P400e can tow up to 3,000kg, and is capable of carrying a roof load of 168kg (dynamic) or 300kg (static).  

New Ingenium in-line six-cylinder diesel engine and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive  
A new in-line six-cylinder diesel option from the Ingenium engine family is now available, offering enhanced torque delivery, smooth responses and improved fuel economy thanks to its Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology and a new Intelligent All Wheel Drive system. Sitting at the top of the range, the D300 delivers enhanced power and torque, with 300PS and 650Nm of torque, providing a 0-60mph time of 6.3 seconds (0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds) for the Defender 90. The higher torque figure means the Defender D300 provides effortless performance both on and off-road, perfectly fitting Defender’s tough character.  

The MHEV technology contributes to enhanced fuel economy through an efficient Stop/Start system which cuts the engine at a standstill, as well as recuperating energy normally lost under braking or decelerating. This energy is then sent back into the battery pack and can be redeployed later. A key benefit of MHEV is that this energy is used when accelerating, delivering faster responses for greater performance.  

The new intelligent driveline system continually varies axle torque based on sensor data from the vehicle’s surroundings and driver inputs to distribute all torque to one axle or the other as required. This intelligent torque distribution system optimises the driveline for traction, on-road dynamics and driveline efficiency, resulting in improved fuel economy and reduced CO2 emissions – all without sacrificing any of Defender’s inherent off-road capability. 

In combination with MHEV technology and the superior refinement of the in-line six-cylinder engine, the diesel Defenders are more economical, more responsive and more refined than the engines they supercede. The D200 and D240 become D200 and D250 models for 2021, using the same in-line six-cylinder Ingenium engine as the D300 with 200PS and 249PS respectively. An uplift in torque delivers enhanced usability, with 500Nm (D200) and 570Nm (D250) available, utilising MHEV technology to boost fuel efficiency and reduce emissions across the diesel Defender line-up.  

The new Ingenium D200 and D250 return 32.2mpg (8.8l/100km), and CO2 emissions as low as 230g/km, and 0-60mph in 9.5 seconds (0-100km/h in 10.2 seconds) and 7.9 seconds (0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds) respectively on Defender 110. New X-Dynamic trim expands the choice of specifications in the Defender range.   

The X-Dynamic’s name gives a clue to its identity. Like all Defender models, it’s supremely capable and tough, but with a suite of enhancements to deliver a tougher look and feel, courtesy of exterior accents, including Silicon Satin front and rear skid pans, with matching grille bar and badging plus Rear Recovery Loops in Satin Black.  

All alloy wheels come in Satin Dark Grey/Gloss Black finish, alongside Narvik Black mirror caps, window decals and lower sill and wheel arch cladding. Inside, unique elements include illuminated metal treadplates and Robustek seat material in Duotone colour finish with Robustek ribbon accent and Console Finishers.  

Robustek is a highly robust and protective material inspired by textiles used in extreme outdoor situations. It’s hard-wearing and resistant to abrasions, with a hexagonal pattern and unique texture that adds greater depth to the Defender’s interior. Inspired by workman’s gloves and patches on motorbike jackets, it follows Defender’s theme of being entirely fit for purpose with carefully thought-out materials that are attractive but entirely suitable, robust and hard-wearing. 

The Robustek material is standard on all X-Dynamic models in a range of colourways dependent on the specification pack. Defender X-Dynamic S and SE models feature Duotone Grained Leather with Robustek accent, while the X-Dynamic HSE features Duotone Windsor Leather with Robustek accent. All come in a choice of Ebony, Khaki, Ebony and Acorn, or Lunar seat colours.  

X-Dynamic interior badging and centre console finishers also distinguish the new addition, alongside the Light Grey Cross-Car Beam Powder Coat, Ebony Morzine headlining and Eiger Grey satin door handles.  

Greater personalisation with new colours and options  
Individual options and packs have changed across the Defender line-up, including a broader selection of exterior colour options, making the Defender more customisable than ever. The new colours are Yulong White,  Silicon Silver, Hakuba Silver and Carpathian Grey, with white or black Contrast Roofs available with all colours.  

