Category: All About Wheels – Automotive (Cars, Car Clubs, SUV’s, RV’s etc)

Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club (UAE) Hosts Social Gathering in Al Rahba

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Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club (UAE) marked a significant milestone with its first social club meet, held in the heart of Al Rahba. Designed as an intimate gathering for owners and admirers of the marque, the evening blended classic automotive heritage with authentic Emirati hospitality, setting the tone for what promises to be a distinguished community of enthusiasts in the region.

Founded by Russell Simon Gale and Ali Abdulla Fadhel Almemari, the UAE chapter of the globally respected Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club was established to create a dedicated platform for owners and collectors to connect, share knowledge and celebrate the craftsmanship and legacy of Rolls-Royce motor cars. The event reflected that vision, as members arrived in a stunning display of Rolls-Royce models spanning generations, each vehicle a testament to timeless design and engineering excellence.

The highlight of the evening was an engaging fireside chat featuring the founders, who shared their passion for the brand and their aspirations for building a community rooted in camaraderie and cultural connection. Conversations flowed effortlessly among guests, from restoration stories and rare specifications to the unique experiences of ownership in the UAE.

Beyond the automobiles, the event embraced a distinctly local character. Guests enjoyed traditional Emirati cuisine and immersive touches that celebrated the nation’s heritage, including elegant horse and carriage rides that added a nostalgic charm to the setting. The fusion of British automotive heritage with Emirati tradition underscored the Club’s commitment to creating experiences that are both globally refined and locally meaningful.

Co-Founder Ali Abdulla Fadhel Almemari added, “The UAE has a vibrant community of collectors and enthusiasts who deeply appreciate heritage and excellence. Through the Club, we want to bring people together not only around the cars, but around shared values of tradition, refinement and friendship. Hosting our gathering in Shahama with an authentic Emirati touch was a meaningful way to begin this journey.”

“Rolls-Royce has always represented more than just a motor car; it represents craftsmanship, legacy and shared passion,” said Russell Simon Gale, Co-Founder of Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club (UAE). “Our goal is to create a welcoming platform in the UAE where owners and admirers can connect, exchange knowledge and celebrate these extraordinary vehicles in a setting that reflects the culture and hospitality of this country.”

The Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts’ Club (UAE) aims to curate regular social meets, heritage drives, technical workshops and lifestyle experiences that honour the spirit of the marque while fostering a close-knit community across the Emirates. As the evening concluded under the open skies of Shahama, it was clear that the Club’s debut social gathering had laid the foundation for a new chapter in the UAE’s luxury automotive landscape, one that is defined by elegance, heritage and genuine connection.

Adventure-Ready, Tech-Savvy and Gen Z Approved

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Nissan X-Trail: From First Drive to Future Icon

Natasha Dury

The Nissan X-Trail will always feel like a milestone for me. Back in 2019, just weeks after I got my license, Nissan invited my mum and me to Fujairah with a group of motoring journalists to test drive the X-Trail.

I remember the shock when I saw my name added as a co-driver to my mum’s car. It was my first official test drive as a motoring writer. Nervous but excited, I slid behind the wheel of the X-Trail, not knowing that this SUV would end up shaping the way I think about cars and driving.

Even today, the X-Trail continues to impress with its confident stance and bold design. Its sculpted body, floating roofline, signature V-Motion grille, and sleek LED headlights give it an edge that feels modern yet timeless. 

Back then, I felt proud just to be in it, even though my mum had a few doubts and heart attacks during the difficult parts of the test drive! Now, I appreciate how its style balances adventure-ready vibes with city chic, perfect for everything from weekend road trips to pulling up at your favorite café.

Inside, the cabin has always been about comfort and space, but it has evolved to feel even more premium and versatile. Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and flexible seating options make long drives more enjoyable. 

When I first drove it, I loved how high I sat on the road, giving me confidence as a new driver. Today, the panoramic sunroof, intuitive controls, and family-friendly touches, like configurable storage and a power tailgate that make it a natural fit for Gen Z lifestyles where practicality meets style.

