Cars
Road Test: Mercedes Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Premium+ (2020)
The new Mercedes Benz GLC 300 is a crossover utility vehicle that has a lot going on for it. The GLC has always been one of the most popular Mercedes vehicles out there on the market. And this year, the GLC gets a subtle refresh in terms of exterior styling updates, interior improvements, technology upgrades, and a boost in horsepower.
While there are a couple of variants the GLC 300 comes in, for this review, we received the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 4MATIC Premium+. This variant is an all-wheel drive and comes packed with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood.
The engine offers 370 nm of torque and 258 horsepower with an acceleration of 100 kmph achieved in 6.2 seconds. You also get 20-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and run-flat tires as part of the package. The GLC 300 is a handsome vehicle – it flaunts a new grille, revised front, and rear bumpers and lighting, updated wheel designs, and new paint colours.
On the front, you get the gigantic Mercedes Benz star insignia, which is still as prominent and sparkly as ever before. And once you step inside the cabin of the GLC 300, you will feel and experience the premium components put together to build this vehicle. Our test vehicle came with black leather interiors and top-notch materials.
The steering wheel included touch-sensing controls for the driver information center and infotainment system. The wood trim on the dashboard also felt pretty nice. And at night, when you switch on the headlights, the cabin gets its very own 64-colour ambient lighting that adjusts to fit your mood.
The legroom is quite ample on the front and you get 14-way power-adjustable front seats. On the rear though, it feels a bit cramped up – two passengers can sit quite comfortably. But three passengers at the rear may not find any wiggle room. The AC controls just below the infotainment system are made up of piano key-style buttons.
The GLC 300 comes with a dual-zone automatic climate system that lets you control the temperature on the front and at the back individually. In terms of entertainment, you get the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system on the front. This includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and Burmester audio components that offer an awesome listening experience.
Apart from other features such as navigation, music, and so on, you also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. In terms of cargo space, you get plenty with the GLC 300. Opening up the hatch reveals 19.4 cu.-ft. of space, while folding the rear seats gives you 56.5 cu.-ft. There are plenty of security features on the GLC 300.
You get a blind-spot warning system and automatic emergency braking, along with an exit warning system, active cruise control, active steering assistance, and lots more. When it comes to the driving experience, you will be happy to note that everything went well with the GLC 300. You also get DYNAMIC SELECT which lets you choose between driving modes, including the sport mode.
Even at high speeds, the car handles quite well and its suspension perfectly manages weight around corners by soaking up bumps on city roads. The car offers precise steering and robust brakes – so you can clear curvy corners with ease. Though the GLC 300 is a compact SUV, you get a host of features with it.
For a price starting at AED 281,900, the Mercedes Benz GLC 300 offers a refreshed exterior design, top-notch interiors, a powerful engine that offers performance, and an overall quality ride.
Price: AED 281,900 onwards
Cars
Rolls-Royce Unveils Black Badge Ghost Series II
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has today unveiled the Black Badge Ghost Series II, a daring and powerful new expression of its iconic Ghost model. This latest addition to the Black Badge family is the most agile, driver-focused, and technically advanced Rolls-Royce ever created.
Powered by an uncompromising 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine in a high-power configuration, the Black Badge Ghost Series II delivers exceptional performance. The all-wheel-drive, all-wheel-steering chassis, combined with the Black Badge Planar Suspension System, ensures a thrilling and dynamic driving experience.
The exterior design of the Black Badge Ghost Series II is equally striking, featuring a unique lower grille, darkened chrome accents, and a dramatic 22-inch wheelset. The interior is equally impressive, with luxurious materials, advanced technology, and a focus on driver comfort and control.
Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “Black Badge Ghost Series II responds to a very specific demand among our clients – those who wish to enjoy the potency of this motor car’s uncompromising engine and inherent agility almost exclusively from the driver’s seat.”
Juliane Blasi, Head of Exterior Design at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, added, “With Black Badge Ghost Series II, we have introduced subtle but impactful design impulses that clearly signal this motor car’s incredible agility and power.”
The Black Badge Ghost Series II is available to commission now, alongside the Ghost Series II and Ghost Extended Series II.
Cars
Sinotruk Enters UAE Market with New Brand VGV
Chinese automotive giant Sinotruk, a pioneer in the heavy-duty truck industry, has officially entered the UAE market with its new passenger vehicle brand, VGV (Visionable Global Vanguard). Established in 1930, Sinotruk has a long innovation and technical excellence history. The company’s decision to expand into the passenger car market is a testament to its growing global ambitions.
The new VGV showroom is in Al Qouz 1, Dubai, UAE. The brand offers various vehicles, including SUVs, pickups, vans, and MPVs, powered by various energy sources such as electric, hybrid, fuel, diesel, and alternative energy.
VGV’s SUV models are designed to cater to families, offering spacious interiors and advanced safety features. The pickup models, powered by the renowned Wei Chai Engine manufactured by Sinotruk, are known for their durability and performance.
Prices for VGV vehicles start at AED 73,000, making them an attractive option for consumers seeking quality and affordability.
Cars
Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles Launch the Audi Q2
Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles have launched the Audi Q2 in the UAE. The vehicle will be on display at 25hours Hotel One Central from October 3rd to 6th, 2024. Audi customers and car enthusiasts are invited to be part of the exclusive celebration marking the arrival of the new Audi Q2 under the vibrant theme of ‘Paint the Town’.
Guests who visit on October 3rd will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a hands-on spray-painting session surrounding the new car, indulge in Q2-inspired mocktails, relish in live music from DJ Tala Samman and be among the first to explore the stylish and comfortable feature of the Audi Q2.
“The arrival of the Audi Q2 is a testament to our dedication to bringing the best in design, technology, and innovation to our customers in Dubai and the Northern Emirates,” said K. Rajaram, CEO of Al Nabooda Automobiles. “This segment serves as a gateway into the Audi family for younger buyers seeking to purchase their first vehicle or upgrade their current one. Its youthful, modern styling combined with upgraded technology makes it the perfect choice for those who demand versatility and a dynamic driving experience in every setting.”
The Audi Q2 receives a significant upgrade to its infotainment system, as well as the addition of the virtual cockpit and an 8.8-inch touchscreen as the central control unit for the MMI (Multi-Media Interface). In addition, a convenient storage compartment replaces the previous rotary/push button. Audi Q2 is now available across all Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles showrooms, with a starting price of AED 139,900.