Individual options now available to expand the Defender’s existing specification include the 3D Surround Camera, Folding Fabric Roof for Defender 110, Premium LED headlights with Signature DRL, Meridian Sound System, Head-Up Display and Front Fog Lights.  

Expanding the number of bundled option packs, Defender can now be specified with a Blind Spot Assist Pack, and a choice of a Family Pack or Family Comfort Pack. The Family Pack adds third-row seating with three-zone climate with rear cooler and Cabin Air Ionisation, while the Family Comfort Pack brings heated seats. 

Defender 90 
Alongside the Defender 110, the Defender 90 gives customers even more scope to choose the perfect model. Powered by the same range of powerful and capable petrol and diesel Ingenium engines featuring Mild-Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) technology, the Defender 90 is available with up to six seats when fitted with the jump seat in the front row.  

Petrol Defender options include the powerful P300 and P400 with MHEV technology, alongside the new in-line six-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine in D200, D250 and D300 power outputs. Like the 110, all Defender 90 models use a smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox, with permanent all-wheel drive on petrol variants and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive on the new diesel versions. Configurable Terrain Response and the same impressive approach and departure angles as the 110 ensure customary Defender capability. With its superior breakover geometry when fitted with Electronic Air Suspension, and finely balanced and responsive on-road dynamics, the 90 is the most capable Defender ever made.  

Inside, the 90 features the same practical interior design as the 110, with a range of models to choose from across Defender, X-Dynamic, First Edition and X models, as well as S, SE and HSE packs. All deliver a unique take on the Defender identity, giving customers a broad choice of interior colours and specifications that perfectly complement the suite of technologies available. With space for up to six, the driver and passengers all benefit from the spacious interior, despite an overall length that’s shorter than a compact family hatchback. The Defender 90 also provides a tight a turning circle of 11.3m for excellent manouevrability.  

Defender 90 is also available with a choice of four Accessory Packs: Adventure, Country, Explorer and Urban – giving customers the ability to take their Defender anywhere they want, with the equipment to get there with ease. 

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The 2025 INFINITI QX55 Arrives in the Middle East

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INFINITI has announced the arrival of the 2025 QX55, a stylish and comfortable crossover coupe that makes a statement with its iconic sloped roofline and confident presence. The latest iteration of the QX55 emphasises daring design, a meticulously crafted interior, and user-friendly technology, promising an elevated driving experience.

The 2025 model year offers buyers a streamlined selection of three well-appointed grades, each providing the added confidence of standard INFINITI Intelligent All-Wheel Drive. Prioritising driver and passenger safety, every QX55 comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard active safety technologies. This includes Intelligent Cruise Control, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Forward Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Warning and Intervention, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, High Beam Assist, and Cross Traffic Alert.

The entry-level QX55 LUXE offers a compelling package, powered by a potent and efficient 2.0-liter Variable Compression Turbo (VC-Turbo) engine producing 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. Exterior highlights include 20-inch dark-painted aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, drivers will appreciate a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the ProACTIVE Package, heated front seats, a convenient wireless phone charging pad, and the intuitive INFINITI InTouch infotainment system featuring both Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay integration.

Stepping up to the QX55 ESSENTIAL grade adds practical enhancements designed for everyday convenience. These include the Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection for enhanced visibility, integrated navigation, climate-controlled front seats for optimal comfort, and rain-sensing front wipers. The top-of-the-line QX55 SENSORY builds upon the already well-equipped ESSENTIAL grade with a focus on premium materials and advanced features.

The interior is adorned with black natural maple open-pore wood trim and luxurious semi-aniline leather-appointed seating, complemented by heated rear seats. Audiophiles will appreciate the rich and immersive sound delivered by a 16-speaker Bose Performance Series premium audio system, complete with metallic speaker grilles for the tweeters. The SENSORY grade also boasts an elite 3-zone full auto air-conditioning system with front and rear ventilation shut function, auto recirculation with ionizer, and fine particle anti-allergen deodorising filters, along with a convenient head-up display and a motion-activated liftgate.