Technology is where the X-Trail really shines. The 12.3-inch digital driver display, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and the 10.8-inch head-up display make it feel like a car built for our generation—where playlists, navigation, and socials matter as much as smooth handling. 

The 360-degree Around View Monitor makes parking and city driving stress-free, while ProPILOT Assist brings semi-autonomous driving tech into the mix. Add to that the premium sound system, and every drive becomes a vibe. With Nissan’s e-POWER hybrid technology, sustainability is now part of the X-Trail’s DNA, something Gen Z genuinely values.

Performance-wise, the X-Trail gave me confidence from the very start. It’s smooth yet powerful, with intelligent 4×4 drive modes that handle both city streets and mountain routes with ease. On that first Fujairah trip, I was surprised by how capable it felt for a rookie like me. Now, with the latest model, it is even more refined, balancing fuel efficiency, grip, and power, making every drive feel effortless.

Looking back, the Nissan X-Trail was the SUV that marked my first step into automotive journalism. Today, it is still the kind of car that inspires confidence, freedom, and fun, making it the perfect match for a generation that wants practicality with personality. For me, it is not just a vehicle. It’s where my motoring story began.

Everyday Versatility with a Sporty Edge

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The New Škoda Octavia and Octavia RS Redefine Everyday Performance

Natasha Dury

I recently travelled to Abu Dhabi for an unforgettable driving experience with Škoda Middle East, celebrating the arrival of the all-new Octavia and its sportiest sibling yet, the Octavia RS. Over two immersive days, we explored the cars’ dynamic potential on the iconic Yas Marina Circuit and the open roads of the capital. From track sessions and slalom challenges, this was an experience that underscored how Škoda is pushing the boundaries of refinement and performance in the midsize sedan segment.

Exterior

The Octavia has always been a striking car, but the latest generation sharpens its appeal with crisper lines and a more assertive stance. Signature LED Matrix headlights and the sleek, coupe-like silhouette bring a sense of understated sophistication. The RS version cranks up the drama: gloss black trim, larger alloy wheels, and a distinctive honeycomb grille announce its performance credentials without shouting too loudly. It’s a design that feels equally at home outside a five-star hotel or carving up a mountain road.

Interior

Inside, the Octavia impresses with a cabin that blends practicality with a premium feel. The clean, horizontal dash design is accentuated by a large floating touchscreen and high-grade materials. Even in the standard model, comfort is paramount, with supportive seats and plenty of room in both rows. The RS elevates the experience further with sport seats, contrasting stitching, and RS-specific touches that hint at the car’s athletic character. The digital cockpit is crisp and intuitive, delivering key driving information at a glance. We did a boot packing challenge and found that it is possible to fit a lot of goods in over 600 litres of space – perfect for families.

Technology

Škoda’s “Simply Clever” ethos shines through the Octavia’s tech suite. Both models feature the latest infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the RS adds driving modes and customizable displays. A head-up display projects speed and navigation directly into your line of sight, and advanced driver assistance systems, like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping that make long trips effortless. I even had the car tell me jokes which made the drive enjoyable.

Performance

On the track, the Octavia RS was nothing short of a revelation. The steering is direct and confidence-inspiring, and the adaptive suspension strikes an impressive balance between control and comfort. The Octavia range offers two compelling powertrains: a refined 1.4 TSI delivering 150 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque for confident everyday driving, and the thrilling 2.0T VRS variant that unleashes 245 horsepower and 370 Nm of torque, paired with a smooth-shifting 7-speed automatic transmission in both models. Even the standard Octavia impressed with its refined ride and composed handling during the on-road test drive. Whether in everyday commuting or spirited driving, both models feel composed, agile, and genuinely enjoyable.

Final Verdict

After two days behind the wheel, it is clear the new Škoda Octavia and Octavia RS are more than just practical sedans. They are versatile, driver-focused machines that deliver real character. With fresh design, advanced technology, and an engaging driving experience, they set a high bar for midsize cars in the UAE. 

