Several new models from top luxury manufacturers BMW, Audi and Lexus got introduced in the region, over the past few weeks. The choice is made richer by their presence.
2013 Lexus RX launched with F-Sport package and Lexus Hybrid Drive
Lexus RX, one of the most popular luxury crossover SUVs in the UAE becomes the join the F-Sport bloodline and is also being offered with a much heralded, extremely innovative Lexus Hybrid Drive V6 engine. Besides the new signature spindle-grille, the F-Sport offers a unique front bumper, HID headlamps and 19-inch wheels with super-chrome finish.
The new Lexus draws power from a 275-horsepower, 3.5-litre V-6 coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission and it is an all-wheel drive version for UAE market. For the first time in the UAE market, the 2013 Lexus RX is also available with the Lexus Hybrid Drive System. This 295-combined horsepower, 3.5-litre Atkinson-cycle V-6 engine help the RX gently glide from stops in electric-only mode, with the V-6 kicking on at 20 or 25kmph. The RX features a Sport mode that manages and gets the best out of the powertrain.
The updated RX exterior features the Spindle Grille to give it a more powerful and sophisticated presence. The low beam lamps have moved further outside the front bumper combing with LED daytime running lights.
The 2013 RX offers a choice of five different interior colours with two new additions for 2013, ‘Saddle Tan’ and ‘Garnet Red’. The 2013 RX comes with 10-way powered semi aniline seats, USB connectivity; HDD navigation, remote keyless entry, as well as Lexus’s signature Mark Levinson premium 15-speaker surround sound systems and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system.
The RX features Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Pre-Collision System (PCS) with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control that helps maintain a pre-set following distance from the vehicle in front. The 2013 Lexus RX models are equipped with a segment-leading 10 standard airbags.
Prices for the 2013 Lexus RX start from AED 179,000
The Aurion Sports is aimed at the performance enthusiasts looking for excellent handling dynamics.
2013 Toyota Aurion
Al Futtaim announced the arrival of the new Aurion, which they say will offer a quieter ride, an even more spacious interior, class-leading safety features, enhanced fuel economy by 6.1 % and advanced utility features, besides a completely refreshed look. The new model comes in Sports and Grande upgrades.
Fitted with a sport tuned suspension, sport seats with enhanced support, a newly designed three spoke steering, F1 inspired paddle shifters, and an exclusive exterior design with front grille and sporty front and rear bumper spoilers, the Aurion Sports promises excellent handling dynamics.
While much of its trims available in a top-end Camry, the V6 version of the ubiquitous car is synonymous with an affordable luxury vehicle.
Popular among the UAE nationals, who would like to go beyond the usual Camry, the Aurion Grande comes with leather trim, 7 inch touch navigation & DVD Player, Bi-Xenon lights with intelligent AFS and headlamp cleaner and 8 way memory seats for the driver.
BMW 3-series now in 3 versions
The new 3-series is first BMW model to be available with three different lines: Modern, Sport and Luxury – three distinctive design personalities for the exterior and interior.
The all-new BMW 3 Series sedan is now available in the Middle East with a third engine variant – the BMW 320i. Customers can now choose from two powerful TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engines: 320i, 328i and the six-cylinder 335i; all of them mated with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and TwinPower Turbo engines technology, offering the EfficientDynamics technology to make the new 3 Series more fuel efficient. The new car features a Rear-view camera and Park Assistant that takes on the search for a parking space as well as the parking. Good news for owners of select BlackBerry smart phones – you can access the phone’s windows office function via the operating system iDrive.
Having sold 12.5 million cars since 1975, the BMW 3 Series is the Group's worldwide bestseller with more than a quarter of the company's global sales.
The new BMW 320i is now available at AGMC showrooms in UAE starting from 155,000AED.
New Audi A4 1.8
The design is even cleaner and more distinctive with more pronounced horizontal lines at the front and a revised engine hood, bumpers and single frame grille. The xenon plus headlights, LED daytime running lights and tail lights with LED strips have also been updated. Many control elements inside are now framed in chrome; the steering column stalks, ignition key and the ergonomics of the optional MMI navigation plus infotainment system have been redesigned.
The Audi A4 update has reduced fuel consumption levels by 11 percent on average, despite the increased power and torque of many of the engines. In the UAE, the Audi A4 entry-level engine is a 1.8 TFSI with 120 hp while a higher-powered 1.8 TFSI produces 170 hp. A 2.0 TFSI with 211 hp and quattro four-wheel drive, as well as a top of the line 3.0 TFSI quattro, which has a supercharged V6 producing 272 hp, are also on offer. All engines feature forced induction and direct injection for increased pulling power; the start-stop system is standard.
The two front wheel drive models of the Audi A4 family feature the constantly variable multitronic transmission as a standard, while the quattro versions have the seven-speed S tronic on board.
The driver information system with break recommendation is now standard to all models. Optionally available are Audi adaptive cruise control, Audi active lane assist and Audi side assist. The concert CD radio with eight speakers is standard, while the MMI navigation plus system with a large hard disk, color monitor, 3D graphics and DVD player are top of the line privileges. The two quattro models gets the sport suspension and S line exterior package.
Now in the eight generation, Audi A 4, along with its predecessor, the Audi 80 has sold roughly 10 million units over the last 39 years.
1.8 TFSI 120 hp has a base price of AED 115,900 including three years warranty and roadside assistance. The A4 2.0 TFSI quattro and 3.0 TFSI quattro are available from AED 160,000 and AED 177,000 respectively and have been additionally equipped with the S line sport package, Audi exclusive dual-tone leather seats and 19-inch rotor design alloy wheels exclusively for the launch. All models other than the 1.8 TFSI 120 hp come with five years or 100,000km free service.