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The BMW Group Shows Off New Innovations of Future Vehicle Generations at Auto Shanghai 2025

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On the road to Neue Klasse, the BMW Group will be showcasing the outstanding innovations of future vehicle generations at Auto Shanghai 2025. “Innovative strength, a pioneering spirit and sheer driving pleasure – these characteristics are deeply rooted in BMW’s DNA,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “In the Neue Klasse, they can be experienced by our customers on a whole new level: the user interface is even more intuitive, the design even more progressive and the driving experience even more precise and dynamic. By the end of this year, we will be putting the mobility of the future on the road”.

The smart display and operating concept BMW Panoramic iDrive and the lightning-fast Heart of Joy central computer take centre stage at the auto show.

  1. The BMW Group presents the BMW Panoramic iDrive in a version specially developed for the Chinese market.
  2. The Heart of Joy centrally calculates all driving dynamics functions and raises the hallmark BMW driving pleasure to a new level with ten times faster information processing. BMW presents the Heart of Joy in the specially developed high-performance test vehicle BMW Vision Driving Experience, which shines in a spectacular, luminescent paint finish.

By the end of the year, the iX3 will be the first Neue Klasse model to roll off the production line at the new plant in Debrecen (Hungary). The BMW Vision Driving Experience is presented to the public for the first time in Shanghai: It is a high-performance test vehicle with no connection to series production, which BMW has designed as a rolling laboratory for optimising the Heart of Joy drive and driving dynamics control system.

“The BMW Vision Driving Experience is equipped with the “Heart of Joy” – one of four super brains specifically developed for our software-defined Neue Klasse models,” says Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Customers, Brands and Sales. “The Heart of Joy takes every aspect of sheer driving pleasure to the next level. Starting with the launch of the first Neue Klasse model, the “Heart of Joy” will beat in every all-electric BMW model”.

The four super brains combine the computing power for the most important customer functions: infotainment, automated driving, basic functions and driving dynamics. In this new, zonal electronics architecture, the Heart of Joy is responsible for drive, braking, charging, recuperation and partial steering functions. In conjunction with the BMW Dynamic Performance Control software, the system, which was developed entirely in-house, calculates all driving dynamics functions. It processes information ten times faster than previous systems and achieves latencies in the millisecond range. There will be control units with comparable functions for combustion engines and hybrids.

As the “world’s fastest test rig”, the BMW Vision Driving Experience takes the Heart of Joy and BMW Dynamic Performance Control to their absolute limits. With a maximum torque of 18,000 Newton metres and active aerodynamics, it generates 1.2 tonnes of downforce and lateral forces of up to 3G – a dimension on par with Formula 1 and far beyond the requirements of conventional vehicles in road traffic. The logic behind this: If the hardware and software can tame the brute forces of this test rig, they can easily cope with the demands of everyday use.

In Shanghai, the BMW Vision Driving Experience shines in an innovative, fluorescent paint finish. The paint’s special light-sensitive pigments recharge in daylight, with even the smallest amount of ambient light sufficient. In the dark, the colour varies from a whitish yellow to an expressive neon yellow, depending on the state of charge. In addition, the rear of the car has been fitted with a “magic film” which, when stimulated by UV light, creates an expressive gradient from yellow to orange to pink from the rear to the front of the car. These special looks underline the uniqueness and innovative power of the car. Like the vision vehicle, they are not intended for series production.

The Auto Shanghai at the National Exhibition and Convention Center has become the largest auto show in the world. More than one million visitors are expected from April 23 to May 2, 2025. Across almost 5,000 square meters, the BMW Group presents the latest products of the BMW and MINI brands. An oversized installation of the complete BMW Panoramic iDrive display and control system is the focus of the exhibition space. The road to Neue Klasse leads guests along a “road” across the exhibition. On display will be a BMW 1500, the historical model of the Neue Klasse from the 1960s, as well as the visionary vehicles BMW Vision Neue Klasse and BMW Vision Neue Klasse X. The BMW Group will showcase a total of 42 vehicles at its largest exhibition booth in the world.

BMW M celebrates more than 25 years of cooperation with the Nürburgring with the exclusive special edition BMW M4 Edition Nürburgring. This special edition vehicle, which is only available in China, is limited to just 53 units to mark the 53rd anniversary of BMW M. Specific design elements make reference to the world’s most famous racetrack. The BMW Individual Frozen Deep Green metallic paint finish is a nod to the “Green Hell”.