#GTM #GlobalTrendMonitor #Motoring #Magazine #Automotive #NatashaDury #SkodaOctavia #OctaviaRS #DriveAbuDhabi #SkodaMiddleEast #TrackTested #MidsizeMasterpiece #SimplyClever #PerformanceMeetsPracticality #YasMarinaCircuit #DrivenToImpress 

Driving the Future: My Adventure with the sleek and bold 2025 Škoda Kodiaq in Hatta Dubai

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Natasha Dury

Venturing beyond Dubai, as I set out to explore Hatta, Dubai to test drive the new 2025 Škoda Kodiaq, I was very excited as I love test drives out in the desert in the UAE. As one of the youngest test drivers for the model during this activation, I was eager to discover how the new Kodiaq would stand up to a Gen Z’s active and tech-focused lifestyle and it certainly delivered.

The Kodiaq’s Exterior 

At first glance, the Kodiaq strikes a pose with its bold contours and commanding presence. Equipped with LED headlights and sporty 20-inch alloy wheels, especially on the Sportline trim, it’s clear that this SUV is designed to make a statement both in the city and beyond. As a Gen Z, I  thought the car would be big for my daily needs but the design was appealing and by the end of our drive, I was convinced that it was just the right size as I nneded a big boot for my golf clubs, horse riding gear, my dive equipment and the ocassional shopping for a demanding mother.

Inside the Kodiaq 

Stepping inside, the Kodiaq offers a retreat of luxury and innovation. The Selection trim envelops you in soft fabric seats, while upgrading to the Sportline trim wraps you in the sumptuous embrace of leather and Alcantara sport seats. The panoramic sunroof washes the interior in natural light, enhancing the sense of space, while ambient lighting adds a touch of elegance to every journey. 

Technology

For a digital native like myself, staying connected is crucial. The Kodiaq delivers brilliantly with the Škoda Phone Box, featuring dual wireless charging pads that cool your devices as they power up. The inclusion of five strategically placed USB-C ports ensures that everyone on board can keep their devices fully charged, no matter where the road takes us.

Performance

On the move, the Kodiaq is as dynamic as its appearance suggests. The 1.4 TSI engine is perfect for urban escapades, while the 2.0 TSI with all-wheel drive offers robust power for those off-road adventures. The smooth-shifting DSG transmission complements the engines’ strength, ensuring a drive that’s both exhilarating and efficient.

A Journey Well Made 

Driving the 2025 Škoda Kodiaq around Dubai’s diverse landscapes proved it to be more than just an SUV; it’s a versatile companion ready for the next generation’s challenges. With its blend of style, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, the Kodiaq is truly a vehicle for those who seek to blend daily responsibilities with spontaneous adventure. Whether navigating the urban jungle or exploring rugged terrains, the Kodiaq is designed to inspire and excite.

#globalTrendMonitor #GTM #magazine #motoring #automotive #testdrive #DrivingTheFuture #SkodaKodiaq2025 #HattaAdventures #GenZDriver #DesertDrive #TechMeetsTerrain #BoldByDesign #SkodaMiddleEast #AdventureInStyle

Icons only: Winners of the 2023 World Car Awards

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Shereen Shabnam

Being an automotive Jury the last few years for global motoring awards has been a key highlight of my life. This year, car enthusiasts around the world eagerly awaited the announcement of the 2023 World Car of the Year awards winners, held at the New York Motor Show.

A jury of 100 distinguished international automotive journalists from 32 countries selected the winners by secret ballot based on their evaluation of each eligible vehicle as part of their on-going professional work. The vote results were tabulated by KPMG.

The award recognizes the best cars released in the past year, based on a number of factors including design, performance, safety, and innovation. As Jury, we drove numerous cars throughout the year and a large number of nominated cars in Los Angeles last year, the competition was fierce, with a number of impressive new cars from new and established automakers.

The World Car of the Year 2023 ceremony, powered by Brembo, was held in New York City with a crowd of journalists, car industry experts, and enthusiasts gathered witnessing the announcement of the winner.


The awards concluded with a triple win for the Hyundai Motor Company as the Hyundai Ioniq 6 won the overall 2023 World Car of the Year title, the 2023 World Electric Vehicle as well as the 2023 World Car Design of the Year awards. This is the second consecutive triple win for the Hyundai Motor Group.

