Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II

As we approach the end of 2024, Dubai continues to thrive, with a steady stream of announcements reinforcing the UAE's status as a hub for both sustainable mobility and luxury automobiles. Today, we delve into the unveiling of the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, a flagship luxury sedan, and share our experiences from test-driving two high-end vehicles.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost has long been celebrated as the pinnacle of luxury, and its latest iteration is set to uphold this legacy. We had the privilege of witnessing the grand reveal of the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II at the prestigious Grand Miles event held at the Royal Atlantis, an ideal setting with the weather cooling and the beach as a backdrop.

In a crowd of select enthusiasts, the covers were lifted to unveil the Series II, with its new Mustique Blue exterior paint shimmering under the sun. Notable exterior updates include redesigned headlights, a lower valance, and a tapered wake line, along with revised rear lamp designs. The Ghost now offers two new 9-spoke 22-inch wheels, adorned with more chrome than a classic American luxury car. Inside, the Ghost features new materials such as open-pore Grey Stained Ash and Duality Twill, a rayon fabric made from bamboo. The Starlight headliner and soft wool carpets provide an unparalleled level of comfort.

The Black Badge version also made its debut, embodying the theme 'Embrace the Darkness.' This variant features a black chrome treatment on the illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy and Pantheon Grille, along with black handles and rear lamp surrounds. The 7-spoke 22-inch alloy wheels offer a clear view of the massive disc brakes, while the interior seats boast 107,000 perforations, creating an abstract cloud pattern.

The 6.75-liter V12 engine remains, ensuring the signature magic carpet ride thanks to the self-leveling air suspension.

First Drive: All-new Polestar 4

Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility recently launched the all-new Polestar 4 SUV coupé at the SEE Institute in Dubai, a center dedicated to sustainability education and research. We were among the first in the region to test-drive this innovative vehicle. The Polestar 4's showroom within Mall of The Emirates offers a unique retail experience, blending luxury with convenience.

The golden Polestar 4 we drove stood out with its sharp nose, futuristic lights, and coupé-like silhouette. Notably, it lacks a rear window, instead featuring a video feed displayed through the rear-view mirror. The interior follows a minimalist design ethos, highlighted by a large 15.4-inch screen and textured upholstery. The single-motor model we drove, featuring a 100-kWh battery and a 200-kW motor, delivered a smooth and linear driving experience, capable of covering 620km on a single charge.

First Drive: Refreshed Bentley Continental GT

Driving the refreshed Bentley Continental GT at the Dubai Autodrome was an experience that blended high performance with luxury. The Continental GT's lines exude perfection, though the facelift introduces subtle changes. The new single headlamp design and slightly stretched rear lamps maintain its beauty. The intricately designed cabin combines traditional and modern elements, with optional highlighter bright leather trims.

The Ultra Performance Hybrid V8 powertrain delivers 1,000 Nm of torque and 782 PS of power, enabling a 0-100km/h sprint in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 335km/h. Despite its weight, it outperforms many high-end sports cars. The brief yet thrilling drive experience showcased the Continental GT's sporting credentials, reaffirming Bentley's racing heritage.

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