The red Nürburgring Nordschleife logo is embroidered on the headrests and the frameless radiator grille is also framed in this striking red. The uniform “nürburgring 1/53” lettering in the door sills symbolises that the vehicle is part of an exclusive special edition. The edition based on the BMW M4 Competition with M xDrive has the familiar in-line six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and generates 390 kW/530 hp. This not only enables acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (60 mph) in 3.5 seconds or 3.2 seconds according to the “1-foot rollout” method, but also highly dynamic driving on the racetrack – tried and tested on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, of course.

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EXEED by Al Ghurair Launches Electric and Hybrid Model Range

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EXEED by Al Ghurair celebrated the unveiling of its electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid models in the UAE, with an exclusive launch event at Skydive Dubai on 9 April 2025. The premium automotive brand is reshaping the region’s sustainable mobility landscape, combining innovative technologies and performance to offer superior driving experiences.

EXEED is redefining the future of mobility with the launch of its fully electric models: the EXLANTIX ET SUV and the ELANTIX ES – EXEED’s first sedan. Equipped with the Super Hybrid Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) technology, both models deliver an exceptional driving range of over 1,000 km. At the heart of this line-up is the Qualcomm-powered technology. Prioritising safety, the models have received a 5-star C-NCAP & CIASI rating, 88% high-strength steel, and advanced airbags, alongside cutting-edge driver assistance technologies for effortless control.

Designed for those who demand versatility and endurance, the EXLANTIX ET SUV offers both pure electric and range-extended powertrain options, featuring EXEED’s pioneering Golden Range Extender Technology to eliminate charging anxiety. A high-performance adaptive air suspension system ensures a premium, smooth ride, rivalling luxury SUVs. With a drag coefficient of 0.266Cd and a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds, the ET seamlessly blends efficiency with power, while offering passengers exuding comfort in zero gravity seats. Furthermore, it offers Arabic voice command, and an intelligent cockpit that puts drivers in control with minimal effort.

The ELANTIX ES is a bold expression of avant-garde design, blending aerodynamics with artistry for a striking yet efficient silhouette. With a 0.205Cd drag coefficient, it enhances energy efficiency while ensuring a smooth, whisper-quiet ride. Engineered for precision handling and optimised weight distribution, the ES delivers an exhilarating 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 3.7 seconds. Its sleek aesthetics coupled with dynamic performance, offers an unmatched fusion of innovation, elegance, and driving excitement. Inside the sporty frameless door design encompasses a D-shaped steering wheel ready to give drivers a racing feeling of handling and grip.

EXEED has also introduced the RX Plug-in Hybrid SUV that balances power and efficiency. Powered by the Super Hybrid REEV System, it delivers a total range of over 1,300 km and maintains real-world fuel efficiency as low as 1.2L/100 km of a full charge. The model is equipped with a Three-Speed Super Hybrid Transmission generating 445KW of power through 11 gear combinations, ensuring a responsive yet smooth ride. The safety is reinforced by a high-performance CATL battery, enhanced with EXEED’s M3P material system, which delivers real-time diagnostics and can cut power within just 2 milliseconds in the event of a collision. Also, designed for extreme conditions, it operates reliably across a wide temperature range of -35°C to 60°C – ideal for the UAE’s harsh climate.

With its Smart Hybrid REEV technology system, advanced safety measures, and long-range capabilities, the RX PHEV stands as a strong addition to EXEED’s new energy line-up. EXEED also opened its flagship showroom on 9 April 2025, located on Corniche Street in Abu Dhabi. This state-of-the-art facility will offer customers an immersive introduction to the brand’s electric future, with futuristic art installations, interactive digital advisors and EXLANTIX merchandise and products.

“This launch is about more than just new models, it’s about EXEED defining the future of electric mobility in the region. With our industry-leading new technology, full EV and hybrid range of vehicles, and the introduction of the UAE’s first dedicated EXEED EV showroom, we are taking a major step forward in delivering intelligent, high-performance electric vehicles. The future of driving is here, and EXEED is at the forefront of this transformation,” said Oscar Rivoli, Chief Executive Officer of Motors, an Al Ghurair Mobility business.

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