Highlight for our team was having SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President, Head of Hyundai and Genesis Global Design Center, Hyundai Motor Company (HMC) on hand at the awards ceremony to participate in a Q&A with media and receive his 2023 World Car Person of the Year trophy. The short list of finalists for the 2023 Top Three in the World were the Hyundai Ioniq 6, the Range Rover and the Lucid Air. The 2023 World Luxury Car is the LUCID AIR. The LUCID AIR was chosen from an initial entry list of sixteen (16) vehicles from all over the world then a short list of three finalists.

In the 2023 World Performance Car category, KIA EV6 GT emerged as the winner while the CITROEN C3 is the 2023 World Urban Car. The Citroen PSA Group has won three World Car Awards to date.

All vehicles eligible for other World Car award categories are automatically eligible for World Car Design of the Year award. This year there were seventy-eight (78) eligible vehicles in total.

A panel consisting of six highly respected world design experts was asked to first review each of the 78 candidates, and then establish a short-list of recommendations for the jurors’ final vote.

The design experts are in alphabetical order:  Ian Callum (United Kingdom – Director of Design, CALLUM), Gert Hildebrand (Germany – Owner Hildebrand-Design), Patrick le Quément (France – Designer and President of the Strategy Committee – The Sustainable Design School), Tom Matano (USA – Academy of Art University, Former Head of Design – Mazda), Victor Nacif (USA – Chief Creative Officer, Brojure.com and Design instructor, NewSchool of Architecture and Design) and Shiro Nakamura (Japan – CEO, Shiro Nakamura Design Associates Inc.).


 All of the World Car Award trophies were created this year by legendary automotive designer, Ian Callum’s design and engineering consultancy CALLUM. All seven of the new CALLUM designed trophies were produced by REPLIQUE using the first fully encrypted 3D printing platform that offers OEMs a secure and sustainable means of providing parts on demand, anytime, anywhere.
The Road to the World Car Awards is an annual journey that follows 100 international jurors as they test-drive, and vote on, the eligible vehicles for the 2023 awards. The jurors’ road-test journey is captured virtually on World Car TV as the jurors provide viewers with reviews and commentary on the awards’ eligible vehicles in six categories.

New offers for customers from Express Auto Wash

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Car owners get attractive offers for 30 Express Gold Exterior Wash valid for six months

Express Auto Wash (EAW), a premium environment friendly automatic car wash facility located behind Mushrif Mall in Abu Dhabi introduced a new package this month where car owners can have 30 Express Gold Exterior wash for AED 500/- valid for six months.

The facility recently also introduced new express gold service packages as well as VIP sanitization packages for cars. The Express gold packages offers residents six washes for AED 100/- valid for 30 days for a single plate number and can be booked online. Thorough sanitization for sedan and SUV’s can also be purchased for AED 100/-.

Open from 9am to 9pm daily, the car wash facility is known for their thorough five-minute exterior wash, ideal for busy executives. The cars are cleaned thoroughly using premium products from the USA as the environment friendly facility allows multiple cars to be washed simultaneously, saving valuable time and ensures 95% of the water is recycled.

Express Auto Wash has the most reliable and safest high-tech car wash systems with high-pressure undercarriage water nozzles that add to the efficiency of the wash while the MN Tech 21 Turbo Drying System completes the drying process.

The fast and yet thorough clean saves customers valuable time that can be spent more productively at home and in the office. Auto Wash also offers touch free car wash for the more delicate and premium cars.

An Exterior Sedan wash costs AED 30/- and Exterior SUV costs AED 35/-.

Bigger, Better, Bolder: All-new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe

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Shereen Shabnam

We recently spent a week exploring the UAE with the completely redesigned Chevrolet’s iconic full-size, all-new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe which has emerged bigger, bolder and better for 2021, boasting an impressive interior and unmatched technology.

The new 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe’s off-road capability has been transformed and comes back better equipped and efficiently balances performance and practicality. It drives and feels like the most capable, most confident and most connected Tahoe than ever before after having been through a complete transformation. It combines the strongest aspects of its new full-size truck architecture with entirely new systems tailored for the needs of today’s SUV drivers and passengers.

Thanks to Chevrolet designers, the all-new Chevrolet Tahoe offers customers more choices than ever before, made possible by the new architecture. Each trim has been carefully refined for drivers to find the perfect blend of eye-catching design and premium comfort that best suits their lifestyle.

Inside the cabin, the biggest change that customers will notice is the additional space that offers comfort for all passengers, making every seat the best in house.  We found it to be a practical full-sized SUV suitable for every adventure and it delivers the smoothest ride, on and off-road.

The 2021 Tahoe optimizes performance and yet is good with conserving fuel. The updated V-8 engine comes with Dynamic Fuel Management and Auto Stop/Start tech, all mated to an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Inside the all-new Tahoe is unrivalled connectivity and technology, with up to five display screens in total, including an 8-inch-diagonal central color touchscreen and 10-inch-diagonal central color touchscreen on LT trim and above all in High Definition. Available are also an 8-inch-diagonal instrument cluster, 15-inch head-up display, dual 12.6-inch diagonal rear seat LCD displays, keeping rear passengers entertained through the longest drives.

Other features include HD Surround Vision and Rear Camera Mirror, Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Pedestrian Alert, restraint system with inboard seat-side airbag and Passenger Sensing System, Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, Front Pedestrian Detection, Rear Park Assist, Rear Seat Reminderand IntelliBeam automatic headlamp control.

The driver awareness technologies include new Rear Pedestrian Detection, Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, Lane Keep Assist, Front and Rear Park Assist and best-in-class Head-Up Display, many of which are standard on the majority of Tahoe models.

We like that the all-new Tahoe is available with a Wi-Fi data plan for up to 7 devices, keeping passengers connected, wherever the road may lead. It is the perfect spacious and reliable SUV to have for a family adventure or even for daily use for school runs, golf weekends and in my case, retail therapy as well. The boot can easily accommodate my golf bag, gym bag, weeklong grocery shopping and still has space for enough shoes to see me through an entire week of events.

#GlobalTrendMonitor  ‪#Automotive‪ #Motoring #AllAboutWheels #ShereenBehindTheWheel #Chevrolet #Tahoe #ShereenBehindTheWheel #ShereenShabnam #WCOTY #MECOTY #WWCOTY #WWCOTYjury #MECOTYjury  #magazineUAE #magazine #mediaUAE #UAEbusiness #myDubai 

Comfortable and Innovative: Audi A3

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By Shereen Shabnam

We recently turned heads with the latest Turbo Blue Audi A3 that impressed is with its dynamic design, increased power, innovative technology and the premium interior.

The driver-centric design features a virtual cockpit display that keeps the driver, top-of-mind with premium materials and finishes that makes the cabin a pleasure to be in.

Exterior

The new A3 Sedan comes in compact proportions but with an attractive sporty design. The wide Singleframe and large air inlets at the front end accentuate their dynamic character and puts a stronger emphasis on the wheel arches.

The shoulder of the body extends in a smooth line from the headlights to the rear lights. The digital daytime running lights of the Matrix LED headlights are a further innovation and are available as an option. They consist of a pixel array made up of LED segments in a three by five arrangement. This creates special light signatures and makes the new A3 immediately recognizable.

Interior

The highlight in the interior of the Audi A3 Sedan is the Audi virtual cockpit to keep all relevant information in view while driving. The instrument cluster with high-resolution 12.3-inch display offers you an even better overview. A wide range of intelligent technologies is also available as an option.

  • Interior
  • Detail

The spacious interior of the sporty four-door is light and clear. The cockpit of the new A3 Sedan is wholly focused on the driver and provides additional functions such as the large display of the navigation map.

Technology

With an extensive range of driver assistance systems, Audi A3 is even safer now with trendsetting systems, such as an optional traffic jam assistant that works together with the Audi adaptive cruise control and other available supporting systems.

This includes the parking aid and camera-based traffic sign recognition. Equipped with the optional Audi pre sense front, the collision avoidance assist, and the lane departure warning, the new A3 sedan helps prevent accidents with other road users and offers a high level of safety.

The MMI operating concept is powered by the new third-generation modular infotainment platform. Its computing power is ten times higher than that of its predecessor. Individual settings can be stored in up to six user profiles, from climate control and the seat position to frequently selected navigation destinations as well as frequently used media.

Verdict

The all-new Audi A3 Sedan ticks all the boxes for you and your loved ones with a sporty, stylish exterior and the high-quality, driver-focused interior. The four-cylinder S-LIne 35 TFSI that we drove was a delight on the road as it was nippy both during the busy traffic hours and offered an easy drive both in the city and out on the highways.

#GlobalTrendMonitor  #Audi #AudiA3 ‪#Automotive‪ #Motoring #AllAboutWheel #ShereenBehindTheWheel #ShereenShabnam #WCOTY #MECOTY #WWCOTY #WWCOTYjury #MECOTYjury  #magazineUAE #magazine #mediaUAE #UAEbusiness #myDubai 

Express Auto Wash offers new service packages

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New Sanitisation and disinfecting services offered by the revolutionary car wash facility in Abu Dhabi

Express Auto Wash (EAW), a premium environment friendly automatic car wash facility located behind Mushrif Mall in Abu Dhabi introduces new express gold service packages as well as VIP sanitization packages for cars.

The Express gold packages offers residents six washes for AED 100/- valid for 30 days for a single plate number and can be booked online. Thorough sanitization for sedan and SUV’s can also be purchased for AED 100/-.

Open from 9am to 9pm daily, the car wash facility is known for their thorough five-minute exterior wash, ideal for busy executives. The cars are cleaned thoroughly using premium products from the USA as the environment friendly facility allows multiple cars to be washed simultaneously, saving valuable time and ensures 95% of the water is recycled.

Express Auto Wash has the most reliable and safest high-tech car wash systems with high-pressure undercarriage water nozzles that add to the efficiency of the wash while the MN Tech 21 Turbo Drying System completes the drying process.

The fast and yet thorough clean saves customers valuable time that can be spent more productively at home and in the office. Auto Wash also offers touch free car wash for the more delicate and premium cars.

An Exterior Sedan wash costs AED 30/- and Exterior SUV costs AED 35/-.

Sportier with more Power: Porsche Panamera

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By Shereen Shabnam

The new Porsche Panamera is essentially a sports car for four people. It combines the performance of a sports car with the comfort of an exclusive saloon. We tested the new Panamera recently with its enhanced features, increased engine power, better body control and enhanced steering precision that is perfect for everyday comfort and performance.

INTERIOR

As a Porsche owner I am a bit biased when it comes to the quality of the interior which is unparalleled and the new Panamera did not disappoint with the ambient lighting and the two-tone smooth-finish leather interior in black and Bordeaux red.

The layout of the console is functional and clearly geared towards comfortable driving with the instruments fully integrated into the infotainment concept with quick access to the most important functions.  The information on the screen includes driving speed, engine speed, incoming calls and navigation.

There is generous room to move for all passengers and, with the large centre consoles and the low seating position, the interior offers an incomparably integrated feeling of space. The Bose Surround Sound System kept us entertained during the drive.

EXTERIOR

The athletic silhouette of the new ​Panamera models are unmistakably Porsche with rounded transitions, powerful muscles and contoured sports car design.​​ The model I drove came with 21-inch SportDesign wheels, panoramic sunroof and LED main headlights including the Porsche Dynamic Light System.

Drive Assist & Performance

The new Panamera feels more sporty, more efficient and more safe  with the enhanced adaptive cruise control and additional innovative performance functions. It is a thrill to drive with the boosted engine and agile handling. The Panamera 4 features a 8 speed transmission, 325-hp turbocharged 2.6-liter V-6. We loved the drive assist features that included ParkAssist, Lane Change Assist and much for geared towards impressive performance and drive comfort.

#GlobalTrendMonitor  #Porsche #Panamera #Automotive #Motoring #Emirates #UAE #AllAboutWheels #drive #mydubai #horsepower #speed #engine #cars #ShereenBehindTheWheel #ShereenShabnam #magazineUAE #magazine #mediaUAE #UAEbusiness